INDIANA, Pa. — As the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference celebrates its 75th anniversary during the 2025-26 academic year, Indiana University of Pennsylvania's legacy stands firmly woven into the fabric of one of NCAA Division II's most storied leagues.
Founded in 1950, the PSAC has grown into a national model for competitive excellence and institutional stability. To commemorate the milestone, the conference spent the past year honoring its "Top 300," the 75 most influential male and female student-athletes in conference history, along with 75 "keystones" — administrators, coaches and leaders who helped shape the PSAC over three-quarters of a century.
IUP was prominently represented across all categories.
PSAC Commissioner Steve Murray joined the IUP Athletics Department on Wednesday night to recognize the university's honorees during halftime of the men's basketball game between IUP and California (Pa.), a fitting stage for a celebration rooted in conference history.
Among those recognized as members of the PSAC Top 300 were six individuals whose impact extended well beyond the playing field.
Frank Cignetti Sr., who served as IUP's athletic director and head football coach from 1982-2005, guided the Crimson Hawks to 14 PSAC West titles, five NCAA Division II semifinal appearances and two national championship games. He was named Division II Coach of the Year and inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
Frank Condino, a Lock Haven graduate, spent three decades at IUP as a football coach and athletic director. From 1984-2014, Condino won two PSAC titles as an assistant coach and oversaw major facility projects, including the construction of the Kovalchick Complex.
Former IUP cross country standout Chad Hurley carved a path far outside collegiate athletics, co-founding YouTube in 2005 and later serving as the company's CEO and advisor.
Matt Kohler, a three-time All-American swimmer for IUP, retired as a three-star admiral after 36 years in the U.S. Navy. He continues to serve on multiple advisory boards and operates a cybersecurity consulting firm.
Rodney Ruddock, an IUP baseball alumnus from the early 1960s, rose to the rank of major general in the U.S. military and later served his community as an Indiana High School principal and Indiana County commissioner. Ruddock Hall on campus bears his name.
John Wingfield, a former IUP swimmer and diver, owns and operates Ripfest Diving Academy and has served as Team USA's head diving coach at the 2008 Olympic Games, along with coaching roles at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics.
The PSAC also honored its top 75 female student-athletes, with six IUP alumnae earning recognition.
Molly Carr excelled in both softball and women's basketball from 1996-2001, earning multiple academic and athletic honors, including PSAC West Player of the Year in softball and NCAA Regional MVP in basketball.
Laura Hall Gourley was a dominant force for IUP volleyball from 1999-2003, earning PSAC Rookie of the Year honors, three All-PSAC selections and three All-America honors while helping lead the Crimson Hawks to a PSAC championship in 2002.
Jaclyn Hynson McKelvy capped her swimming career with a national championship in 2012, along with 11 NCAA All-America honors and multiple PSAC titles.
Diane McCormick-French represented IUP volleyball from 1968-72 and later competed on the USA National Volleyball Team, earning U.S. Association Player of the Year honors at the 1987 national championship.
Paige Mikesell concluded one of the most decorated careers in IUP swimming history in 2023, earning 20 NCAA All-America honors, a national title and 14 PSAC championships.
Jahzinga Tracey left her mark on the IUP women's basketball program as a two-time PSAC West Player of the Year and one of only eight players in conference history to reach 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.
Six Crimson Hawks were also named among the PSAC's top 75 male student-athletes.
Nafee Harris dominated Division II track and field from 2008-11, winning four national long jump titles and earning seven All-America honors.
Jim Haslett, a four-time All-American linebacker at IUP, went on to an accomplished NFL career and remains the program's single-season record holder for sacks and tackles for loss.
Gavin Smith remains the only PSAC golfer to win an individual Division II national championship, accomplishing the feat in 2009.
Chris Villarrial anchored IUP's offensive line during its run to the 1995 NCAA Division II championship game and later earned three All-America honors.
Darryl Webb capped his career as the 2011 NABC Division II Player of the Year and remains IUP men's basketball's all-time leader in points, rebounds and blocks.
Jimmie D. Wooding earned seven All-America honors in track and field during the 1970s, excelling across multiple events including the 400 meters, decathlon and high jump.
The conference also recognized 75 keystones whose leadership helped define the PSAC, with four closely tied to IUP's history.
Joe Lombardi, the Crimson Hawks' all-time winningest men's basketball coach, has amassed more than 430 career wins, seven PSAC titles and two NCAA Division II national championship game appearances.
George Miller, IUP's football coach from 1926-62, played a central role in the formation of the PSAC and is widely known as the "Father of the Conference." The university's football stadium bears his name.
Ruth Podbielski, a pioneer of women's athletics at IUP, spent more than three decades advancing opportunities for female student-athletes. The IUP softball field is named in her honor.
Herm Sledzik guided IUP athletics through a period of rapid expansion, growing the department from 11 men's teams to 21 total sports during his tenure as coach, athletic director and administrator.
A founding member of the PSAC, IUP continues to take pride in its enduring role within the conference, a legacy built by generations of student-athletes, coaches and leaders who helped shape the past — and future — of one of Division II's premier conferences.
