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Women’s Basketball Returns; Three Teams Move From NJCAA Division III To II

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has announced the addition of a Women’s Basketball program to Black Bear Athletics starting in the 2026-27 academic year, creating opportunities for female student-athletes throughout the region.

The College will also transition its Women’s Basketball, Men’s Basketball, and Women’s Volleyball teams from NJCAA Division III to Division II effective this June. This move allows Penn Highlands to offer athletic scholarships in these programs, enhancing the ability to support student-athletes’ educational and athletic careers.

“With the completion of renovations at our Richland gym and fitness center, Penn Highlands seized the opportunity to reimagine our athletic programs through the lens of student success,” stated Trish Corle, Penn Highlands Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. “Focusing on five programs, and transitioning three to NJCAA Division II competition, allows us to better support and challenge our student-athletes. We are confident they are prepared to compete, grow, and thrive at the NJCAA Division II level.”

Women’s Basketball will make its return to Penn Highlands as an official NJCAA-sanctioned sport for the first time since the program competed for two seasons from 1998-2000, when the team was known as the Cambria County Area Community College Shawnee Cardinals.

Penn Highlands facilitated Women’s Basketball as an NJCAA club team from 2016-18.

The College reinstated its athletics program in 2010 after a nine-year hiatus, with Men’s Basketball and Women’s Volleyball being the first teams added. Penn Highlands was a Division III member of the NJCAA for the past 16 years.

The College’s remaining athletic teams, Men’s and Women’s Wrestling and Men’s and Women’s Golf, will continue to compete at the Division III level.

“This transition allows Penn Highlands to better recognize and support the talent, dedication, and success already demonstrated by our student‑athletes,” stated Sue Brugh, Director of Student Activities & Athletics. “It represents a meaningful step forward in our commitment to competitive excellence, student achievement, and opportunity. The future is bright, the momentum is real, and there has never been a better time to be a Black Bear.”

Prospective student-athletes interested in Women’s Basketball or the College’s other athletic offerings can fill out a form by clicking on the ‘Become a Black Bear’ link on the Black Bear Athletics website.

Click here for more information on Black Bears Athletics.

Victor Raymond Named Region 20 Division III Player Of The Month

Victor Raymond

Pennsylvania Highlands sophomore Victor Raymond was chosen as the NJCAA Region 20 Division III Player of the Month for February.

Raymond (Wilmington, DE) averaged 14.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks over five games during February, earning the Black Bears their first winner of the monthly award this season.

“It’s an honor to be named the Player of the Month,” Raymond stated. “I’m thankful for everyone at Penn Highlands who supports me. This couldn’t have happened without my teammates. I’m going to work to keep improving and continue moving forward from here.”

Raymond posted three double-doubles during the stretch and tallied four games with 10 or more rebounds.

His highlight was compiling 27 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks in a 98-86 win over Butler County Community College on February 12, which secured the No. 1 seed for the Black Bears in the WPCC/Region 20 Tournament.

“We are very proud of Vic,” stated Chris Weakley, Head Men’s Basketball Coach. “Coming off a year of injuries, he was able to play basketball at a high level and show he has what it takes to be a great player. He’s a fantastic young man that made a big impact for us.”

Raymond was one of four Penn Highlands players named to the WPCC All-Conference Team following the Black Bears’ victory over the Community College of Allegheny County in the Region 20 Championship game, giving the team its second consecutive title.

Click here for more information on Black Bears Athletics. 

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/.