roar to victory.
black bears take action.
Black Bear Athletics is great for those who want to continue their athletic careers after high school. We have a wide variety of sports to choose from, including eight different National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) sports.
Becoming a student-athlete can offer numerous benefits, such as developing skills in teamwork, leadership, time management, and discipline. These skills can be applied to other areas of your life, such as your academic and professional pursuits.
Penn Highlands is a member of the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) and Region 20 of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).Â
The WPCC was founded in 1972 and is currently comprised of four member schools. Penn Highlands joined the conference in 2009.
Region 20 was established in March 1973 when the NJCAA reorganized its administrative structure from 19 to 21 regions. Region 20 has 26 members from Maryland, Western Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia and the West Virginia panhandle.
Black Bear athletes have garnered numerous accolades since athletics were reinstated at Penn Highlands in 2010, showing success both inside and outside the classroom. These awards and honors include:
- 227 WPCC All-Academic Team members
- 69 NJCAA All-Academic Team members
- 64 NJCAA Region 20 Academic Team members
- 76 WPCC All-Conference selections
- 59 NJCAA All-Region 20 Team awards
- 6 NJCAA National Players of the Week
- 6 WPCC championships
- 3 NJCAA Region 20 championships
Since the reintroduction of athletics at Penn Highlands in 2010, over 30 athletes have advanced to compete in their respective sports at four-year colleges and universities. Among these accomplished athletes are:
- Tony Acrie, Carlow University Men’s Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Tim Biakapia, Shawnee State University Men’s Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Chase Brenneman, Saint Francis University Cross Country (NCAA Division I)
- Sarah Fisher, Mount Aloysius College Women’s Volleyball (NCAA Division III)
- Maddie Sprankle, Penn State Dubois Women’s Basketball (USCAA Division II)
