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New Black Bears Training Facility Supports Wrestling Program & Police Academy

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has announced the completion of its new Black Bears Training Facility, located at the Richland Campus.

The Black Bears Training Facility will serve as the main practice area for the student-athletes of the Penn Highlands Men’s and Women’s Wrestling teams, as well as a self-defense instruction space for the Police Academy.

“Student-athletes thrive when they have access to dedicated, high-quality training environments that support both their physical development and competitive goals,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, Penn Highlands President. “The Black Bears Training Facility represents our commitment to providing student-athletes with the resources they need to excel, while also serving the broader needs of our campus community, like the training of our Police Academy cadets.”

The 1,768-square-foot space, located next to the Richland Campus Main Gymnasium, features a 68-foot-long wrestling mat that spans the entire 26-foot-wide floor, providing seamless wall-to-wall coverage. Two 6-foot-tall pads have also been installed on each adjacent wall.

The floor showcases nine wrestling circles, with a prominent central circle holding the College’s primary athletics logo, surrounded by eight smaller circles for additional training space.

“This facility represents more than just a place to train. It’s a major step in building a strong, competitive, and sustainable program,” stated Willie Harris, Penn Highlands Head Men’s and Women’s Wrestling Coach. “The new room will allow us to train at a high level, attract talented student-athletes, and create an environment where our wrestlers can grow both on and off the mat.”

Wrestling at Penn Highlands kicks off its inaugural season this fall, with official practices already occurring in the space.

Meanwhile, the Police Academy’s Class of 2026 began training on September 8, welcoming a group of 18 cadets.

“We are excited to open this new training room, which will serve as a cornerstone for the growth and success of our wrestling team and police academy cadets,” stated Sue Brugh, Director of Student Activities & Athletics. “It’s an exciting time to introduce our wrestling program and provide both the team and the Academy with a dedicated space to call their own.”