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Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education this morning named Clarion University of Pennsylvania President Karen M. Whitney its interim chancellor. Click here to read APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth M. Mash’s statement.

West Chester University baseball coach Jad Prachniak, right, said he is thankful for the opportunity to be a member of APSCUF.
Photo courtesy of West Chester University

How do you win NCAA Division II national championships twice in six seasons?

Coach Jad Prachniak would be someone to ask: He led West Chester University’s baseball team to this accomplishment in June.

Consistency was key, and the team focused on one day at a time, Prachniak said.

“We just have to play better than the other team on that day,” he said.

In 2012, Prachniak coached his team to win the national championship, a special first season for him with the West Chester Golden Rams. Previously, he was an assistant coach at the College of William & Mary in Virginia.

While both wins were great accomplishments, Prachniak said, they feel different.

“The years in between gave me a new appreciation for this championship,” he said, adding he is proud of both teams for dealing with the adverse situations that come up throughout the game.

The best feeling about the championship wasn’t just the win itself, Prachniak said.

“(It was) knowing every member of the team played a role in winning; it wasn’t just the starting lineup that got us there,” he said. “It was a great team to work with.”

Prachniak’s favorite part of his job is the day-to-day interaction with the athletes, he said. The talented players remain focused in a conference Prachniak described as competitive with very good teams.

Prachniak said he is thankful for the opportunity to be a member of APSCUF. Being in a union as a coach is a special setup — one that is helpful and important to him, he said.

“Working in college athletics often creates a unique support system naturally, with coaches and support staff working towards common goals together,” Prachniak said. “Being a member of APSCUF takes that support system to a higher level. The collaboration of APSCUF puts us in a better position to provide positive learning experiences for our student-athletes.”

—Lindsey Newton
APSCUF intern

We’ve read the full NCHEMS report, and we are ready to work together to provide a high-quality university education at an affordable cost. Click here to read APSCUF’s complete response.

The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems this afternoon released its full report of its review of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. Click here to download a PDF file of the report.

Photo/Wjmoore17 at English Wikipedia

California University of Pennsylvania today withdrew its letter of intent for retrenchment. Click here to read APSCUF’s release.