Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Kutztown University has announced 12 student-athletes will represent its men's cross country team for the 2021 season. Read the full season preview here. The Kutztown University men's cross country team is ready to run in 2021. The Golden Bears competed in just two meets last year, both in March, due to the fall season cancelling because of the pandemic. They ran at Shippensburg and in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championships at Lock Haven. Kutztown didn't field its usual full roster at PSACs and, thus, was not included in the final team standings. KU placed fifth in 2019 and will look to match that effort this upcoming season. Along with the Adelphi Invitational, Kutztown will host its annual Division II/III Challenge on the North Campus course on Saturday, Sept. 18. KU will also race at the Paul Short Run at Lehigh University on Friday, Oct. 1, and will stay near Bethlehem when it competes at DeSales University on Saturday, Oct. 9. Kutztown University will host the PSAC Championships on Friday, Oct. 22.

Kutztown University has announced 18 student-athletes will represent its women's cross country team for the 2021 season. Read the full season preview here. The Kutztown University women's cross country team has been eagerly waiting to lace up its spikes and hit the course in 2021. The Golden Bears will be back to competing in the fall this season after a brief spring season last year. They ran in just two meets last year, both in March, due to the fall season cancelling because of the pandemic. They ran at Shippensburg and in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championships at Lock Haven. KU will look to improve upon its 12th-place finish at PSACs this year. Along with the Adelphi Invitational, Kutztown will host its annual Division II/III Challenge on the North Campus course on Saturday, Sept. 18. KU will also race at the Paul Short Run at Lehigh University on Friday, Oct. 1, and will stay near Bethlehem when it competes at DeSales University on Saturday, Oct. 9. Kutztown University will host the PSAC Championships on Friday, Oct. 22.

Kutztown University will have 39 student-athletes representing its women's soccer program for the 2021 season. Read the full season preview online For the first time since Nov. 9, 2019, the Kutztown University women's soccer team will take to the field for an NCAA game. KU's 2021 slate is set to start under the lights Friday night in West Virginia. The Golden Bears, like many other programs across the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and NCAA, will be breaking in almost an entirely different team since the last time it played in 2019. Albeit with a newer roster and some inexperience across the field, head coach Erik Burstein, in his 14th season in charge, is excited for what feels like a restart with a fresh program. Kutztown finished the 2019 season 11-7 overall, winners of its last three games to close out the season. The Maroon and Gold have qualified for the NCAA Tournament in three of the last four seasons. Kutztown begins its 2021 campaign with two straight road games, with the season-opener on Friday, Sept. 3, at the University of Charleston (W.V.). The home-opener at Keystone Field is set for Wednesday, Sept. 8, against Millersville at 7 p.m.

Kutztown University will have 30 student-athletes representing its field hockey program for the 2021 season. Read the full season preview online The 2019 season was unlike many others for the Kutztown University field hockey program. KU looks to build upon that historic season in 2021, two years removed from last playing in an NCAA game. Having missed the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Golden Bears are eager to build upon their 2019 success, which included a 15-7 record, a regular spot in the NFHCA Division II national rankings, a PSAC runner-up finish and a trip to the NCAA Division II Final Four. Kutztown enters the 2021 campaign ranked No. 5 in DII and was voted fourth in the PSAC preseason poll. Kutztown has added numbers and quality depth at all four facets of the field (forward, midfield, defense, goalie). Scheuing feels that she can field a quality full unit even behind the starting 11. The Golden Bears will open their 2021 season against Southern Connecticut State at the Dr. Art DeGenaro Classic hosted by Mansfield University on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 2 p.m. The home-opener is set for Saturday, Sept. 11, at 1 p.m., against Mansfield.

Kutztown University will have 21 student-athletes representing its women's volleyball program for the 2021 season. Read the full season preview online Unlike the past few years, the 2021 edition of the Kutztown University women's volleyball team will feature length at the front of the net. KU has 13 student-athletes that stand 5-feet-10-inches or taller (more than half of the roster), and four that stand over 6-feet tall. Head coach John Gump, entering his 24th season in charge, has switched it up, looking to be more dominant at the net. And his roster this season should be able to improve upon that area dramatically. Kutztown is slated to open its 2021 regular season at the Fairmont State Volleyball Classic in Fairmont, W. Va. KU will play four matches between Friday, Sept. 3, and Saturday, Sept. 4. The home-opener is set for Monday, Sept. 13, against Chestnut Hill.

