Legendary Pitt-Johnstown wrestling coach and athletic director Pat Pecora and Pitt-Johnstown Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Ray Wrabley were honored on Wednesday by being named "Distinguished Keynotes" as the part of the PSAC's 75th Anniversary celebration. The Distinguished Keynotes are Individuals that have been historically influential in the PSAC, whether it be staff, coaches, or administrators.
Throughout September, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference celebrated its 75th anniversary season and honored 300 of its most prominent contributors. Four groups of honorees, with 75 in each group, were honored. The groups include: "Made in the PSAC" (released Sept. 3) , "75 Greatest Female Athletes," (released Sept. 10), "75 Greatest Male Athletes," (released Sept. 17) and "Distinguished Keynotes" (release date Sept. 24).
"Every great structure relies on keystones, which are essential elements that hold everything together," said Steve Murray, PSAC Commissioner. "The individuals we recognize as our Distinguished Keystones have been just that: the steady hands, bold voices, and visionary leaders who helped shape the foundation of our conference. They may or may not have worn a uniform, but their fingerprints are all over our history. Their legacy reminds us that success isn't only measured in points or trophies but in leadership, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to something greater than oneself."
"For 75 years, the PSAC has been more than a conference--it's been a proving ground for excellence, leadership, and lifelong impact," said PSAC Commissioner Steve Murray. "The 'Made in the PSAC' honorees reflect the very best of what our institutions represent. Their achievements stand as a testament to the transformative power of Division II athletics and the values that define the PSAC: integrity, resilience, and a commitment to something greater than oneself."
Pat Pecora – Pitt-Johnstown, Wrestling Coach, 1976-24
Winningest coach in college wrestling history; all-time leader in dual meet victories with 661; 4-time National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Coach of the Year; led team to NCAA Division II National Championships in 1996 and 1999; 25 NCAA Regional Championships; inducted into nine Halls of Fame
Dr. Ray Wrabley - Pitt-Johnstown, Faculty Athletics Representative
Longtime Faculty Athletics Representative at Pitt-Johnstown; instrumental in serving on Conference's first Social Justice Taskforce and supporting student-athlete centered programming across the league
The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference is celebrating its 75th anniversary season in 2025-26 and honored 300 of its most prominent contributors throughout the month of September. Four groups of honorees, with 75 in each group, have been honored. The groups include: "Made in the PSAC,", "75 Greatest Female Athletes," (release date Sept. 10), "75 Greatest Male Athletes," (release date Sept. 17) and "Distinguished Keynotes" (release date Sept. 24). All 300 honorees were selected through a process that included nominations from institutions and selections by committee.
The committee was comprised of institutional and PSAC staff.The PSAC was founded on March 11, 1951, and comprised 14 institutions as the Pennsylvania State Teachers College Athletic Conference (PSTCAC). Since then, it has grown into one of the largest conferences in the NCAA across all three divisions.
