Athletics celebrates enhancements

Fall 2017 brought two significant achievements to Wildcat Athletics: Penn College competed for the first time as an NCAA Division III institution, and it launched the Wildcat Club. The former made an immediate impact, as school spirit increased and the number of student-athletes expanded, while the latter continues to have powerful influence.

The Wildcat Club gives special recognition to alumni, parents, friends, fans and corporations who give philanthropic support to Penn College teams. Since its inception, 320 members have championed athletic programs with nearly $1 million in contributions, much of which has been invested into upgrading facilities. 

“As a former collegiate athlete, I can attest that the support of others – fans, families and friends – is quite motivating for student-athletes to compete at their best,” said Loni N. Kline, vice president for college relations/chief philanthropy officer. “We are so grateful for the motivating support of our Wildcat Club members and the incredible outcomes of their generosity.”

In January 2019, Penn College upgraded scoreboards in Bardo Gymnasium, thanks to a donation by Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships. The historic gym now features larger scoreboards with individual scoring panels.

Contributions from Susquehanna Trailways, Pepsi, M&T Bank and UPMC allowed Penn College to significantly offset the cost of a renovated outdoor complex – now known as UPMC Field – in the summer of 2019.

The complex boasts a state-of-the-art synthetic turf field, modern scoreboard, press box, updated bench area and welcoming gateway entrance. In addition to enriching the student-athlete experience, the improvements enabled the college to elevate men’s lacrosse from a club sport to an NCAA program in 2021.

“Much like academic labs, athletic facilities are critical to provide a safe and enhanced experience for current student-athletes and can entice prospective student-athletes to attend Penn College as we compete with other institutions in recruiting,” Penn College Director of Athletics Scott E. Kennell said. “The overwhelming support we’ve received from Wildcat Club members to invest into our facilities will impact generations of Wildcats.”

Penn College was able to meet another major need in 2021 when Dan and Monica Klingerman’s gift helped to significantly offset the cost of renovating the department’s office suite and constructing a wrestling practice facility. 

The Klingerman Family Athletics Suite features dedicated offices for full-time athletics employees, a prospective student-athlete lounge, and an open reception area. The new wrestling practice facility gives the growing wrestling team more space to practice in a safer environment.

“The Klingerman Family Athletics Suite solved both an aesthetics need and a functional need,” said Matt Blymier, assistant director of athletics. “Its look, design and decorations provide a wow factor to prospective student-athletes, while the dedicated offices give our coaches a place to have private conversations with their staff, current students and future students.”

In just five short years, Penn College’s athletic teams have excelled in and out competition – with three conference championships and more than 500 conference scholar-athlete selections, making a true mark in NCAA Division III. 

Learn more about the Wildcat Club.