A year after surpassing 200 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Scholar-Athletes for the first time, Kutztown University student-athletes produced their most impressive academic performance yet in 2020-21. The Golden Bears obliterated their former record of 206 honorees with 252 this year, helping the PSAC establish a new conference-record with 4,162 scholar-athletes. Kutztown increased its scholar-athlete rate by nearly 8% from last year with 56.1% of its 449 eligible student-athletes recognized. In terms of overall honorees, the Golden Bears ranked 10th of the PSAC's 18 institutions, though the number of sports sponsored is not similar from institution-to-institution. Kutztown has produced triple-figure PSAC Scholar-Athlete totals 15 years running. To be named a PSAC Scholar-Athlete, a student-athlete must have finished the 2020-21 academic year with a 3.25 cumulative GPA or higher. As a conference, the PSAC honored a record number of student-athletes for the 15th straight year. The league's member schools combined to break the 4,000 scholar-athlete threshold for the first time, breaking the previous record of 3,763, set in 2019-20, by 399. The PSAC also set a new record with 55% of the conference's student-athlete population earning scholar-athlete accolades.

Kutztown University will have 17 student-athletes representing its men's and women's tennis teams for the 2020-2021 season. Head coach Shari Bucklin-Webber, in her sixth season at the helm, said the following about her teams. "There is a lot of depth in the women's lineup and they're all just going to continue to improve each match," said Webber. "It really gives me a lot of options for doubles combinations, looking at the lineup. It is a good position to be in, knowing I can start a number of different players in different spots of the lineup." "We've had a good group of recruits for both the men and women the last two classes who haven't really even gotten acclimated to the collegiate game," said Webber. "It just feels like a whole new team on both sides. But there's a renewed sense of excitement and appreciation of the game. Everybody seems more engaged and is focused on their game. We're all grateful to the administration and our conference in allowing us to play." "This is a really hard-working group of guys," said Webber. "They're having fun playing again, but are also all about business and working hard. I think the challenges that they all faced last year really brought them closer as a team." Read more about the KU tennis teams at www.KUBears.com.

Kutztown University will have 25 student-athletes representing its women's lacrosse program for the 2021 season. Read the full season preview. The Kutztown University women's lacrosse team started 2-0 on the new Keystone Field turf in 2020 before the season was cut short. KU is excited to not only open its 2021 campaign back at home, but just to be able to play a season this year. Head coach Jackie Stezzi graduated three seniors from last year's roster, so she will have plenty of experience, along with another injection of youth, heading into this season. In the PSAC Preseason Poll, the Maroon and Gold were selected sixth. West Chester was first, receiving four of the seven possible first-place votes. East Stroudsburg received three of the seven possible first-place votes and was picked second. Bloomsburg, Millersville and Shippensburg were ranked three-through-five. Shepherd followed Kutztown to round out the division.

Kutztown University will have 91 student-athletes representing its track & field program for the 2021 outdoor season. The Kutztown University men's and women's outdoor track & field teams will be back in action for their first competition in nearly two years, as the Golden Bears begin spring competition on Saturday, March 27, at West Chester University's Golden Ram Invitational. Saturday begins a six-week regular season that leads up to the 2021 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Outdoor Championships, which will be hosted by Shippensburg University May 6-8. It marks a return to competition for KU after almost 22 months without an outdoor meet. The last "meet" situation for Kutztown, in any form, was the 2020 PSAC Indoor Championships held last March. The remainder of the Golden Bears' spring schedule includes weekend events at Millersville University (Apr. 3), a trip back to West Chester (Apr. 10), stops at Moravian College (Apr. 17) and Shippensburg (Apr. 24) in back-to-back weekends, before concluding the regular season back at West Chester (May 1). KU will also host its annual Mondschein Multi event on Thursday, Apr. 8, and Friday, Apr. 9, at Andre Reed Stadium. 8.7.1

Kutztown University will have 29 student-athletes representing its baseball program for the 2021 season. Read the season preview online. The Kutztown University baseball team kicks off its 2021 season this weekend with doubleheaders against Frostburg State, March 5 and 7, at the Ripken Experience in Aberdeen, Md. Second-year head coach Eric Folmar is hoping the the Golden Bears can bottle last season's early success as a new campaign begins following an extended layoff due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kutztown went 7-4 in a limited non-conference slate and saw many promising things from young players ahead of the shutdown. Folmar is excited to get back on the field and compete with his team.

Kutztown University will have 21 student-athletes representing its softball program for the 2021 season. Read the full season preview. The last time that the Kutztown University softball team played it was March 14, 2020, before a global pandemic shutdown the remainder of the season. March of 2021 looks to bring a return to competition for KU and the rest of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), itching to get back out on the field after nearly a year away from the sport. Kutztown opens up its 2021 campaign with a two-day doubleheader at Millersville, beginning Friday, March 5. First pitch of game one of the season is set for 2:30 p.m.

