2025 - 2026
Season Highlights
The 2025–2026 season was a breakthrough campaign for Penn State Adaptive Athletics, highlighted by public honors at major Nittany Lion sporting events and the historic launch and first victory of its NWBA Division III Wheelchair Basketball team. On the track and in the field, the team delivered elite showings across collegiate and national meets, building steady momentum through the summer circuit. That momentum culminated at the 2026 Toyota USATF Para National Championships in New York City, where both Lucas Resch and Jack Cunningham took home national titles—Resch capturing gold in the shot put and Cunningham winning gold in the 400 meters. These championship victories cemented their status as rising Paralympic hopefuls and capped off a milestone year for the program.
Elite Preparation & Presentation
The program’s commitment to a "Division I experience" was on full display during the 2025 - 2026 season:
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Professional Standards: Athletes participated in a professional media day and photoshoot, receiving the same high-end creative treatment as Penn State’s D1 scholarship athletes.
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Sled Hockey Classic: In a major fundraising effort for the State College Coyotes, some Penn State Adaptive Athletes faced off against the Penn State Men's D1 Hockey team in the "Sled Hockey Classic" at Pegula Ice Arena. The event successfully bridged the gap between adaptive and standing sports while supporting local hockey initiatives.
Championship Results
Penn State Adaptive Athletics capped the 2025–2026 season with major hardware at the 2026 Toyota USATF Para National Championships in New York City, taking a key step toward the 2028 Paralympic Games. Lucas Resch captured gold in the seated shot put, building on his Hartford Nationals performance where he set a meet record. Sprinter Jack Cunningham secured gold in the 400-meter dash as a double-amputee blade runner, following an undefeated slate in Chicago. The summer haul also included two silvers in throws for Max Malec and two silvers in mid-distance wheelchair racing for Esther-Faith Henn at Hartford Nationals.
History on the Hardwood
Penn State Adaptive Athletics made history by launching its first ever Division III Wheelchair Basketball team in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA). The team is coached by Penn State Adaptive Athletics Director, Brenna O'Connor, who is supported by former University of Arizona Wheelchair Basketball player, Samantha McMinn.
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Winning Start: The team secured its first-ever victory in its inaugural season, setting a competitive tone for the program.
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Tournament Play: The Nittany Lions have been road warriors, competing in tournaments across the Northeast.
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Hosting the Best: The team is hosted its own NWBA tournament in State College, bringing elite adaptive competition to the local community.