Pennsylvania State University. Intercollegiate Athletics

The Penn State women's track and field team was organized in 1974, and competed in indoor and outdoor events sponsored by the AIAW in the Eastern Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, which merged with the Eastern College Athletic Conference in 1983. The squad won numerous individual and team titles. Penn State has competed in NCAA events since 1981, and in the Big Ten since 1992, winning several conference team titles and numerous individual accolades. Under head coach Beth Alford-Sullivan, they have become a consistent top-25 program.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Women's Track and Field records, 1974-2009. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 754956263

The Penn State Men's Tennis program has participated in competition since the year 1890, when it was called "Lawn Tennis" and competition was only singles with team members alternating for each set of the game. When the program expanded, in 1935 Dorothy "Dot" Anderson was the first woman to compete. Since there wasn't a women's team, she competed with the men. Starting in the 1950s, the schedule for men's tennis became more demanding with increased competition. From 1977-1979, Penn State sports programs competed in the Eastern 8, and from 1982-1991 in the Atlantic 10. Since 1991, Penn State has been a member of the Big Ten Conference, enjoying improved competition and consistent rivalries. The Penn State Men's Tennis team competes at the Sarni Tennis Center with seating for 1,000 spectators.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Men's Tennis records, 1949-2007. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 696007852

Penn State's women's intercollegiate soccer team began as a club sport in 1979, moving to the Big Ten in 1994, the first year the conference sponsored women's soccer. Penn State quickly dominated the conference, winning 13 consecutive Big Ten regular season championships and five conference tournament titles. The squad finished in the top ten nationally each season between 1998 and 2006.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Women's Soccer records, 1962-2008. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 754654969

The Penn State riflery team had a coach as early as 1927; the women's varsity rifle team (1965-1974) was merged to form the co-ed varsity rifle team (1975-1982); the coed team was cut in 1982 due to budget constraints.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Riflery records, 1965-1982. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 755803814

The Penn State men's volleyball club team became a varsity sport in 1977 under coach Tom Tait, and joined the Eastern Collegiate Volleyball League, which became the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association in 1985. The Big Ten does not sponsor men's volleyball, so Penn State has remained in the EIVA, dominating the league with 26 championships, and has developed into a national power. Penn State shocked the volleyball world in 1994, becoming the first non-California school to win the NCAA championship, and added a second national title in 2008.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Men's Volleyball records, 1975-2009. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 755797516

The Pennsylvania State University Women's Cross Country team was organized in1974; joined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in 1980, and was a member of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) which administered national championships for women's sports. The team first competed in 1974 under women's track coach Chris Brooks; in its second year, the team placed second at the AIAW National Championship. It won the 2009-2010 Big Ten Conference Championship. Ten different women team members received All-American awards, inicluding Kim McGreevy, two time All-American Stacey Prey, and four time All-American Kathy Mill who won the Broderick award in 1977 and 1978, and finished first at the AIAW National Championship in 1977.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Women's Cross Country records, 1974-2007. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 671388770

Penn State's women's intercollegiate softball began in 1965, and competed in the Eastern Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women until 1983. The team played in the Atlantic 10 between 1983 and 1992, winning conference championships in 1983, 1985, and 1988, and moved to the Big Ten in 1992. Under coach Robin Petrini since 1997, they have become regular participants in both the Big Ten and NCAA post-season tournaments.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Softball records, 1964-2009. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 754657328

Intercollegiate track and field competition began as early as 1894 and 1895 when Penn State hosted the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of Pennsylvania meet at Beaver Field. They have regularly participated in such competitions as the IC4A, the Penn Relays, the Championships of America, and both regional and national NCAA events, winning numerous individual and team titles, and sending 27 athletes to the Olympic Games. They have competed in the Big Ten Conference since 1992.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Men's Track and Field records, 1894-2009. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 755925843

Penn State held its first cross country meet in 1912. They have regularly competed in such events as the Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America (IC4A), the Central Collegiate Conference, the Penn Relays, and the Championship of America Relays, winning numerous team and individual honors. The squad won NCAA Championships in 1942, 1947, and 1950. The joined the Big Ten Conference for the 1992 season.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Men's Cross Country records, 1951-2006. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 756048939

