Penn College News

Reunion Celebrates Five Decades of Wildcat Hoops

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Pennsylvania College of Technology hosted its second annual Alumni Basketball Reunion Weekend on Friday and Saturday, greeting members of past Wildcat teams – including William S. Collins, who played in the sport's very earliest days on campus. Among activities organized by Alumni Relations and Athletics, alumni met this season's basketball squads, attended an evening reception, heard an update on the college's full NCAA Division III membership, took part in a coed matchup in Bardo Gymnasium and were given VIP treatment at a doubleheader against Bryn Athyn College.


– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor, and Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer




 

 William “Bill” S. Collins, who was on the college’s first basketball team, returned to his alma mater for the second annual Alumni Basketball Reunion Weekend. The Williamsport native was in the first graduation class for Williamsport Area Community College, held in June 1966. Collins resides in Virginia and operates a festival management, production and consulting business with his wife.

William “Bill” S. Collins, who was on the college’s first basketball team, returned to his alma mater for the second annual Alumni Basketball Reunion Weekend. The Williamsport native was in the first graduation class for Williamsport Area Community College, held in June 1966. Collins resides in Virginia and operates a festival management, production and consulting business with his wife.

Alumni Relations Director Kimberly R. Cassel shows Collins copies of WACC’s Spotlight campus newspaper featuring his basketball achievements and other campus involvement …

Alumni Relations Director Kimberly R. Cassel shows Collins copies of WACC’s Spotlight campus newspaper featuring his basketball achievements and other campus involvement …

… including this photo of Collins taking a shot.

… including this photo of Collins taking a shot.

Former classmates enjoy their own reunion. Fredrick T. Gilmour, who attended WACC with Collins, stopped by to greet his college friend. Gilmour studied technical illustration and Collins majored in business administration. Gilmour is a retired college employee and emeritus faculty member.

Former classmates enjoy their own reunion. Fredrick T. Gilmour, who attended WACC with Collins, stopped by to greet his college friend. Gilmour studied technical illustration and Collins majored in business administration. Gilmour is a retired college employee and emeritus faculty member.

Gift bags filled with Wildcat gear await visiting alumni.

Gift bags filled with Wildcat gear await visiting alumni.

Father and daughter basketball players return for the reunion! Gary C. Logan, ’77, machinist general, and daughter Erica L. Logan, who played for the Wildcats from 2007-09 before transferring to Lock Haven University, enjoy the special gathering in the Athletics Lounge. Gary’s late mother, Irma, a 1941 graduate of Williamsport Technical Institute, was featured in the Spring 2010 college magazine. He is in his 40th year of employment at Lycoming Engines, where his mother also worked.

Father and daughter basketball players return for the reunion! Gary C. Logan, ’77, machinist general, and daughter Erica L. Logan, who played for the Wildcats from 2007-09 before transferring to Lock Haven University, enjoy the special gathering in the Athletics Lounge. Gary’s late mother, Irma, a 1941 graduate of Williamsport Technical Institute, was featured in the Spring 2010 college magazine. He is in his 40th year of employment at Lycoming Engines, where his mother also worked.

Thomas E. Little (left), civil engineering technology, ’09, and Wyatt J. Decker, business administration, ’13, share athletics and professional stories. Little traveled from Connecticut to attend the reunion; he works as an engineer for the city of Norwalk. Decker resides locally and is enjoying a career in sales with Mid-State Beverage Co.

Thomas E. Little (left), civil engineering technology, ’09, and Wyatt J. Decker, business administration, ’13, share athletics and professional stories. Little traveled from Connecticut to attend the reunion; he works as an engineer for the city of Norwalk. Decker resides locally and is enjoying a career in sales with Mid-State Beverage Co.

Athletics Director John D. Vandevere welcomes guests to the Athletics Lounge.

Athletics Director John D. Vandevere welcomes guests to the Athletics Lounge.

Hoops lovers reunite! From left: Travis Heap, assistant women’s basketball coach; former women’s basketball players Erin C. (Mahoney) Heap (dental hygiene, ’09 and ’10), Alicia N. Ross (nursing, ’17) and Logan; and Lauren Healy, head women’s basketball coach.

Hoops lovers reunite! From left: Travis Heap, assistant women’s basketball coach; former women’s basketball players Erin C. (Mahoney) Heap (dental hygiene, ’09 and ’10), Alicia N. Ross (nursing, ’17) and Logan; and Lauren Healy, head women’s basketball coach.

As reunion guests huddle around, Wildcat men's basketball coach Ryan Callahan entertains them with “tall” tales.

As reunion guests huddle around, Wildcat men's basketball coach Ryan Callahan entertains them with “tall” tales.

Collins dons a T-shirt and a friendly

Collins dons a T-shirt and a friendly "game face" in prepping for his return to action.

Alumni mix it up on their former home court.

Alumni mix it up on their former home court.

Misty L. Cooper, who played ball while an accounting student at Penn College, is among those who returned for the event's second year.

Misty L. Cooper, who played ball while an accounting student at Penn College, is among those who returned for the event's second year.

Little, who played from 2005-09, hits the hardwood for some downcourt déjà vu.

Little, who played from 2005-09, hits the hardwood for some downcourt déjà vu.

Traveling is NOT a violation when it comes to former Wildcat basketball players returning for a campus reunion.

Traveling is NOT a violation when it comes to former Wildcat basketball players returning for a campus reunion.

Fans in the stands provide a necessary ingredient for Game Day excitement.

Fans in the stands provide a necessary ingredient for Game Day excitement.