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    Two DII leagues to hold baseball tourneys at historic site

    Aug 6, 2010 8:25:26 AM


    The NCAA News

     

    Point Stadium in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, will play host to top-notch NCAA Division II baseball for the next four springs as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference have reached agreements to hold championships at "The Point."

    The 2011 and 2013 PSAC baseball tournaments are set for Johnstown, while the WVIAC will contest its 2012 and 2014 hardball championships at historic Point Stadium.

    Point Stadium has hosted stars such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Jackie Robinson in the ballpark's long history. It has also served as the host of the All-American Amateur Baseball Association's national tournament for more than 60 seasons. 

    The unique facility is considered one of the top baseball facilities in the East and is highlighted by a 30-foot-high left field wall that has been likened to Fenway Park's Green Monster. An $11 million renovation completed in 2006 brought a new artificial turf playing surface, new seating areas and electrical upgrades.  

    The stadium was built in 1926 and holds about 7,500 fans.

    Both the PSAC and WVIAC held their 2010 championships at Point Stadium. California (Pennsylvania) won the PSAC title a week before Seton Hill claimed the WVIAC crown.  

    Logistical and scheduling concerns made holding both events during the same year at Point Stadium difficult in future seasons and led to the unique three-way agreement among the city of Johnstown and the two conferences.  

    "This is a great chance for all of us involved to work together for the best interest of both leagues and the three championship sites," said PSAC Commissioner Steve Murray. "We are pleased the two leagues could cooperate in this agreement."

    WVIAC Commissioner Barry Blizzard said, "Johnstown has been a wonderful host over the past three years and we're glad to reach this agreement. I appreciate the cooperation from the city and Steve Murray that made this possible. This will be a win for each of us."