The Penn State's men's intercollegiate swimming and diving team first competed between 1936-1944, and then again from 1947-1951. The squad was re-established for the 1967-1968 season, competing in the Eastern and Eastern Seaboard Divisions, and belonged to the Atlantic 10 Conference from 1982-1987. The team has been part of the Big 10 Conference since 1991, producing 15 individual Big 10 champions, and winning the 1999 Big Ten Team Championship. They've competed regularly at nationals, including 2002 individual champion Patrick Schirk.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Men's Swimming and Diving records, 1938-2009. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 756507858

The women's varsity tennis team began in 1964. Before that Dorothy Anderson was Penn State's first and only woman to play on the men's varsity team (1935). The women's varsity team was part of the Eastern Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, and joined the Atlantic 10 conference of the NCAA Division I in 1983, winning 8 conference championships. The team moved to the Big Ten for the 1991-1992 season.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Women's Tennis records, 1964-2009. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 754848162

Penn State's intercollegiate soccer program began in 1911. Before 1959, when the NCAA began sponsoring the men's soccer championship, the team competed with the Intercollegiate Soccer Football Association, winning or sharing 11 national championships. The squad competed in the Atlantic 10 Conference in 1988-1990, winning conference championships in 1988 and 1989. Since 1991, they have been part of the Big Ten Conference, winning conference championships in 1993, 2002, and 2005. Former coaches Bill Jeffrey and Walter Bahr have both been elected to the NSCAA Hall of Fame.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Men's Soccer records, 1948-2008. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 754651725

Penn State played their first men's intercollegiate basketball game in 1897, and the program was encouraged to grow when a permanent coach was hired in 1916. The team competed in the Eastern Intercollegiate Conference from 1936-1939, the Eastern Collegiate Basketball League in 1977, the Eastern 8 in 1978-1979, and the Atlantic 10 from 1982-1991, before finding a home in the Big Ten Conference starting with the 1992-93 season. Since moving to the Bryce Jordan Center in 1996, the program has shown steady improvement, culminating in a National Invitation Tournament Championship in 2009.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Men's Basketball records, 1906-2009. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 756776011

Penn State first fielded a men's gymnastics team in 1931. Gene Wettstone coached from 1939 to 1976 and built the squad into a national power; the traditional was continued by coaches Karle Schier, 1977-1991, and Randy Jepson, 1996-present. The team has won 12 NCAA Team Titles and crowned 51 individual national champions, both records. Competing in the Big 10 since 1992, the squad has added two Big Ten Conference titles to their many team and individual honors.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Men's Gymnastics records, 1948-2009. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 756844675

The women's volleyball club team became a varsity team in 1976 under men's head coach Tom Tait, participating in the Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Association for Women. In 1979, Russ Rose took over as coach, and the program came into its own. As members of the Atlantic 10 Conference between 1983 and 1990, the squad won all 8 Conference championships and never lost a Conference match. Since joining the Big Ten in 1991, they have won 14 Conference titles and numerous individual awards. The team has won 5 NCAA championships, including 4 consecutive titles between 2007 and 2010. Their unprecedented 109-match winning streak during their championship run is unmatched by any women's college team in any sport.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Women's Volleyball records, 1974-2009. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 754958098

Penn State first fielded a fencing team between 1926 and 1951. The sport was launched again in 1962, and began a stellar rise under Coach 'Mac' Garret (1962-1982) and Coach Emmanuel Kaidanov (1982- ). Since the NCAA began sponsoring combined men's and women's championships in 1990, Penn State has won 12 team titles and finished second 8 times, while winning numerous individual events. Penn State has a strong international presence, as Nittany Lion fencers have gone on to compete at the Olympics and other international competitions.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Fencing records, 1934-2009. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 757371703

Penn State organized its first intercollegiate lacrosse team in 1913. Coach Glenn "Nick" Thiel was twice honored as the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association "Man of the Year."