A school-record 205 Kutztown University student-athletes have been named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Scholar-Athletes for the 2019-20 academic year, the conference office announced Monday afternoon. By having more than 200 student-athletes recognized for the first time in school history, Kutztown surpassed its former record of 181 PSAC Scholar-Athletes from 2017-18. KU has featured 100 or more PSAC Scholar-Athletes each of the last 14 years. The Golden Bears ranked ninth among the conference's 18 institutions based on overall honorees, but posted a strong 48.2% scholar-athlete rate. To be eligible for PSAC Scholar-Athlete honors this year, a student-athlete must have finished the 2019-20 academic year with a 3.25 cumulative GPA or higher. Outside of combined cross country/track & field lists, three qualifying KU multi-sport student-athletes appear on the lists of both teams they represent. They are Molly Agnello (women's bowling/women's golf), Jenna Bracken (women's lacrosse/women's soccer) and Alyssa Donato (field hockey/softball). This year, the PSAC recognized a total of 3,762 scholar-athletes, which marks 50% of the conference's student-athlete population. Both of these numbers break previous records of 3,117 and 43% set one year ago. The league has now registered at least a 30% rate for 12 straight years. The total number of honorees has increased each year since the 2006-07 academic year. Overall, nine institutions produced at least 200 scholar-athletes. Full list, by sport, can be found here

A local product out of Reading, Kutztown University freshman Wesley Butler was known around the area for his talent on the basketball court. And in his first season in Maroon and Gold he did not disappoint. Butler led the Golden Bears in scoring on his way to being named to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East Division Second Team. On Friday, he was voted the 2019-20 KU Male Freshman of the Year. Butler hit the ground running in his first collegiate season. The Reading High School product set a new Kutztown freshman record for points in a season with 510. Butler led KU and was eighth in the PSAC in scoring (18.2 ppg), fourth in 3-point percentage (40.9%), 11th in free-throw percentage (82.2%), 12th in field goal percentage (45.8%) and 15th in minutes per game (33.6). He played in all 28 games and scored in double-figures in 25 of them. In the classroom, Butler was also a member of the Dean's List following the fall semester. Butler's 510 points this season is the most by a freshman in a season in program history. He did whatever was asked of him by head coach Bernie Driscoll, and proved his worth on both ends of the court. Butler ranked second on KU with 2.1 assists per game and grabbed nearly 3.0 rebounds per game, while his 27 steals was tied for second. In his first collegiate game, Butler drilled seven 3-pointers, the most by a freshman in a game. In a 92-78 win at No. 12 West Chester on Jan. 18, Butler connected on all 13 of his free-throw attempts, the highest percentage of free-throws made and attempted in program history. Butler is the sixth men's basketball player to receive KU Freshman of the Year recognition, the first since Josh Johnson in 2013-14. Previous winners from the program include T.J. Mann (2002-03), Dave Ben (2006-07), Stephen Dennis (2007-08) and Ryan Washington (2008-09). Members of the KU athletic department staff voted upon the nominees to determine KU's year-end awards.

One of the most decorated players in Kutztown University field hockey history, senior Mackenzie Fuhrman was named the 2019-20 KU Female Athlete of the Year, Tuesday. Fuhrman is the seventh Golden Bear field hockey player to earn the prestigious award, which has been presented since 1987. KU's annual year-end awards are voted upon by the athletic department's administration, coaches and staff. The Lancaster native set new career-highs in games played and started (22), goals (six) and game-winning goals (three) in leading KU to PSAC championship game and NCAA Final Four appearances. Fuhrman, a midfielder, was recognized as an All-PSAC First Team and NFHCA All-America First Team player for the third year running. Fuhrman surpassed the 20-point barrier for the second straight season, finishing with six goals and eight assists for 20 points as the Golden Bears compiled a 15-7 overall record with six wins coming over teams ranked in the top 10 of the NFHCA's Division II Poll. She was tied for fifth in the conference in assists and concluded her four-year career with 28 helpers --third most in program history. Fuhrman was an integral part of head coach Marci Scheuing's lineup on both sides of the field over the last four seasons. She played in 77 career games, starting 75, and was a two-time team MVP. Fuhrman was recently honored on April 21 as KU's Female Senior Athlete of the Year. Fuhrman also received the distinguished honor of being named a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Fall Top 10 Award winner this year. She is the first Golden Bears fall athlete, male or female, to earn such a distinction since 2008. In the classroom, Fuhrman is a multi-year member of the Dean's List and set to become a four-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete list. She's also appeared on the NFHCA National Academic Squad and NFHCA Scholar of Distinction list throughout her career. Fuhrman is a two-time D2ADA Academic Achievement Award recipient. She received one of the nation's highest academic honors for a student-athlete at the conclusion of the 2018-19 academic year when she was voted to the CoSIDA Academic All-America At-Large Third Team among a pool of student-athletes from numerous sports. She's on the ballot to become a two-time Academic All-American after receiving Academic All-District accolades for a second time this spring. The Golden Bears won just their second NCAA postseason game in program history --first since 1988-- this past season and advanced to the Division II national semifinals for the first time since 1982. Kutztown's 15 victories signified the program's highest total in a season since 2007. Fuhrman joins former KU field hockey standouts Gwen Kerr (1989), Lisa Marrella (1990), Shayn Mosley (1992), Laura Kline (2006), Erin Reynolds (2014) and Anna Behm (2016) as all-time recipients of the KU Female Athlete of the Year Award.

