Central Penn Scores a New Collegiate Athletic Association

June 17, 2010 - PRLog -- Central Pennsylvania College has been accepted into the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), beginning with the 2010-11 season of competition for its men’s and women’s basketball teams. For the past eighteen years, Central Penn has been a member of the Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference, competing against local community colleges throughout Eastern PA. This step up, which was two years in the making, will match Central Penn up against similar colleges and universities such as Clarion University, La Roche College and several Penn State branches. Also on the schedule are York College, Shippensburg University, Bloomsburg University, University of Pittsburgh Johnstown and the Virginia Military Institute, an NCAA Division I school.

“Without a doubt, the USCAA will open doors for Central Penn to compete on a higher level with other small colleges, regionally and across the nation, as well as provide national individual recognition opportunities for our student athletes,” said Ed Moran, Central Penn’s Athletic Director.

The USCAA is a national organization that exists to provide quality athletic competition on a regional and national level for smaller institutions of higher learning and their student athletes. It currently has 71 members in 24 states, stretching across the nation from Maine to California The association conducts national championships, names All-Americans and scholar athletes, and promotes USCAA member schools.

“The association and Central Penn have common values when it comes to our student athletes,” said David Baker, head coach of the men’s basketball team. “Both believe that the pursuit of education, integrity and leadership should be the main priorities for student athletes. Central Penn’s basketball players work to improve on the court, as well as off – striving to maintain academics and their reputation around campus.”

Coach Baker joined Central Penn last season and led the men’s basketball team to its first playoff game ever. Throughout his coaching career, his statistics add up to 88 wins and 46 losses, one Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference championship and one Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletic Association championship.

Based on future student interest and commitment, Central Penn’s athletic program could grow with the addition of other USCAA-approved sports such as baseball, softball, wrestling, cross country, basketball, soccer and volleyball. Various intramural programs also exist based on student interest.

“Central Penn has had sports programs, on and off, since the ‘20s,” said Moran. “The first Central Penn basketball team dates back to 1926. I’m proud of the improvements being made to the athletic program and am looking forward to the day the Central Penn Knights can add ‘national champion’ to its list of achievements.”

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Central Pennsylvania College offers career-focused bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, online programs and certificate programs. Whether students want to hone their skills or earn a degree, Central Penn helps turn potential into career success.