CCAC Wild Cats Athletics: A Legacy of Excellence in 2023-2024 and a Bold Vision for 2025-2026

The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) Wild Cats have roared with pride, embodying the spirit of competition, academic excellence, and community connection in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 20, Division III, and the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC). As we celebrate the triumphs of the 2023-2024 season, reflect on the ongoing 2024-2025 campaign, and set our sights on the 2025-2026 season, we invite our fans, students, and the Pittsburgh community to join us in this exciting journey. The Wild Cats are not just a team—they’re a family, and we’re ready to make history!

2023-2024: A Season of Triumph and Transformation

The 2023-2024 season was a defining chapter for CCAC Athletics, with 96 student-athletes across seven sports showcasing unparalleled dedication and talent. Here’s how our Wild Cats left their mark:

• Men’s Basketball: The Wild Cats clinched the WPCC Championship and fought valiantly as Region 20 Runner-Up. Standout performers Daniel Smith, Isaiah Wilson, and Nick Delgratta earned WPCC All-Conference honors, with Nick Delgratta also securing NJCAA Region 20 DIII 1st Team and All-Tournament Team accolades. Dual-sport athlete Demetrious Epps (basketball and cross country) was named Male Student-Athlete of the Year with a stellar 3.46 GPA and received the Service and Dedication Award from Student Life and Engagement. Coach Anthony Allen was honored as the 2023-24 WPCC Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year for his leadership.

• Bowling: Our men’s and women’s bowling teams dominated, sweeping both the WPCC and Region 20 Championships and finishing an impressive 14th in the nation at the NJCAA National Tournament. Jason Triscila and Corey Michalek shone on the national stage, with WPCC All-Conference honors awarded to Jason Triscila, Nick Johnson, Nick Horgan, and Corey Michalek (men), and Aja Morrant-Smith and Ashley Pfeffercorn (women). Aja Morrant-Smith was named Female Student-Athlete of the Year, and Coach Jeff Leya earned the 2023-24 WPCC Bowling Coach of the Year award.

• Baseball: The Wild Cats captured the Region 20 Championship, showcasing their prowess, though they finished as District Runner-Up in a hard-fought battle.

• Volleyball: The women’s team surged to WPCC Runner-Up, with Beacky George, Taylor Bumbaugh, and Lauren Grenesko earning WPCC All-Conference honors for their dynamic play on the court at Boyce Campus.

• Cross Country: Seven athletes competed in regional meets, embodying resilience and representing CCAC with pride in NJCAA Region 20.

• Golf: Competing at North Park Golf Course, our golf team delivered steady performances in NJCAA Region 20, Division III, contributing to the program’s growth.

• Club Soccer: In partnership with Open Field, our club soccer program supported 22 players, fostering inclusion and opportunity for young immigrant and refugee communities in Allegheny County.

• Academic Excellence: CCAC Athletics achieved a remarkable 96% retention rate from fall 2023 to spring 2024, with 88 of 96 athletes continuing their studies. Graduates transferred to top-tier schools, including Fairleigh Dickinson, Robert Morris, Point Park, Pitt, IUP, La Roche, Southern Illinois, Penn State, TSU, Chatham University, and Bethany College, proving our commitment to academic success.

• Community Impact: Our partnerships with organizations like Western PA Bruins, Imani Christian Academy, Allegheny Volleyball Club, and 29 Allegheny County school districts strengthened our community ties. The fall 2023 unveiling of the endowed scholarship and memorial bust for former Head Coach Bill Shay, attended by Arkansas University Head Coach John Calipari, was a highlight of our commitment to legacy and community.

• Marketing Milestones: We livestreamed all home volleyball and men’s basketball games, introduced live stats for select basketball games, and boosted our social media audience by 64%. New apparel, facility upgrades (including rugs, wall decals, and weight room enhancements), and the athletics website (www.ccacwildcats.com) elevated our program’s visibility.

2024-2025: Building on the Momentum

The 2024-2025 season has seen the Wild Cats continue their pursuit of excellence. Our men’s basketball team battled fiercely but fell to Penn Highlands in the Region 20 Championship. Daniel Smith earned WPCC 1st Team honors for the second consecutive year, alongside NJCAA Region 20 All-Tournament and 1st Team All-Region recognition. First-year Wild Cats Zion McQueen and Demetri Fritch made an immediate impact, securing WPCC All-Conference honors. In bowling, our teams once again qualified for nationals, with Jason Triscila leading the charge by winning 1st place in both WPCC and Region 20, and finishing 32nd at the NJCAA National Tournament. These achievements fuel our drive for the upcoming season.

2025-2026: A Vision for Greatness

As we charge into the 2025-2026 season, the CCAC Wild Cats are ready to redefine what’s possible. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

• Championship Aspirations: Our basketball, bowling, baseball, volleyball, cross country, and golf teams are laser-focused on capturing WPCC and Region 20 titles. Men’s basketball is determined to reclaim the Region 20 crown, while bowling aims to break into the top 10 at nationals. With returning stars and new recruits, we’re poised for deep postseason runs and national recognition.

• Program Expansion: With 96 athletes in 2023-2024, we’re nearing maximum roster sizes. By 2027, we plan to introduce men’s and women’s varsity soccer (44 athletes), pushing us toward our goal of 125 student-athletes. This growth will solidify CCAC’s standing in NJCAA competition.

• NJCAA Division II Exploration: Backed by the Bill Shay Endowed Scholarship, we’re exploring a potential move to NJCAA Division II to compete at a higher level, addressing the uncertain future of DIII schools in our region. This transition would elevate our program’s profile and opportunities.

• Academic and Leadership Excellence: Our commitment to student-athlete success remains unwavering. We aim to maintain our near-100% retention rate, support transfers to four-year institutions, and foster leadership through mentorship and community involvement.

• Community and Fan Engagement: Expect bigger and better community initiatives, including a December 2025 high school basketball showcase with WPIAL and DC-area schools, youth clinics, and partnerships with organizations like Steelcity Outlaws AAU, South Hills Middle School League, and Top Hat Winterguard. Enhanced livestreaming, live stats for volleyball and basketball, and upgraded facilities at Allegheny, Boyce, and North Campuses will bring fans closer to the action.

• Campus Pride: Each sport leverages our campus locations—Allegheny for basketball, Boyce for volleyball, North Park for golf, and Coral Lanes for bowling—to promote not just our teams but the unique identity of each campus. Our eSports program, with state-of-the-art lounges at North (Room 1136) and South (Room A406) Campuses, will continue to compete nationally in Rocket League and Overwatch 2.

Be Part of the Wild Cats Legacy

The 2025-2026 season is our chance to write the next chapter in CCAC Athletics history. Whether you’re a student dreaming of competing, a fan cheering from the stands, or a community member rallying behind our mission, you’re part of the Wild Cats family. Visit www.ccacwildcats.com for game schedules, athlete spotlights, and live updates. Want to join the team? Fill out our Athletic Interest form to learn how you can compete with the Wild Cats in NJCAA Region 20, Division III, or WPCC.

Thank you for fueling our fire and supporting CCAC Athletics. Together, let’s make 2025-2026 a season of unforgettable victories, unbreakable bonds, and unstoppable spirit!

Go Wild Cats!