KINGS POINT, N.Y. (Aug. 27, 2025) – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy seventh-year athletic director Kristofer Schnatz announced the hiring of Long Island-native Bob Sugar as the program's new Head Athletic Equipment Manager. Sugar officially joined the Mariners Athletics Department on Aug. 25, bringing an impressive 30 years of experience in athletic equipment management.
 
"We're excited to welcome Robert Sugar aboard as our new Equipment Manager," said Schnatz. "He will bring a wealth of experience to our program and will hit the ground running as he joins us right as we begin the fall season." "His knowledge and dedication will be a tremendous asset to our student-athletes and staff, and we're proud to have him join the Mariners family."
 
Sugar served as the Head Athletic Equipment Manager at Long Island University, where he was a mainstay in the Athletics Department for three decades, first from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2020. In this role, he oversaw all aspects of equipment operations for 25 athletic teams, including football and men's lacrosse, managing responsibilities ranging from inventory and procurement to laundry services and travel support.
 
Prior to that position, Sugar served as Director of Scheduling and Assistant Equipment Manager at LIU C.W. Post from 1988 to 1990, where he managed scheduling contracts and practice times, maintained equipment inventory records, and oversaw daily equipment operations.
 
He began his professional career in athletics at his alma mater, serving first as a student assistant and then as a graduate assistant from 1985 to 1988. During this time, he was an offensive line coach for the football program in 1985 and an assistant softball coach in 1988.
 
"I am truly honored to step into the role of Head Equipment Manager for USMMA Athletics," said Sugar. "This program has a proud tradition, and I look forward to supporting our student-athletes and coaches with the highest level of service and dedication. I want to thank Kris Schnatz and the rest of the hiring committee for offering me this opportunity. It's a privilege to be part of the Mariner family."
 
A resident of Glen Cove, N.Y., Sugar earned both his bachelor's degree in business administration and his master's degree in secondary education from LIU Post in 1985 and 1989. He is also a certified athletic equipment manager with the Athletic Equipment Manager's Association (AEMA).
 
Sugar and his wife, Maria, reside in Glen Cove, N.Y.