A major conference award, a regional title and a No. 1 ranking were all accolades accomplished by Kutztown University wrestler Andrew Dunn Jr., last season. To cap off the 2019-20 school year, the redshirt-junior was voted the KU Male Athlete of the Year, Wednesday. It is the second straight year that the Bethlehem native has earned the recognition, having been named Male Athlete of the Year last year. He is the third different grappler to earn the prestigious award, which has been presented since 1987, and sixth time overall a wrestler has won it. KU's annual year-end awards are voted upon by the athletic department's administration, coaches and staff. With the cancellation of the NCAA Division II Championships this spring, Dunn Jr. remains the defending heavyweight national champion, having won it in March of 2019. He finished last season with a perfect 20-0 record, winning his second straight Super Region 1 title in February. Dunn Jr.'s success led him to two major postseason awards, earning the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Athlete of the Year and the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division II Super Region 1 Wrestler of the Year. A two-time All-American, Dunn Jr. is 46-2 overall, 46-0 against Division II opponents in two seasons as a Golden Bear. He topped the NWCA's Division II heavyweight national rankings from start-to-finish during the 2019-20 season. He defeated three nationally-ranked opponents, including a 3-2 decision over third-ranked Jacob Robb of Mercyhurst to win the super regional championship. The former Bethlehem Catholic prep and Virginia Tech transfer collected five major decisions, four pins and a technical fall this past season. Dunn Jr. is currently riding a 38-match winning streak. Kutztown finished 10-4 overall in dual meets last season. Dunn Jr. joins former Kutztown wrestling standouts Joe Kemmerer (2007, 2009) and Ziad Haddad (2014, 2015) as all-time recipients of the KU Male Athlete of the Year Award.

Big things were expected of Casey Remolde when she joined the Kutztown University women's basketball team and she delivered in short order. Remolde had a stellar freshman campaign on her way to PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Year honors. Thursday, she was announced as the 2019-20 KU Female Freshman of the Year. Remolde, a native Philadelphian, was the PSAC's second-leading shot blocker with 63 (2.2 per game). That tied her for fourth all-time in a season at KU and marked the most blocks in a season since Advia Campbell's school-record 76 in 2013-14. Her 114 free throws made rank tied for third in a season in KU history. The well-rounded guard ranked second on the Golden Bears in scoring at 10.8 points per game, second in rebounding (5.3 rpg), second in steals (1.6 spg), third in field goal percentage (39.1%), third in free throw percentage (74.0%) and fourth in assists (1.8 apg). Remolde also averaged 28.2 minutes per game, the second-highest total on the team. Remolde was a three-time PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week, won PSAC East Athlete of the Week once and was named to the All-PSAC East Second Team. She supplied four blocks or more in seven games and swatted away a season-high five opposing shots three different times. In a Dec. 14, victory over Georgian Court at Keystone Arena, Remolde was a flawless 12-of-12 at the charity stripe on her way to a career-high 26 points. She also led the team with 21 points in a PSAC First Round game against Bloomsburg on March 2. Remolde is the second women's basketball player to claim KU Female Freshman of the Year honors in the last three years (Rylee Derr, 2017-18) and fifth overall. Previous winners from the program include Brianne Homyak (1997-98), Keri Suydam (1998-99), Sophia Vucetaj (2001-02) and Derr (2017-18).

Freshman Casey Remolde's stout defensive prowess brought her home the league's top honor, while junior Rylee Derr was amongst the top overall players, highlighting Kutztown University women's basketball's postseason accolades, as voted on by the league's coaches. Remolde earned the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East Division Defensive Athlete of the Year and Derr received All-PSAC East First Team recognition, announced by the league office Thursday. Remolde was also voted to the East Second Team. In her first collegiate season, Remolde broke out in a big way. The Philadelphia native was tied for the PSAC lead with 2.2 blocks per game and was 15th with 47 steals. Her 63 blocks was tied for fourth-most in a season in program history. Remolde was also 18th in the PSAC in free-throw percentage (74%) and averaged 10.8 ppg and 5.3 rpg in 28.2 minutes per game this season. In the classroom, Remolde was a member of the Dean's List this past fall. Derr netted her third All-PSAC honor, second straight First Team recognition. The Lititz native led KU in scoring (15.4 ppg) and rebounding (6.2 rpg), 12th and 19th in the PSAC respectively. Derr was second in the league in made 3-pointers (81) and fifth in 3-point percentage (36.3%) and also averaged 2.3 apg in 33.4 minutes per game. Her 1,382 career points ranks fourth all-time in program history, while her 256 made 3-pointers is a program best. Kutztown finished the year 18-11 overall and 15-7 in the PSAC, clinching a berth in the postseason for the fourth straight year.

