Mar 3, 2010 8:25:37 AM

Penn State Behrend's longtime club program in men's volleyball will gain varsity status next year, making it the school's 22nd sport.

The move comes as momentum continues to build toward establishing a Division III Men's Volleyball Championship. More than 50 institutions in the division now sponsor the sport.

The Division III membership could consider a proposal at the 2011 NCAA Convention to approve the championship, and competition could begin in the spring 2012 season.

"We have maintained a club program for over 25 years and know now is the time to take our club program to the varsity level," said Brian Streeter, director of athletics, who added that current women's coach Phil Pisano also will coach the men's team.

"Men's volleyball will now have the opportunity to join the other highly successful teams here at Behrend, and the addition of the program will help to continue to grow the sport on the men's side," Pisano said. "I'm excited for the challenge of getting this group to be competitive and successful as quickly as possible."

Pisano has coached the women's team to a 137-59 record through six seasons, including a 50-5 mark in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference.

"Men's volleyball should be a draw for boys' volleyball players from District 10 and the Pittsburgh area immediately," Pisano said. "There are also many good players in central and eastern Pennsylvania, and hopefully we will be able to attract some student-athletes from New York as well.  Graduating with a Penn State degree while having the opportunity to compete as a varsity athlete should be a highly attractive opportunity for many high school players looking to continue their careers."

With the addition of men's volleyball, Penn State Behrend will sponsor 11 men's and 11 women's sports.