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Three Basketball Players Earn All-Region Team Selections

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 20 announced that three Pennsylvania Highlands men’s basketball players were named to the All-Region 20 Team for their performances this season.

Freshmen Desmond Handon, Jr. (Baltimore, MD) and Byron Lavender, Jr. (Tampa, FL) were selected for the First Team, while sophomore Christian Harding (Washington, D.C.) was given Honorable Mention.

The trio helped lead the Black Bears to their first Region 20 Championship and the program’s third Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) title. Penn Highlands also made its first appearance in the Mid-Atlantic District Tournament in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

“I am proud of these young men for having a historic team experience, all while earning personal accolades within the WPCC and Region 20,” stated Sue Brugh, Director of Student Activities and Athletics. “Our goal is to claim both the conference and regional titles as we pursue our first district championship, a milestone that would secure our place in the National Tournament and build upon the success we’ve achieved this year.”

Handon topped the Black Bears with 15.9 points per game in 29 games. He averaged 6.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per contest. Handon ranked third in Region 20 in points per game, while being second in total points (460) and field goals made (166).

Lavender, the WPCC/Region 20 Tournament Most Valuable Player, appeared in all 32 games, making 25 starts, and averaged 13.9 points per game. He led Region 20 in three-point field goals made (83), was third in total field goals (149), and fourth in total points (417).

Both Handon and Lavender were awarded WPCC All-Conference honors.

Harding, one of three sophomores on the Black Bears roster and a team captain, averaged 6.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game in 32 contests. His 49 total steals ranked third in Region 20, while being second in total rebounds (212), and fourth in both rebounds per game and total assists (89).

Click here to learn more about Athletics at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.

Desmond Handon, Jr.

Byron Lavender, Jr.

Christian Harding

College Receives Community Impact Award From The Cambria Regional Chamber

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College was presented with a Community Impact Award during the Cambria Regional Chamber’s annual dinner in early March.

The Community Impact Award recognizes an organization that is making a difference in our region by taking positive action to invest in the community and sees social responsibility as an integral part of their success.

“This well-earned community recognition is a testament to the effort our faculty, staff, and students give daily to ensure the College stays focused on its mission to provide affordable, accessible, and quality education to the area,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, College President. “When I think of community impact, I think Penn Highlands.”

The criteria for this honor includes describing activities the organization engages in that have a positive impact on the community, how the business has invested or reinvested in the community, and examples of how the business has had a positive impact on the local community.

“We were proud to present the Chamber’s Community Impact Award to Penn Highlands Community College, a true catalyst for growth and innovation in our region,” stated Amy Bradley, Cambria Regional Chamber President. “Penn Highlands exemplifies forward-thinking leadership, continuously seeking creative ways to strengthen our community. Their commitment to excellence in education is matched by a deep dedication to collaboration and service, ensuring that students and the community benefit from their initiatives.”

Penn Highlands Community College is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary of providing higher education to the region, where over 5,600 students have graduated with a college credential.

“I would like to thank the College faculty and staff, the Board of Trustees, the Cambria Regional Chamber, the Cambria County Commissioners, and all of our regional partners for their unwavering support,” Nunez stated.

Community Impact Award, 2025. Presented by the Cambria Regional Chamber.

Black Bears Softball Release 2025 Season Schedule

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Women’s Softball team has released its 2025 season schedule, consisting of 29 games spanning between March and April.

The Black Bears will play 14 doubleheaders and one single-game contest. Penn Highlands Community College will open its season on March 14 at Allegany College of Maryland. The team’s home opener will be March 26 against Westmoreland County Community College.

In total, the Black Bears will play four doubleheaders, or eight games, at home. All games, sites, and times are subject to change. The full home schedule is as follows:

• March 26 vs. Westmoreland County Community College
• March 29 vs. Harford Community College
• April 6 vs. Allegany College of Maryland
• April 19 vs. Montgomery Community College

All home games are scheduled to be played at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, located next to the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Richland Campus.

“We’re very excited to get the season started,” stated Steve Costea, Women’s Softball Head Coach. “We have worked hard throughout the fall and winter, and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead. I’m confident our players are ready to compete.”

Upon completion of the regular season, the Black Bears will have the opportunity to qualify for the Northeast District Tournament on May 3-4. The winner will advance to the NJCAA World Series beginning May 21 at Carrier Park in East Syracuse, New York.