Both Tarojae Brake and Wesley Butler put on the Maroon and Gold uniform for the first time in their collegiate careers this season, and each made their mark on the basketball landscape. The league took notice as the duo was named to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East Division Second Team, as voted on by the league's head coaches. Kutztown finished the season 11-17 overall and missed out on the conference tournament for just the first time in six years. Brake and Butler finished in the top-20 overall in the PSAC in scoring, 3-point percentage and free-throw percentage. It is the first All-PSAC selection for each Golden Bear. After sitting out last season following a two-year stint at Lock Haven, Brake made his mark for KU, being named a team captain before the start of the 2019-20 campaign. The Coatesville native finished the season averaging 16.0 points per game, 4.4 rebounds per game and 1.6 assists per game in 32.0 minutes per game. He was 16th in the conference in scoring, fourth in free-throw percentage (86.1%), seventh in 3-pointers made (64) and 12th in 3-point percentage (35.8%). Brake scored in double-figures in each of the last eight games and 14 of the last 15. Butler hit the ground running in his first collegiate season. The Reading High School product set a new Kutztown freshman record for points in a season with 510. Butler led KU and was eighth in the PSAC in scoring (18.2 ppg), fourth in 3-point percentage (40.9%), 11th in free-throw percentage (82.2%), 12th in field goal percentage (45.8%) and 15th in minutes per game (33.6). He played in all 28 games and scored in double-figures in 25 of them. In the classroom, Butler was also a member of the Dean's List following the fall semester. Kutztown graduated two seniors including Josh Townsend and Ryan 'Boz' Bernstein. KU will have a large number of returners that made contributions next season.

Kutztown University will have 22 student-athletes representing its women's lacrosse program for the 2020 season. Read the full season preview. Every season under third-year head coach Jackie Stezzi, the Kutztown University women's lacrosse team has had its win total increase. Now in its third season in the regime, the KU program looks to continue to build upon the success and reach even bigger heights during the 2020 campaign. The Golden Bears finished the 2019 season with a 7-9 overall record, with five of those victories coming in conference play. The five Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) victories are the second most in a season in KU history. KU looks to match the program record of six league wins this year. Kutztown opens its regular season Saturday, Feb. 22, at the University of Bridgeport at 1 p.m. The home-opener for KU is slated for Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 4 p.m., against Caldwell University at Keystone Field.

Kutztown University will have 21 student-athletes representing its softball program for the 2020 season. The Golden Bears opened their season with a 4-5 record across their first two tournaments. Head coach Judy Lawes is in her 33rd season at KU, 19 wins shy of 1,000 for her career. KU will next hit the diamond for their spring break trip beginning Saturday, March 7, against Winston-Salem State in Winston-Salem, N.C. The Golden Bears will then play six days in Florida. Softball website

Eight members of the Kutztown University track & field teams earned All-Region recognition across five events, announced Monday from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). It is the second year in the last three that KU sported eight All-Region honorees, while it boasted 10 last year. To earn All-Region honors, an athlete must be one of the top-five individuals in their event in their respective region. In addition, each member of a region's top-three relay teams was also selected for the distinction. The eight regions used in NCAA DII are the Atlantic, Central, East, Midwest, South, South Central, Southeast and West. The KU men are all representatives of field events as both Harley Cheatham and Tommy Oliver from the high jump, Xavier Feliciano in the pole vault and Larry Brown from the weight throw all earned All-Region status. For the women, Ally Tama in the pole vault and Taye Dairo from the high jump are from field events, while Meghan Forsythe in the 400m and Julia Wiemken in the 800m represent the lone track events for KU. At the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships over the weekend, Forsythe, Feliciano and Tama all earned PSAC titles in their respective events. Wiemken posted a new PR of 2:17.62 in the 800m, which ranks seventh all-time in program history. Oliver finished sixth in the heptathlon and tied a personal-best mark of 1.98m (6-6) in the high jump, while Brown placed fourth in the weight throw at 17.55m (57-7). The outdoor season begins for the Golden Bears at the Golden Ram Invitational at the Washington and Lee Carnival in Lexington, Va., Friday, March 20.

