Westmoreland athletes excited for Mercyhurst's move to Division I

Division II athletes one day, Division I the next.

That’s the reality of what happened in a flash this week when Mercyhurst University in Erie announced it is leaving the NCAA Division II Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and joining the Division I Northeast Conference, instantly bolstering the reputation of its programs and raising its level of competition.

The news, while surprising to local athletes playing at Mercyhurst, had a nice beat they could dance to.

“While the news was sudden and it definitely took some processing, I ultimately believe it is a super good opportunity for all us athletes here,” said sophomore women’s basketball player Bailey Kuhns, a Greensburg Central Catholic graduate who led the Lakers in scoring this season.

There are five area players on the Lakers’ baseball roster, including four from Norwin.

The bump-up seems to sit well with them, as well.

“I feel like it is something that will definitely benefit the school and will get more people interested in going,” junior catcher and Norwin alum Landon DiBeradin said. “Obviously, the athletics have excelled, and I think the department is looking to push the envelope and see what they can do at the next level. I know a lot of people are excited on campus and looking forward to the challenge it is going to bring.”

Junior utility man Jayden Walker, another Norwin product, had some Division I interest coming out of high school. The drive to play at the highest level intrigued him, but so did the thought of winning championships.

“It may suck a little that we cannot compete for postseason play for the next couple years, but I am excited to play D-I baseball and show not only the NEC but all Division I that Mercyhurst is a team that can compete.”

It will be awhile before the Lakers can compete for NCAA championships in baseball or any sport. They will have to wait until the 2026-27 season to play for NEC championships and will not be eligible for NCAA national championships until 2028-29.

“Mercyhurst moving to Division I holds great opportunities for the school and players in the future,” junior pitcher Jake Bazala (Norwin) said. “Mercyhurst sports have proven themselves across the board with accolades in Division II. Personally, I am excited for this new opportunity to showcase my skills at the next step, and I know many other athletes are as well.”

Football player Eli Binakonsky, a Hempfield graduate, said he is grateful to the school’s leadership for making his Division I dream possible.

“Playing on that level has always been a goal,” the freshman linebacker said. “This is a very positive move for our school, community, and entire athletic program.”

But with that being said, Binakonsky doesn’t see a dramatic spike in competition moving to mid-major football.

The Lakers will go from playing teams such as IUP, Edinboro and Seton Hill, to Duquesne, Robert Morris and St. Francis (Pa.).

“I feel that playing in the PSAC, which, in my opinion, is the best Division II conference in the country, has prepared us to make the transition,” he said. “I believe in our coaching staff, and I feel that they can do what it takes to prepare us to play on this level.”

Mercyhurst will take part in 18 of the 25 sports the NEC offers.

The last Pennsylvania school to make the leap to Division I was Robert Morris in 1976.

Kuhns said Lakers teams will be held to a higher standard in more ways than one.

“I’m sure the other teams are having the same conversation,” Kuhns said. “We know since we are going up a level in division, everything we do has to go up a level as well. From recovery, to the weight room, to getting shots up to even better time management. No doubt will it be a challenge, but we look to jump all in and not look back.”

While the ascent to Division I comes with prestige, some athletes could see the challenge as daunting and perhaps turn to the transfer portal. Not Kuhns. She called Mercyhurst her home.

“Way too many good things here to leave,” she said. “I’m excited to compete at the highest level and look forward to the opportunities up ahead.”

Said Walker: “This doesn’t change anything for me and my future here other than the fact it pushes me to be better.”