Introduction

The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) is a collegiate athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA Division II. It comprises 14 member institutions throughout Pennsylvania, with East Stroudsburg University serving as the conference office. Founded in 1951, PSAC is one of the oldest conferences in NCAA Division II and offers a breadth of sports programs. As with most conferences in the NCAA the mission of the PSAC is to enhance the educational values of amateur athletics. It is committed to achieving a balance between athletics and academics at its member schools and to encouraging the personal development of student-athletes.

History and Significance

The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference was founded in 1951 in York, Pennsylvania, and has grown to become one of the most competitive conferences in Division II. The member schools come from a variety of sizes, ranging from tiny Lock Haven University to the more than 15,000 enrolled students at West Chester University. The conference has won multiple national championships in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and several other sports. The success of the PSAC speaks to the overall quality and competitiveness of the conference and its member institutions.

Member Institutions

The 14 member institutions of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference are: East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown University, Lock Haven University, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, California University of Pennsylvania, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Gannon University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mercyhurst University, Shippensburg University, Slippery Rock University, and West Chester University of Pennsylvania. The majority of the member universities are public universities, however, there are two private universities (Gannon and Mercyhurst) that are also part of the conference.

Sports and Achievements

PSAC competes primarily in 21 NCAA Division II sanctioned sports. The 20 sports that are currently offered are: men’s and women’s cross country, football, golf, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, men’s and women’s swimming, lacrosse, baseball, softball and volleyball. PSAC is also adding sand volleyball as its 21st sport in 2020. The PSAC has produced a wealth of notable athletic performance and achievements over the past decade. The conference has won national championships in football (Cal U in 2012 and 2014), basketball (Lock Haven in 2017, Indiana in 2016, and Slippery Rock in 2008) and softball (Gannon in 2013). In recent years the PSAC has also seen multiple student-athletes selected in the MLB Draft, and two former student-athletes selected in the NBA Draft.

Rivalries

The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference is made up of schools from all over the state, and naturally with such distance and variation of sizes the conference has built a variety of rivalries among its members. In football perennial rivals include East Stroudsburg and Kutztown, Gannon and Mercyhurst, Slippery Rock and Indiana, and Clarion and Edinboro. In basketball Shippensburg and Lock Haven have long been rivals, while Millersville and West Chester have also developed a long-standing rivalry over the years.

Operations and Governance

The PSAC operates according to the guidelines established by the NCAA Division II. Each member university elects two representatives to serve on the PSAC Council, which meets regularly to provide guidance and direction for the conference. The council is responsible for scheduling, championship events, and other matters related to conference operations. In addition, each member university must abide by NCAA division rules governing recruiting, eligibility, and other areas.

Role and Impact

The role of the PSAC in college athletics is to promote diversity and fairness for student-athletes, to provide opportunities for athletes to reach their goals, and to develop a strong sense of sportsmanship and camaraderie among its member institutions. The conference has done an exceptional job providing a platform for its athletes. It also serves as a vital asset to the local community, as the conference produces numerous games, tournaments, and outreach programs. On a national level, the PSAC has become one of the most competitive Division II conferences, making major waves in both football and basketball.

Future Prospects

The future continues to look bright for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. The push for more sports, increased exposure, and competitive balance has been a major focus as of recent. Recent trends also suggest that the conference may continue to grow and expand its membership, possibly adding additional members as early as 2021. The continued success within its members sports, as well as recruitment and fundraising efforts will no doubt further propel the PSAC to greater heights.

Conclusion

The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference is a collection of some of the most competitive and successful universities in Division II athletics. With a strong focus on education, sportsmanship, and competition, PSAC provides a great environment for its athletes and fans alike. As the conference continues to expand and prioritize its goals looking towards the future, the success and achievements of the conference will only continue to grow and demonstrate why it is one of the most respected Division II conferences in the country.