Kutztown University will have 26 student-athletes representing its baseball program for the 2020 season. The Golden Bears opened their season last weekend, Feb. 15-16, with a four-game split against Chowan University (NC). The wins gave first-year head coach Eric Folmar his first win as a head man in his collegiate debut as a head coach. Kutztown will next compete Saturday, Feb. 29, at Ohio Dominican for two games beginning at 1 p.m., followed by a game Sunday, March 1, at noon. Baseball website

Kutztown University women's soccer and head coach Erik Burstein have announced rising seniors Savanna Harrison and Sam LaBianca, along with junior Kayla Argen as team captains for the upcoming 2020 season. The trio of Golden Bears are all first-year skippers. Over the last three years, they have helped lead the Golden Bears to a ton of success, including earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament and Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Tournament in two of the last three seasons. KU has played in NCAAs in eight of the last 11 years and has qualified for PSACs in 11 of the last 12 seasons. "The entire coaching staff is very excited to announce that Sav, Sam and Kayla will lead our women's soccer program moving forward," said Burstein. "In the past we have always waited until late spring to announce our team captains, but these three student-athletes are not only ready to take on a leadership role, but their uncompromising commitment to the program, their strong belief in our culture and the standards and expectations they have for themselves and their teammates are exactly what we need this spring, and moving forward." Harrison had a breakout junior season in the midfield last season, seemingly a magnet on the ball on both sides of the field. She played and started in 17 of the 18 games this season as a center midfielder. The Perkasie native may not have the flashy numbers in the statistical categories, but her importance to head coach Erik Burstein and both the KU offense and defense could not be underestimated. Harrison has one goal in her career, tallied last season, and has played in 53 career games. She will be back next year as a senior to help solidify the midfield. Harrison received her first postseason accolade in 2019, earning All-PSAC Second Team recognition. In the classroom, Harrison is a PSAC Scholar-Athlete and a member of the Dean's List. LaBianca made a shift around the field this past season. After predominantly playing in a midfield role her first two seasons in Maroon and Gold, the Beachwood, N.J., native played most of 2020 in the center of the KU defense. LaBianca started a career-high 15 games and played in 17 overall last season, finishing with six shots, three of which were on goal. In the classroom, LaBianca is a PSAC Scholar-Athlete and a member of the Dean's List. Argen once again played a prominent role in the midfield for Kutztown in 2019. She started a career-high 17 games and played in all 18. Argen finished the year with three goals and tied a career-best with five assists for 11 points. Her five assists led the team. In the classroom, Argen is a PSAC Scholar-Athlete and a member of the Dean's List. The Golden Bears finished the 2019 campaign at 11-7 overall and now has won 10 or more games in 18 straight seasons.

The defending co-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division champion Kutztown University women's basketball team is the favorite to repeat in 2019-20, as KU was voted first in the PSAC East Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the conference office Thursday morning. KU had seven-of-nine first place votes. KU will have 14 players on its 2019-20 roster. The Golden Bears finished their historic 2018-19 season at 19-12 overall and 14-6 in the PSAC, winning a share of the PSAC East title, the program's first since 1996. They hosted the PSAC final four for the first time in program history and advanced to its first ever PSAC Championship game. Kutztown will be a deep and experienced team this season, and returns three starters, including All-PSAC East First Teamer Rylee Derr (Lititz, Pa./Warwick) and Second Teamer Karen Lapkiewicz (Southampton, Pa./Saint Basil Academy). Derr scored 526 total points, which ranks second all-time in program history for points in a season, and made a school-record 89 three-pointers last season. Lapkiewicz finished with career-highs of 11.4 ppg and 4.1 rpg in 29.5 minutes per game. Brianna Tarabocchia (Woodcliff Lake, N.J./Northern Valley Regional) is the third starter back, averaging 8.1 ppg and 5.0 rpg in 24.1 minutes per game. Gabbi Wright (Elkins Park, Pa./Cheltenham) and Zoe Zerman (Jonestown, Pa./Northern Lebanon) both played in all 31 games last year and could see more time starting this year. Alexis Smith (Dauphin, Pa./Central Dauphin) played in 27 games in 2018-19 and provides great outside shooting for KU. KU's 253 made 3-pointers were the most in a season. Head coach Janet Malouf, in her 26th season, holds a 372-323 overall record, fourth in PSAC history in career wins. PSAC co-champion Bloomsburg was picked second with two first place votes, followed by Shippensburg in third and West Chester and Millersville tied for fourth. KU begins its season with exhibitions at Division-I Penn State and Iona Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, respectively. The regular season begins Nov. 8-9 with the PSAC/CIAA Conference Challenge at Lincoln University, facing off with the host Lions that Friday and St. Augustine's Saturday. PSAC play then begins Saturday, Nov. 23, at Clarion. Kutztown has its home-opener the following Saturday, Nov. 30, against Penn State Lehigh Valley at 1 p.m. Full Poll Results Women's East 1) Kutztown (7) 2) Bloomsburg (2) 3) Shippensburg T4) West Chester T4) Millersville 6) East Stroudsburg 7) Lock Haven 8) Shepherd 9) Mansfield Women's West 1) IUP (5) 2) Cal U (2) 3) Edinboro (1) 4) Pitt-Johnstown 5) Seton Hill (1) 6) Gannon 7) Slippery Rock 8) Mercyhurst 9) Clarion