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Men's Lacrosse records, 1948-2009. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 753705592

Women's intercollegiate golf began in 1962, the year Penn State began its women's varsity athletics program. The team competed in the Eastern Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women until 1983 as well as the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women from 1971 to 1992 when Penn State joined the Big Ten.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Women's Golf records, 1963-2010. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 753711878

Mimi Ryan initiated intercollegiate bowling matches in 1967 and the Penn State varsity bowling men's team and women's team began in 1968. Margot Belden led the men's and women's team to 30 wins and 3 losses (1972-1976). The sport was dropped at the varsity level in 1982.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Bowling records, 1966-1985. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 756044007

Penn State's intercollegiate football team began competition in in 1887, and hired Coach George Hoskins in 1892. Penn State competed as an independent before joining the Big Ten in 1993. They were invited to their first bowl game in 1922 under Coach Hugo Bezdek, and came to national prominence in the 1950s and 60s under Coach Rip Engle. Joe Paterno took over as coach in 1966, and guided the Nittany Lions to the most wins by any coach in Division I history, as well as the most bowl appearances, and most bowl wins. Under Coach Paterno, the squad has won two consensus national championships, in 1982 and 1986, three Big Ten titles, and completed 5 undefeated seasons. In 2007, Coach Paterno joined previous coaches Dick Harlow, Hugo Bezdek, and Bob Higgins in the College Football Hall of Fame. On 22 November 2008, Penn State became the 6th Division I program to win 800 games.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Football records, 1881-2010. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 755768931

Penn State held its first intercollegiate boxing meet in 1919. Coach Leo Houck led Penn State's team in a classic rivalry with Navy for 27 years, winning unofficial National Championships in 1924, 1927, 1929, and 1930, and the very first NCAA-sanctioned title in 1932. Coach Houck died in 1949, and declining interest in boxing as an intercollegiate sport preceded the program being dropped in 1954.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Boxing records, 1945-1977. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 756044030

Penn State first sponsored intercollegiate wrestling in 1909. In their long and storied history, Penn State has had 12 head coaches, endured only 10 losing seasons, and are one of only 9 programs with more than 800 dual meet wins. Penn State competed in the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association between 1918 and 1974, and was a founding member of the Eastern Wrestling League in 1976, winning 14 of 18 team titles before joining the Big Ten Conference for the 1992-1993 season. The squad won NCAA national championships in 1953 and 2011, and has earned numerous individual accolades.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Wrestling records, 1909-2009. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 755017230

Penn State women's varsity gymnastics program began in 1962, with intercollegiate competition in 1967. Penn State quickly dominated the Eastern Region of the NCAA, placing 1st 16 times, and went on to win AIAW national championships in 1978 and 1980. Competing in the Atlantic 10 between 1983-1991, the squad won every conference championship; they entered the Big Ten in 1992.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Women's Gymnastics records, 1952-2010. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 757379487

Penn State initiated women's intercollegiate sports in 1964. The women's lacrosse team first competed in 1965, and won the United States Women's Lacrosse Association national championship in 1978, 1979 and 1980 under coach Gillian Rattray (1974-1985). The sport shifted to the AIAW for 1981-1982, and then to the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 1983. Penn State won the NCAA national championship in 1987 and 1989 under coach Susan Delaney-Scheetz. The team competed in the Eastern College Athletic Conference until 1998 and joined the American Lacrosse Conference in 2002.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Women's Lacrosse records, 1964-2008. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 753988404

In 1940, The Pennsylvania State College entered into an agreement with State and Federal agencies to use land that was under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service. The College wanted to construct buildings and develop roads for the College's educational programs. In 1954, the Federal government deeded the land over to the University, and in 1957 a Stone Valley Management Committee initiated plans to construct a dam across Shaver's Creek. With the completion of the dam in 1960, and the allocation of 574 acres of land in the Stone Valley Tract for recreational development, the Stone Valley Recreation Area was initiated. A year later, the Department of Civil Engineering, School of Forestry, and Department of Geology transferred their control of the facilities to the college of Health and Physical Education, now the College of Health and Human Development. Stone Valley is administered by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Stone Valley Recreation Area records, 1961-1984. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 252831522

R.B. "Pop" Rutherford, Sr., developed the first golf course at Penn State in 1920 and coached its varsity men's golf team from 1922 through 1949, winning the Eastern Intercollegiate Golf Association Championship in 1948. R.B. Rutherford, Jr., took over from 1950-1956 and led Penn State to a 50-13 record, followed by coach Joe Boyle, who compiled a 197-38-1 record between 1957 and 1982, including 7 EIGA Championships. Overall, Penn State has won 16 ECAC Championships and 5 Atlantic-10 championships. The squad began competing in the Big Ten in 1992.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Men's Golf records, 1945-2009. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 753978732

Athletics at Penn State were first organized in 1888 under the Athletic Association. In 1931, administration was transferred to the Department of Physical Education and Athletics, which became the College of Health and Physical Education (HPE) in 1953 and Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1970. In 1976 the Director of Athletics reported jointly to HPE and the Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations (SVPFO). In 1981, Intercollegiate Athletics reported only to SVPFO .

