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Gomer Caps Inaugural Wrestling Season With Appearance At NJCAA Championships

Pennsylvania Highlands freshman Zach Gomer concluded the program’s inaugural season on the mat by picking up a victory at the NJCAA Wrestling Championships this past weekend at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

After becoming Penn Highlands’ first-ever national qualifier with a fourth-place finish at the Mid-Atlantic District Tournament Feb. 14, Gomer recorded the program’s first victory on the national stage by pinning Dagen Lamano of Snow College (Utah).

Gomer (North Charleston, SC) faced three NJCAA Division I opponents in the 133-pound bracket prior to being eliminated in one of the final matches of the tournament’s opening session.

“We are extremely proud of Zach and his journey to nationals,” stated Penn Highlands Head Wrestling Coach Willie Harris. “He came here very intentional about the goals he set for himself this season, one of which was to see Penn Highlands represented at the national tournament, and he did just that. Zach’s work ethic, discipline, and commitment are exactly what we want his program to be built on.”

Following a bye in the first round, Gomer fell to Clackamas Community College’s Kelby Bernard via an 18-8 major decision.

Gomer rebounded with the pin of Lamano in his first consolation match. He then dropped an 8-2 decision to Joseph Salazar of Trinidad State College (Colorado) in the Consolation Round of 16 to end his tournament run.

Alex Crist (New Paris, PA) also qualified for the NJCAA Championships but was forced to withdraw due to injury. Crist, who went undefeated during the regular season, earned the fifth and final spot at districts in the 197-pound bracket.

In total, the Black Bears had three wrestlers advance to the postseason, with Omar Parker (Duquesne, PA) also competing at districts, finishing seventh at 174 pounds.

Harris is looking forward to another strong season in 2026-27 as the program moves into year two.

“Our first season has been an incredible experience and a strong foundation for what we believe this program can become,” Harris stated. “It takes a special group of young men to help build a program from the very beginning. Our staff is excited and motivated for the next group of student-athletes who will join us and continue pushing this program to new levels.”

Click here for more information on Black Bears Athletics.

Black Bears Golf Releases Spring 2026 Season Schedule

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Golf team has released its Spring 2026 season schedule, consisting of seven matches spanning April and May.

All seven regular season events will be against Region 20 opponents Butler County Community College, Community College of Allegheny County, and Westmoreland County Community College. Penn Highlands will host its lone home match on April 27 at Windber Country Club.

The full schedule is as follows:

• April 10 at North Park Golf Course (Allison Park, PA)
• April 17 at Glengarry Golf Links (Latrobe, PA)
• April 21 at Lake Arthur Golf Club (Butler, PA)
• April 27 at Windber Country Club (Salix, PA)
• May 1 at Glengarry Golf Links (Latrobe, PA)
• May 8 at Lake Arthur Golf Club (Butler, PA)
• May 13 at North Park Golf Course (Allison Park, PA)

At the conclusion of the regular season, the teams will compete in the Region 20 Tournament on May 18-19 at The Links at Spring Church in Apollo, PA, where individual and team champions will be crowned.

Golfers who qualify will then advance to the NJCAA Golf Championships, scheduled for June 2-5 at Chautauqua Golf Course in Chautauqua, NY.

Click here for more information on Black Bears Athletics.

Economic Impact Study Deems Penn Highlands A Key Contributor For Prosperity

A new study conducted by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania reveals that Pennsylvania Highlands Community College generates a total net economic impact of $20.8 million annually within its five-county service region.

The analysis quantifies the significant economic contributions made by the College through its operations, construction projects, and student spending.

The report details how Penn Highlands serves as a primary economic driver for Blair, Cambria, Centre, Huntingdon, and Somerset counties. The College’s operational spending alone accounts for a $13.0 million net impact, supporting 28 additional jobs in local industries like finance, real estate, and technical services.

“This study confirms what our communities have long known, that Penn Highlands Community College is not only educating students, but fueling opportunity and economic vitality across our region,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, President of Penn Highlands. “From workforce preparation to local spending and job creation, our impact extends well beyond the classroom, strengthening families, businesses, and the long‑term prosperity of the five counties we serve.”

Furthermore, the study highlights the economic activity generated by the student population. It is estimated that nearly 30 percent of the College’s 3,000 students would have either left the area or forgone higher education entirely if not for Penn Highlands.

The spending of these retained students creates a net economic impact of $7.6 million for the region. This financial benefit is amplified over time, as graduates with an associate degree or some college education earn approximately 25 percent more than those with only a high school diploma.

The study also underscores the strong return on investment provided by the college. For every dollar Penn Highlands spends on its operations; it generates $1.56 in added economic value for the region. This return is driven by the direct activities of the college and its students, which in turn support local supply chains and generate an estimated $5 million in additional tax revenues for federal, state, and local governments.