Click here to view the full schedule and game times.

Chief James Mock Memorial Police Academy Achievement Award Unveiled

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation announced a new recognition beginning with this Police Academy cadet class, the Chief James Mock Memorial Police Academy Achievement Award, during a plaque unveiling ceremony on Thursday morning.

The Chief James Mock Memorial Police Academy Achievement Award will be presented annually to a graduate of the Penn Highlands Police Academy starting in September 2025.

This $1,000 award, donated by Catherine Rager, the daughter of Chief Mock, will be presented to a cadet who meets the eligibility criteria of top academic performance, leadership, and significant improvement throughout the training program.

Each year, the recipient’s name will be engraved on a commemorative plaque and formally honored during the Academy’s graduation ceremony.

“This award recognizes the hard work and dedication needed to complete training and take the next step,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “The award not only honors Chief Mock’s legacy but also serves as a testament to the impact of perseverance and commitment, helping a top cadet yearly set out on a path of success in law enforcement.”

Chief James Mock’s nearly 40-year career in law enforcement began with the Richland Police Department in 1965 as a patrolman. He became Chief in 1969 and held the distinction for 33 years, while expanding the department to more than 30 officers and establishing the Detective Bureau.

Mock led the creation of an interdepartmental communication network between area police agencies and played a key role in founding the Johnstown Municipal Police Academy in 1975.

His leadership was also exhibited during the 1977 Johnstown Flood, when he established an effective relief and rescue center, earning him the Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Award. Mock passed away in 2003.

Click here for more information on the Police Academy.

Members of the Mock Family with the award plaque. Left to right: Ashley Rager (Chief Mock’s Granddaughter-in-Law, Adam Rager (Chief Mock’s Grandson), Mark Rager (Chief Mock’s Son-in-Law), and Catherine Rager (Chief Mock’s daughter).

Jeff Wood (Foundation Board President) and Carole VanMeter (Director of the Foundation) unveil the Mock Award plaque to the Mock Family.

Catherine Rager (Chief Mock’s daughter) and family looking at the Mock Award plaque

Carole VanMeter (Director of the Foundation) with the Mock Award plaque.

President Dr. Steve Nunez speaking to a gathered audience at the Chief James Mock plaque unveiling event.

Police Academy Director Cregg Dibert speaking to a gathered audience at the Chief James Mock plaque unveiling event.

Basketball Team Wins First Region 20 Championship

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Men’s Basketball team claimed its first-ever Region 20 championship with a 77-57 victory over the Community College of Allegheny County on Sunday, February 23, inside the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center, marking a monumental achievement for the program.

The win not only redeemed the Black Bears after two regular-season losses to the Wildcats but also secured their third Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference title – their first since the 2021-22 season.

“We’ve had one of the toughest seasons I’ve had in a long time,” stated Chris Weakley, Black Bears Head Coach. “Early in the season, we faced numerous Division II teams and four-year schools, which led to a slow start. When we returned from holiday break, we had a meeting, and the guys bought in. They embraced everything I asked of them, and their hard work paid off. This victory was well-earned and truly deserved.”

Black Bears freshman BJ Lavender (Miami, FL) was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after scoring 28 points in the championship game.

Desmond Handon, Jr. (Baltimore, MD) and Anthony Ross (Baltimore, MD) were named to the All-Tournament Team. Lavender and Handon, Jr, were also awarded All-Conference honors.

Weakley was named Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year in his first season at the helm of the Black Bears.

“We faced a lot of adversity this season, but we just kept our minds straight and focused,” Lavender stated. “We kept putting the work in every day and stayed consistent, and it showed. We’re very thankful for everything Coach Weakley has done for us.”

Penn Highlands will now compete in the Mid-Atlantic District Tournament at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, North Carolina, on March 1 and 2. The winner will advance to the NJCAA National Championships, beginning March 12, at Herkimer College in Herkimer, New York.

The 2024-2025 championship team and coaches, along with Black Bear Athletics staff. (Taken: February 23, 2025)

Players (left to right): BJ Lavender, Anthony Ross, and Desmond Handon, Jr. (Taken: February 23, 2025)

Coaches (left to right): Denzel Mobley, Chris Weakley, and Ben Mostoller. (Taken: February 23, 2025)