From the description of Pennsylvania State University Intercollegiate Athletics records, 1896-2007. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 250610687

The first organized Penn State baseball team played in 1875; the team was established in 1893, and a permanent coach hired in 1903. Competing independently for most of the century, Penn State took part in the Atlantic 10 Conference between 1983 and 1991, and joined the Big Ten in 1992. The squad has appeared in 19 NCAA tourrnaments and 5 College World Series, and were Big Ten Conference champions in 1996.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Baseball records, 1906-2009 ( bulk 1949-2009). (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 755929065

The Penn State women's intercollegiate swimming and diving team was first active in 1962, with their first official competition in 1969. Coach Ellen Perry led the squad to a 103-26 record between 1969 and 1981 as part of the Eastern Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. In 1983, they participated in the NCAA Eastern Division and the Eastern Women's Swimming League, and joined the Big Ten for the 1991-1992 season. The squad has produced 37 individual Big Ten champions, three Big Ten team championships, and two-time Olympic Bronze Medal winner Mary Ellen Clark.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Women's Swimming and Diving records, 1964-2008. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 754847759

The Penn State Lady Lions basketball team first played in 1965, and the program took off in the 1970s under head coach Pat Meiser. Rene Portland arrived in 1980, and made Penn State a national power; Coquese Washington took over for the 2007-2008 season. Penn State competed in the Atlantic 10 Conference from 1983-1991, winning 6 conference tournament championships; they joined the Big Ten for the 1992-93 season, and have won 5 regular-season conference championships and 2 tournament titles. They are one of 13 programs to have won more than 800 games, and have more NCAA tournament appearances than any other Big 10 team.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Women's Basketball records, 1964-2011. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 756864179

Penn State began women's varsity athletics in 1964. In 1974, Gillian Rattray became field hockey coach, and was succeeded in 1987 by her former player, Charlene Morett. Both led the Lady Lions to national titles. The team joined the Big Ten in 1992.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Field Hockey records, 1964-2008. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 753701266

Penn State University's women's varsity fencing team got its start in 1965 under coach Barbara Hoepner, who handed the team to Melva Irvin in 1968. Beth Alphin took up the team in 1969, and coached it for 26 years, for a 249-31-1 record. Under Alphin's supervision, the team rose to the highest national ratings it had ever achieved. A number of national and Olympic-level athletes were coached by Alphin, most notably two-time Olympian and 1983 NCAA individual champion Jana Angelakis. Following Alphin's retirement in 1985, the men's fencing coach, Emmanuil Kaidanov, became coach of both the men's and women's teams with Assistant Coach Wes Glon. The two coaches kept the Penn State fencing teams national powerhouses, winning 12 national championships between 1990, when a combined men's and women's title was first handed out, and 2009. The women's fencing team continues to attract international-level fencers and Olympians such as Olga Kalinovskaya and Doris Willette.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University women's fencing records, 1963-2000. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 678013033

Calls for an ice hockey team appeared in 1911, and a rink large enough for regulation hockey was constructed in 1927. Although classes competed, 1940 was the first year an intercollegiate season was played, competing at the Division I level until the team was disbanded after the 1945-1946 season. A varsity club team, the "Icers," was organized in 1971, and the team joined the American Collegiate Hockey Association. Since 1971, the Icers travelled to Europe (1975-1976) and won seven ACHA national championships. In 2010 construction of a hockey arena was announced, after which the men's ice hockey team will again compete at the NCAA Division I level. A Big 10 Men's Hockey Conference is planned for the 2013-2014 season.

From the description of Pennsylvania State University, Intercollegiate Athletics, Men's Ice Hockey records, 1940-2005 bulk (1973-2005). (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 753974547