Bloomsburg, Mansfield and Lock Haven universities may be integrating into one umbrella school, but their sports programs will remain separate.
The NCAA this week approved a plan, submitted by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, to allow each school to maintain their own athletic programs as they are now, even after the schools join under the banner of Commonwealth University on July 1, 2022.
Bloomsburg University Director of Athletics Michael McFarland said he felt validated by the NCAA’s decision.
"I felt very positive and very pleased about the direction we are heading with this integrated state," he said. "And very pleased that the NCAA agreed to the information we provided to say, yes, you are doing what is needed to remain three separate athletic departments. "
Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield are part of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and compete primarily at the NCAA Division II level.
Bloomsburg sponsors 23 varsity athletic programs including an NCAA Division I men's wrestling program that competes in the Mid-American Conference.
Lock Haven sponsors 21 varsity athletic programs including Division I men's wrestling and field hockey. The men's wrestling program is an affiliate member of the MAC and the field hockey team competes in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Mansfield sponsors 13 varsity athletic programs including sprint football, which is a member of the Collegiate Sprint Football League.
Each school will also maintain its existing name, colors and logos after integration. McFarland said this will help Bloomsburg maintain its place in the community.
"To ensure for our current students, our prospective students and our very proud and strong alumni that the Bloomsburg name, the Huskies brand would remain the same," he said.
