CRESSON — Mount Aloysius College announced the hiring of Pat Martinelli as its new head men’s basketball coach on Thursday.

Martinelli replaces Marcus Thomas, who spent the last five seasons at the helm of the Mounties program.

Martinelli served as a full-time assistant coach at Carnegie Mellon University since October 2023. During his time with the Tartans, he helped guide CMU to an at-large bid in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, its first appearance since 2009.

Prior to his time at Carnegie Mellon, Martinelli spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Chatham University.

Martinelli began his coaching career at Allegheny College, where he served two seasons as an assistant coach after working four years as a student assistant.

A native of South Fayette, Martinelli earned his bachelor’s degree in managerial economics with a minor in German from Allegheny College in 2017.

Wright adds Cadet

UNIVERSITY PARK — New Penn State Lady Lion head basketball coach Tanisha Wright added Olivier Cadet to her staff as an assistant coach and video coordinator.

Miracle opener

The Miracle League of Blair County begins its 20th baseball season at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, and the Altoona Curve’s Loco will be on hand to celebrate the opening festivities.

The organization welcomes new families to join as well as encouraging volunteer sign-up at any time.

The Miracle League of Blair County offers a complete baseball experience to special needs children throughout the area. Players learn the fundamentals of baseball and develop teamwork skills. The organization works to create an official baseball atmosphere complete with team coaches and dugouts, player at-bat announcements, a between-inning stretch and a fully equipped concession stand all staffed by volunteers.

Special events throughout the season include the third annual Cow Patty Bingo on June 3 at Lakemont Park, Miracle League Night at the Curve on July 28 and Miracle League Baseball Fantasy Camp on Aug. 1.

Players and volunteers can sign up on the website, pamiracleleague.com. Games take place during the season on Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Miracle League of Blair County welcomes all players with special circumstances under the age of 21 and from any location.

For more information, an application to sign up players, to volunteer or to make a donation, check the league’s Facebook page or email to blairmiracleleague@hotmail.com.