Jayme Acker:

Penn Highlands volleyball

Name: Jayme Acker

High school: Claysburg-Kimmel

Hometown: Claysburg

Sport: Volleyball

Position: Outside Hitter

College choice: Penn Highlands

Other colleges considered: IUP, Mount Aloysius

Why I picked Penn Highlands: “Penn Highlands gave me the opportunity to continue to play volleyball and had the major I was interested in.”

Coach Laura Mortimore’s quote: “Jayme is a dedicated athlete that worked diligently to improve her skills not only for herself but for the betterment of the team. She was a leader on and off the court and will be difficult to replace.”

Favorite college growing up: Mount Aloysius

Other interests: Cosmetology, painting, and hanging out with friends

What getting to play in college means to me: “It means a lot to me to be able to have the opportunity to continue to play volleyball and be a part of the Black Bear family. I wasn’t ready to stop playing volleyball and Penn Highlands has given me the opportunity to continue to play a game that I love.”

Probable college major: Criminology with a minor in forensics

Parents: Denise Shaffer and Brian Acker

Mary Stoltz:

SFU track & field

Name: Mary Stoltz

High school: Altoona Area

Hometown: Altoona

Sport: Track & field

Position: Runner

College choice: Saint Francis

Other colleges considered: None

Why I picked Saint Francis: “Fell in love with the campus. Very pretty and a small school which is what I wanted. Also, close to home which I like. I also got along with the team and liked the coaching staff, and I could see myself fitting in for the next four years.”

Coach Tabitha Quinn’s quote: “Mary has been excited about the opportunity to run collegiately for a few years. Her goals drive her, and she listens to her body when she trains. She has been known to work with routine and structured training. She accepts change and adapts well to benefit her goals. She will make a positive impact at SFU.”

Greatest high school achievement: Winning districts in track in my 11th-grade year.

Favorite college growing up: Penn State

Outside interests: Playing the cello. Hanging out with my family and friends.

How I got my start in track: “I got into running my seventh grade year because in gym class in elementary I was good at the pacer test, and my gym teacher recommended me going out for cross country my seventh grade year,w hich I did, and have stuck with it.”

What does getting to compete in college mean to me: “It means a lot to me. I get to continue what I’ve loved doing for the past six years for another four. At a different level, that will teach me new lessons and give me new opportunities that I will forever be grateful for as much as I am for high school and junior high running. Running has shaped me into who I am today and I cannot wait to see what else I can accomplish.”

Probably college major: Special education

Parents names: Darla Stoltz, Nicholas Stoltz