Penn College News

A hardwood homecoming

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

The third annual Alumni Basketball Reunion Weekend brought members of past Wildcat teams back to Penn College for several campus events organized by Alumni Relations and Athletics. In addition to a Friday evening alumni reception, the guests took part in a coed game on their former Bardo Gymnasium home court and enjoyed lunch prior to watching a Saturday doubleheader against SUNY-Cobleskill.


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




 Awaiting a little Wildcat are alumni sweethearts Greg and Ayla (Decker) Solyak. A basketball standout from 2008-11, Greg was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. He earned degrees in collision repair technology in ’09 and automotive technology management in ’11. Ayla graduated in business management in ’09.

Awaiting a little Wildcat are alumni sweethearts Greg and Ayla (Decker) Solyak. A basketball standout from 2008-11, Greg was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. He earned degrees in collision repair technology in ’09 and automotive technology management in ’11. Ayla graduated in business management in ’09.

Wildcat swag bags and bleacher cushions for guests

Wildcat swag bags and bleacher cushions for guests

Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour and Director of Athletics John D. Vandevere (at right) converse with attendees.

Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour and Director of Athletics John D. Vandevere (at right) converse with attendees.

Obliging a photographer’s request, 2017 nursing grad Alicia N. Ross poses with the basketball touting her as the “Women’s All-Time Scoring Leader” with 1,515 points from 2014-17. The ball and other treasured trophies are displayed in the Athletics conference room.

Obliging a photographer’s request, 2017 nursing grad Alicia N. Ross poses with the basketball touting her as the “Women’s All-Time Scoring Leader” with 1,515 points from 2014-17. The ball and other treasured trophies are displayed in the Athletics conference room.

Kimberly R. Cassel, director of alumni relations, welcomes guests to the reception in the Athletics lounge.

Kimberly R. Cassel, director of alumni relations, welcomes guests to the reception in the Athletics lounge.

Women’s and men’s head coaches Lauren Healy and Geoff B. Hensley (at left) share their enthusiasm with the Wildcat basketball family.

Women’s and men’s head coaches Lauren Healy and Geoff B. Hensley (at left) share their enthusiasm with the Wildcat basketball family.

Alumni hoopsters join current Wildcat athletes and coaches in a midcourt mingle.

Alumni hoopsters join current Wildcat athletes and coaches in a midcourt mingle.

Wildcat forward Matthew T. Salvent, a nursing major from East Brunswick, N.J., officiates during the alumni contest.

Wildcat forward Matthew T. Salvent, a nursing major from East Brunswick, N.J., officiates during the alumni contest.

Among the returning players are former Lady Wildcats Jane M. Herman (center left) and Erica L. Logan.  Herman, who also played tennis and soccer during her college years, is a 2018 graduate in dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration. Logan was accompanied by her father, who also attended classes at the institution.<br />

Among the returning players are former Lady Wildcats Jane M. Herman (center left) and Erica L. Logan. Herman, who also played tennis and soccer during her college years, is a 2018 graduate in dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration. Logan was accompanied by her father, who also attended classes at the institution.

Coach Hensley's son, in a pregame warmup with Dad's team

Coach Hensley's son, in a pregame warmup with Dad's team

2007 grad Anthony R. Flint (with ball) and Joseph J. Simon (Class of 2010) hustle upcourt; both earned degrees in business administration: management information systems concentration.

2007 grad Anthony R. Flint (with ball) and Joseph J. Simon (Class of 2010) hustle upcourt; both earned degrees in business administration: management information systems concentration.

No longer on campus ... but still on their game!

No longer on campus ... but still on their game!