CALIFORNIA (Feb. 3) – The California (PA) athletic department honored several of its most historic figures in program history over the weekend as part of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference's (PSAC) 75th Anniversary Celebration as part of a basketball doubleheader at the Convocation Center.
 
In the fall, the PSAC recognized 300 of its most prominent contributors across the categories of the 75 Greatest Female Athletes, 75 Greatest Male Athletes, Made in the PSAC and Distinguished Keystones. The Vulcans featured 20 individuals among the honorees by the conference.

We were proud to recognize some of the greatest male and female student-athletes in California history, including National Champions, All-Americans and professional athletes," said Director of Athletics Dr. Karen Hjerpe. "We also celebrated the coaches and administrators who have helped shape Vulcan athletics and built a tradition of legacy of excellence within the PSAC and NCAA. In addition, we honored individuals who went on to influential careers in the military, the U.S. Secret Service, and professional sports."

Those selected were invited to be recognized at a private banquet prior to the doubleheader, as well as at halftime of the women's basketball contest. PennWest University President Dr. Jon Anderson and PSAC Commissioner Steve Murray presented each honoree with both a commemorative plaque and medallion.

A video highlighting the honorees, along with photos from the festivities, are available.

"The accomplishments of those recognized as part of the PSAC 75th Anniversary Celebration helped shape the conference and its rich history of success," said Hjerpe. "I would like to thank Director of Television & Radio Gary Smith and Director of Athletic Communication Matthew Kifer for their work on the video, which not only celebrated the achievements of those honored, but also showcased the success of the teams, student-athletes and coaches at California who have defined our continued success in athletics and laid the foundation for future honorees."



To learn more about each category and its honorees, please click the appropriate link below.

75 Greatest Female Athletes

• Divonne Franklin – Track & Field, 2019-23
• Melissa Gates – Swimming, 2009-12
• Jenise Lockhart – Track & Field, 1982-85
• Sara McKinney – Basketball, 2002-05
• Danielle Penner – Softball, 1995-98
• Becky Siembak – Basketball, 2002-04
• Lith Webb – Softball, 1995-98
• Kristin Erb – current head softball coach; record-setting pitcher at Lock Haven, 2006-09

75 Greatest Male Athletes

• Bill DePaoli – Wrestling, 1975-79
• Aaron Dinzeo – Cross Country/Track & Field, 2010-15
• Brian Ferrari – Cross Country/Track & Field, 1981-84
• Rick Krivda – Baseball, 1989-91

Made in the PSAC

• Robert Lippencott '66 – U.S. Secret Service
• Michael Perry '62 – Naval aviator, financial industry
• Jack Zduriencik '74 – MLB executive

Distinguished Keystones

• Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. – University President, 1992-12
• Rick Bertagnolli – Softball head coach 1994-24
• Dr. Karen Hjerpe – Administrator, 1993-present
• John Luckhardt – Football head coach, 2002-11
• Jess Strom – Women's basketball head coach, 2011-present
• Darcie Vincent – Women's basketball head coach 2000-08