LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference continued its 75th anniversary celebration Wednesday by recognizing its 75 Greatest Male Athletes, of which five are Millersville University alumni: John Parker '57 (men's basketball), Walter Kottmeyer '62 (wrestling), Phil Walker '77 (men's basketball), and Chas McCormick '17 (baseball).
"The legacy of the PSAC has been built on the backs of remarkable student-athletes whose impact transcends box scores and record books," said Steve Murray, PSAC Commissioner. "Honoring the 75 greatest male athletes in our history is more than a celebration of talent. It's a tribute to the character, discipline, and competitive spirit that define our conference. These men didn't just compete in the PSAC—they helped shape its identity."
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.
The 75th anniversary celebration continues with the release of the 75 Distinguished Keystones on September 24.
MILLERSVILLE'S HONOREES
John Parker '57
A trailblazer in basketball and the first Millersville athlete to have his jersey officially retired by the University, John Parker led Millersville to four consecutive "Saylor System" PSAC titles while setting conference records for scoring (1,748 points) and rebounds (1,587). Parker, a three-time All-PSAC First Team selection, also set the PSAC's single-game records for points (54) and rebounds (32), and single-season record for rebounds (483). His career rebounds record still ranks first.
Walter Kottmeyer '62
Kottmeyer, a 2002 Millersville Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, won three PSAC Championships while wrestling at 167 and 157 pounds. He compiled a dominant 40-1-2 dual meet record, won the 1962 NAIA Championship and won 4-I titles in 1958 and 1962.
Phil Walker '77
Walker graduated as the most prolific scorer in the history of the PSAC, totaling 2,261 points in his career. He was a four-time All-PSAC East First Team selection and an NAIA All-America First Team pick in 1977. Walker was drafted by the Washington Bullets in the second round of the 1977 draft and won an NBA Championship in 1978.
Chas McCormick '17
McCormick, the 2017 PSAC East Baseball Athlete of the Year, set the PSAC hits record and still ranks in the top 10 in career runs, RBIs, doubles, steals and walks. He was a rare four-time All-PSAC East First Team selection. McCormick, drafted by the Houston Astros, went on to win a World Series ring with the team in 2022.
Click here for a complete list of the PSAC's 75 Greatest Male Athletes.