The Kutztown University men's basketball team was picked fifth in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division Preseason Coaches' Poll, released by the league office Thursday afternoon. KU will have 16 players on its 2019-2020 roster. The Golden Bears finished last season 16-14 overall, the fifth straight season of at least 16 wins and sixth consecutive season it made the postseason. They have won at least one postseason game each of the last five seasons, advancing to at least the PSAC Quarterfinals each of those seasons. Head coach Bernie Driscoll, in his 20th season, holds a 323-218 (.597) overall record, seventh in PSAC history in career wins. Kutztown returns three starters that started in the two PSAC Tournament games last season, including senior Josh Townsend (Philadelphia, Pa./Imhotep Charter), junior Facundo Arens (Buenos Aires, Argentina/Bahia Blanca) and sophomore Austin Laughlin (Glen Mills, Pa./Garnet Valley). Townsend and redshirt-juniors Moe Williams (Townsend, Del./Life Center Academy) and Tarojae Brake (Coatesville, Pa./Octorara Area (Lock Haven)) were named team captains for the upcoming campaign. Townsend averaged nearly a double-double with career-highs of 10.6 ppg and 8.5 rpg (sixth in PSAC) in 24.0 minutes per game last year. His 256 rebounds this season rank in a tie for seventh all-time in program history for rebounds in season. Arens started in 28-of-30 games, averaging 6.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.0 apg in 27.4 minutes per game, all career-highs. Laughlin ranked second on KU with 27 made three-pointers in his first collegiate season. Williams played in 20 games, missing time due to injury, but still finished the year second on KU scoring 12.0 ppg and led KU at 8.7 rpg in 27.9 minutes per game. The program is also excited about what Brake will bring to the table after sitting out last season following a transfer from Lock Haven. Sophomores Kyree Generett (York, Pa./William Penn), Da'Quan Granberry (Linwood, Pa./Chichester) and Akello Mosby (Philadelphia, Pa./Carver) all appeared in at least 24 games and their experience will once again help the lineup in 2019-20. Defending PSAC East champion East Stroudsburg was tabbed first with four first place votes, followed by Shippensburg with three first place votes. West Chester and Millersville come in at third and fourth respectively, as KU rounds out the top-five. Kutztown begins its regular season in West Chester, with games against Lincoln Friday, Nov. 8, and against Claflin the following day Saturday, in the PSAC/CIAA Challenge. The home-opener is set for Wednesday, Nov. 13, against the University of the Sciences at 7 p.m. PSAC play begins Saturday, Nov. 23, at Clarion. Full Poll Results Men's East (# of 1st place votes) 1) East Stroudsburg (4) 2) Shippensburg (3) 3) West Chester (1) 4) Millersville 5) Kutztown (1) 6) Lock Haven 7) Shepherd 8) Bloomsburg 9) Mansfield Men's West 1) IUP (7) 2) Slippery Rock 3) Pitt-Johnstown (2) 4) Mercyhurst 5) Cal U 6) Gannon T7) Edinboro T7) Seton Hill 9) Clarion

