University Times

Pitt-Johnstown was named winner of the Clement H. Clower Institutional Sportsmanship Award by the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC). Student-athlete and fan behavior, along with hospitality to visiting teams, are among the criteria for the award, which is voted upon by member schools.

Among UPJ’s efforts to support good sportsmanship by its athletes were:

• Establishing the “Mountain Cat Maniacs” to increase school spirit and support UPJ’s teams. The group has nearly 800 members, and record numbers are attending athletic events.

• Involving team members and coaching staff in supporting causes including breast cancer and pancreatic cancer research and awareness.

• Supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Student athletes raised $3,400.

• Supporting elementary education. Members of the Pitt-Johnstown men’s basketball and wrestling teams visited East Side Elementary School to read to students.

• Supporting needy local families during the holiday season.The student-athlete advisory committee collected more than 300 food items. The committee also collected clothing and toys.