“The Center for Rural Pennsylvania was glad to partner with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College on this analysis to better understand the institution’s impact on its surrounding communities,” stated Zachary Adams, Executive Director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. “The results highlight the important role Penn Highlands plays in supporting rural economies, expanding access to education, and strengthening long-term regional prosperity.”

Key Findings from the Economic Impact Study:

• Total Annual Net Impact: $20.8 million in additional Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• Return on Investment: Every $1.00 spent by the college generates $1.56 in economic value for the region.
• Student Spending Impact: Retained students contribute $7.6 million in additional GDP.
• Job Support: College operations support 28 additional net jobs in the local economy.
• Tax Revenue Generation: An estimated $5 million in additional federal, state, and local tax revenues are generated.

For over 30 years, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has been a pillar of the region, offering accessible, high-quality education at an affordable cost. Central to Pennsylvania Highlands is the College’s Foundation, which plays a crucial role in supporting the College and its students, helping them achieve success and drive progress.

Click here for further information on this Economic Impact Study.

About The Center For Rural Pennsylvania 
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania is a bipartisan, bicameral legislative agency that serves as a resource for rural policy within the Pennsylvania General Assembly. It was created in 1987 under Act 16, the Rural Revitalization Act, to promote and sustain the vitality of Pennsylvania’s rural and small communities. Website: https://www.rural.pa.gov/. 

Penn Highlands & Juniata College Expand Partnership With Four New Articulation Agreements

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has announced the addition of four new articulation agreements with Juniata College, further strengthening the partnership between the two institutions.

Students can now transfer the Biology, English, and History concentrations of the Liberal Arts and Sciences A.A. degree to Juniata College in a program-to-program agreement, as well as the Pre-Health Professions: Nursing certificate in a 1+3 format.

“We are excited about the pathways our graduates have to continue their education at Juniata College,” said Michelle Stumpf, Dean of Enrollment & Registrar. “Our Pre-Healthcare Professions: Nursing certificate offers an affordable way for students to prepare for Juniata’s BSN program while completing key general education requirements.”

A 1+3 pathway allows students to complete their first year at Penn Highlands before transferring to Juniata College to complete the remaining three years and earn their bachelor’s degree.

Phi Theta Kappa members pursuing 1+3 Nursing at Juniata College are eligible for a renewable, annual PTK scholarship.

“Juniata and Penn Highlands Community College are uniquely positioned to train highly-educated professionals who are ready to serve our region and support the health of our communities,” said Jennifer DellAntonio, DEd, MSN, RN, CNE, Director of Nursing at Juniata College. “This continuing and growing partnership expands access to students pursuing careers in nursing.”

Program-to-Program agreements allow students who graduate with specified transfer or career degrees to transfer all of the credits earned within that program to the designated college or university.

Program-to-Program transfer students can also obtain the scholarship, as well as being eligible for direct admission.

Penn Highlands has established a total of eight articulation agreements with Juniata College. These agreements include previously implemented ones in Business Administration, Psychology, and Liberal Arts and Sciences, with focuses on Communications and Environmental Sciences.

Click here for a complete list of articulation agreements.

Men’s Basketball Claims Second Straight Region 20 Championship

The Penn Highlands Men’s Basketball team defeated the Community College of Allegheny County 60-50 Saturday afternoon to earn its second consecutive WPCC/Region 20 Championship.

The Black Bears, who claimed the region championship for the first time in program history in 2024-25, collected their fourth conference title overall. Penn Highlands defeated Allegheny County twice during the regular season before the victory over the Wildcats this past weekend.

“To win the title two years in a row is a huge step for the program,” stated Chris Weakley, Penn Highlands Head Coach. “We started working back in the summer, and to see the guys still sticking together and performing well as a group is an amazing feeling. It’s very hard to beat a team three times in one season, so this is definitely bittersweet.”

With the win, Penn Highlands will now host the Mid-Atlantic District Tournament, set to take place Feb. 27-29 inside the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown’s Sports Center.

Penn Highlands will take on Region 4’s Joliet Junior College (Illinois) in the first semifinal matchup at 6 p.m. Friday. The tournament winner advances to the NJCAA Championships March 11-14 in Herkimer, New York.

Sophomore Desmond Handon Jr. (Baltimore, MD) was named Most Valuable Player after compiling nine points, nine rebounds, five assists and five steals in the championship game.

“We’re doing our best to make our mark in the history books here,” Handon stated. “We put everything into our practices and preparation. The guys came in every day and worked hard. We deserved this one.”

Ke’shawn White (Baltimore, MD) and Ahmad Boone (Toledo, OH) were named to the All-Tournament team alongside Handon.

Boone, Handon, BJ Lavender (Tampa, FL) and Victor Raymond (Wilmington, DE) each earned All-Conference honors for the Black Bears, recognizing their performances throughout the season.

Click here for more information on Black Bears Athletics.