LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference's 75th anniversary celebration continued with the recognition of 75 Distinguished Keystones, four of which have ties to Millersville University: Dr. Daniel Biemesderfer (former president), Dr. Gene Carpenter (football coach/athletic director), Marge Trout (athletic director), and Scott Vandegrift (golf coach).
The PSAC's 75 Distinguished Keystones recognize individuals who have been historically influential in the PSAC. In previous weeks, the conference celebrated 75 "Made in the PSAC," its 75 Greatest Female Athletes, and 75 Greatest Male Athletes.
"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."
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.
MILLERSVILLE'S HONOREES
Dr. Daniel Biemesderfer
Dr. Daniel Biemesderfer served as the ninth president of Millersville University and was an instrumental leader of the State Teacher's College Presidents' Board in the creation of the PSAC. Millersville's Biemesderfer Stadium, where the football, field hockey, lacrosse and track and field teams compete, is named in his honor.
Dr. Gene Carpenter
A legendary football coach, Carpenter won 220 games and 10 PSAC East titles from 1970-2000. He served as the director of men's athletics from 1981-97. Carpenter was elected to the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
Marge Trout
A trailblazer as the director of women's athletics, Marge Trout was instrumental in expanding women's sports opportunities. She added six women's teams at Millersville, and she was the first female president of the PSAC—a position she held three times.
Scott Vandegrift
Vandegtift has led the Millersville men's golf program for nearly four decades and has guided the women's program since its inception. A four-time men's Coach of the Year and the 2015 women's golf Coach of the Year, Vandegrift led his programs to a combined five PSAC Championships. He is one of just three Division II coaches to win the GCAA Labron Harris Sr. Award and is a member of the West Chester Athletics Hall of Fame.
Click here for a complete list of the PSAC's 75 Distinguished Keystones.
