—
The Pitt-Johnstown athletic department didn’t need GPS or mapquest to find a new home this year.
The Mountain Cats’ upcoming switch to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference made geographical sense and should create new rivalries and interest in the UPJ program.
Pitt-Johnstown announced it will become a member in the PSAC during the 2013-14 school year. The Cats and Seton Hill University of Greensburg each moved from the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference after nine football-playing members of the WVIAC unexpectedly set plans to form a new conference.
UPJ doesn’t field a football team, so the Mountain Cats had to explore other options.
Enter the PSAC, which includes well-known state universities such as IUP, California (Pa.), Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and Clarion, among others.
“It’s the footprint of our college,” UPJ Athletic Director Pat Pecora said after the August announcement. “Geographically you’re talking about being with IUP, Slippery Rock and Clarion, schools that are so close. Even brand and name recognition is going to be great for our fans. They grew up with these schools. Ninety percent of our student-athletes are from Pennsylvania. You definitely have more of a fan awareness from student-athletes, students at the college and the community.”
The PSAC felt UPJ and Seton Hill were solid fits for the conference.
“Our board of directors was unanimous in its support for adding both schools,” PSAC Commissioner Steve Murray said. “This addition will strengthen us as a conference and within the region. It will open up more scheduling and competition opportunities while staying within the NCAA Division II regional-based competition model.”
Once UPJ and Seton Hill officially begin play in the PSAC next academic year, the conference will expand to 18 teams. Both would fit nicely in the West Division with regional rivals such as IUP, Cal, The Rock and Clarion.
UPJ previously had been part of the Mason-Dixon Athletic Conference and Mid-East Conference in the 1980s and early 1990s, but each of those conferences eventually dissolved, leaving UPJ’s program an independent.
Independent programs often face scheduling difficulties and have a harder time earning playoff berths because conferences have automatic postseason bids, leaving fewer at-large berths.
The WVIAC helped UPJ in those areas for six-plus years.
But times change, and the Cats have a new home to look forward to in 2013.
“It’s a milestone for the program,” said former UPJ Athletic Director Ed Sherlock, who was instrumental in helping the program get into the NCAA decades ago. “It’s like watching your kid grow up. It’s like going to graduation. You’ve come through all the phases and now we’ve been validated by being admitted into the conference.”
College
Top 10 sports stories of 2012 | No. 6: UPJ sports bid farewell to WVIAC
- College
-
-
Palmer to leave UPJ women’s position
Sasha Palmer will embark on a new chapter as a women’s basketball coach next month.
-
MIKE MASTOVICH | Roberts, Kent State up to old tricks
George Roberts and his Kent State University teammates reached a familiar destination on Saturday afternoon, but took a somewhat different route in winning their third consecutive Mid-American Conference (MAC) regular-season title.
- Local sports in brief 5/19/2013
- Local sports in brief 5/18/2013
- Local sports in brief 5/17/2013
-
College players dominate Point nominations
Pitt-Johnstown junior Jake Warner was perfect and extremely productive at the plate while earning the first two monthly nominations for the 2013 Point Stadium Award in February and March.
Mount Aloysius sophomore Derrick Capiak nearly reached perfection to take the April nomination. -
Penn State guard leaving for pro career
Penn State guard Jermaine Marshall, the team’s second-leading scorer, is foregoing his senior year of eligibility to pursue a professional career overseas.
The team announced the surprise move in a statement Wednesday. The 6-foot-4 Marshall, who is on schedule to graduate this summer, cited his family including a 1-year-old son, in making his decision. -
Penn State coach blasts Sports Illustrated article
Penn State coach Bill O’Brien is fervently disputing suggestions raised in a report that player medical care has been compromised after the team doctor was replaced.
Speaking often in an angry tone that might be otherwise reserved for an argument with an official, O’Brien told reporters in a conference call that the health and safety of his players were his top priorities. -
East Stroudsburg wins PSAC championship
Senior Brian Ernst threw eight innings without allowing an earned run on just two days rest and East Stroudsburg University used a five-run fifth inning to secure its first PSAC baseball championship since 1971 with a 7-1 win over defending champion West Chester on Saturday at Point Stadium.
The Warriors (33-16), who set a school record with their 33rd win, earned the PSAC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament thanks in large part to an outstanding effort by Ernst, who was named the PSAC Tournament MVP. -
Millersville players help couple resuscitate ailing child
The Millersville University baseball team came up with a great save this week, but it had nothing to do with the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference tournament being played at Point Stadium.
A trip for an after-midnight snack on Wednesday morning ended with seven Marauders being hailed as heroes by a local family after they helped save a little boy who wasn’t breathing. - More College Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
