Newsroom

Athletics Expanding To Include Golf & Softball

The Black Bears of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College are excited to announce the expansion of its Athletics program to now include golf and women’s softball beginning this fall semester, August 2021.

With the recent addition of eSports, Black Bear Athletics will now be offering seven athletic options for its students. The robust sports offerings include their well-established men’s basketball, bowling, cross country, and women’s volleyball programs.

“Athletics has been a cornerstone of Penn Highlands for 10 years now,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, President of Penn Highlands Community College. “As the college continues to grow, it only made sense to provide athletes in our region with more athletic opportunities in addition to the educational ones they are currently afforded.”

Athletics at Penn Highlands is well-known for its success both in and out of the classroom. In just ten years, Penn Highlands has produced over one-hundred thirty WPCC All-Academic Team members while also capturing two WPCC titles and two Region XX titles. The Black Bears were also home to an individual cross country champion at both the conference and regional levels. Penn Highlands has also been honored with three Coach of the Year awards.

Penn Highlands made the decision to add these sports based on their ability to attract local athletes, as well as the opportunity to compete both locally and regionally.

“Golf and softball are very popular sports in our area and will make great additions,” stated Sue Brugh, Director of Student Activities and Athletics. “Local athletes have the opportunity to participate and compete collegiately in a sport they love, while saving money and receiving a quality education.”

Pennsylvania Highlands is a chartered member of the National Junior College Athletic Association, competing in Region XX. The Black Bears are a part of the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC), which was founded in 1972.

Black Bear student-athletes compete across our region, allowing them the comfort and ability to practice on their own and then come together with teammates for competitive events. This approach ensures that students from all college locations can become Black Bears.

OPEN HOUSE TO SHOWCASE ATHLETICS

To highlight new athletic programs and showcase well-established ones, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will be hosting its first-ever Athletics and eSports Open House on Sunday, April 11th, between 1 PM and 3 PM.

During this event, interested individuals will get to meet with coaches and assistants, the Director of Student Activities and Athletics, various college athletes, and members of the Admissions Office. This event is a great place to discuss eligibility.

In addition to an overview of Black Bear Athletics, presentations will be held regarding Admissions and Financial Aid.

RSVP is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome to attend. To learn more or to RSVP, contact Admissions at 814.262.6400.