The seventh-ranked Kutztown University field hockey team had three student-athletes selected to the 2019 Victory Sports Tours/NFHCA Division II Senior Game team, and another was named as an alternate, as announced Thursday. Senior midfielders Molly Bobjak and Mackenzie Fuhrman, along with forward Kyra Wozniak earned spots on the roster, while midfielder Gabby Hess is an alternate for the showcase. The three game selections is tied for the most under head coach Marci Scheuing and the four overall are the most. The Senior Game is currently projected to take place Saturday, Nov. 23, at 5 p.m., at Millersville University's Biemesderfer Stadium. The game features the top senior players in the nation. The selected seniors are given the opportunity to represent their institution while competing against their peers. There are 34 field players and four goalies who were tabbed to the game. These four Golden Bear seniors have been instrumental to the program throughout their four years. Over the past four seasons, this group has been a part of three straight seasons posting .500 or better records, totaling 43 victories thus far. They helped KU qualify for the PSAC tournament last season for the first time since 2015. They also have eight wins against nationally-ranked opponents throughout their careers. Bobjak is a two-year team captain. She has played in 55 games, starting 37 in the midfield during her time at KU. Bobjak has one goal and 10 assists thus far throughout her career, including a career-high five assists this season. She is also a member of the Dean's List, the NFHCA National Academic Squad and is a PSAC Scholar-Athlete. Fuhrman has started all 65 games of her career. She has totaled 16 goals and 26 assists, ranking fifth all-time at KU for career assists. Mackenzie is a two-time First-Team NFHCA All-American and All-PSAC. She was voted the 2018 team MVP. In the classroom, Mackenzie is a member of the Dean's List, the NFHCA National Academic Squad and is a PSAC Scholar-Athlete. Wozniak has played in 64 career games, starting 50 of them at forward. She ranks seventh in program history with 46 career goals and reached the century mark with 100 points. She is a two-time Second Team All-American and First Team All-PSAC member. Wozniak is a member of the Dean's List, the NFHCA National Academic Squad and is a PSAC Scholar-Athlete. Hess has played in 45 games, starting the last 31 in the midfield during her four-year career. She has scored two goals and recorded the first assist of her career this season on the game-winning goal over then top-ranked Shippensburg. Kutztown has five regular season games remaining including tonight, Thursday, against third-ranked Millersville at 7 p.m., at Andre Reed Stadium.

Kutztown University will have 17 student-athletes representing its women's bowling team for the 2019-2020 season. KU was ranked seventh in the National Tenpin Coaches Association Division II/III Preseason Poll, which was recently released by the organization. The Golden Bears head into their new season under the direction of first-year head coach Angela Reynolds, who joined the team in August. Kutztown went 74-57 last season with eight wins over teams in the NTCA National Top 25, including four in the top 10. The Maroon and Gold reached the sixth round of the East Coast Conference Championship in March. KU opens the 2019-20 season this coming Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12-13, with the Bud Whitman Memorial at Berks Lanes in Sinking Spring.

Kutztown University will have 16 student-athletes representing its men's and women's tennis teams for the 2019-2020 season. The Golden Bears are set to play at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Individual Championships Oct. 5-7, in Bloomsburg, Pa.

Kutztown University will have 13 student-athletes representing its women's swimming program for the 2019-2020 season. Read the full season preview online. Last season was one of the most successful seasons for the Kutztown University women's swimming team in the last decade. KU is hoping to see similar results this year as it begins competition for the 2019-20 campaign with a home meet today, Thursday, Sept. 19, at 5 p.m. at Keystone Pool against Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) foe Shippensburg. The Golden Bears finished PSACs with 283.5 points and a 10th-place finish, their highest since placing ninth in 2012. The Maroon and Gold also had a strong dual season with an 8-2 record for the program's highest win total since 2010-11 when they went 9-1. "Last year was a pleasant surprise," said head coach Tim Flannery, entering his 24th season at the helm. "I wasn't expecting to go 8-2 [in duals] and beat LIU Post, but we did. It was good from the standpoint that we had a lot of freshmen that came along and continued to get better as the season went on. They moved into bigger roles and will be some of our leaders this year." Kutztown has its earliest meet in over a decade today, Thursday, Sept. 19, when it hosts Shippensburg. But the Golden Bears will be prepared and there are positives to take out of the early start. "This is actually a good thing for us," Flannery said. "It helps us to be able to get into the water and practice earlier. It will give me a better look at the team altogether and give us time to put together our lineup." Kutztown will have three straight meets on the road following Shippensburg, and won't return to Keystone Pool until Saturday, Nov. 9, when it will have back-to-back home meets on consecutive weekends. Senior day is set for Saturday, Jan. 25, at home against Lock Haven.

Kutztown University will have 19 student-athletes representing its women's volleyball program for the 2019 season. Read the full season preview online Bolstered by the return of its leading offensive and defensive pieces, and its starting setter, the Kutztown University women's volleyball team is optimistic about taking steps forward to compete atop its new division in 2019. A shift to the Central Division of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference has the Golden Bears poised to take aim at favorite East Stroudsburg and head coach John Gump, now in his 23rd season at KU, is intrigued by the familiar faces in place to try and make it happen. With no seniors and seasoned underclassmen returning, Gump recognizes the upside of that experience. "A majority of our returnees played in meaningful matches last year and that should help a lot," said Gump. "When you're coming in, we can talk all we want about what to expect, but until you experience the speed, size and athleticism at this level it's a bit of an unknown. Nothing can replicate that." Kutztown began its season at Shippensburg University Sept. 6-7, and continues this weekend, Sept. 13-14, hosting the Kutztown Classic tournament.