MANSFIELD, P.A. (WENY) - The NCAA has approved plans by Mansfield, Bloomsburg, and Lock Haven Universities to retain their own athletic programs on their current campuses.

The three institutions will officially integrate as Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania on July 1, 2022, but each will retain their respective location name, existing logos, colors, mascots, and traditions. This includes athletics.

The following statements were released by President of Bloomsburg University and Interim President of Mansfield and Lock Haven Universities, Bashar W. Hanna, Chancellor of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education Dr. Daniel Greenstein, and Mansfield University Director of Athletics, Peggy Carl.

"I extend our thanks to our NCAA colleagues and the Membership Committee for its consideration and approval of our plan to maintain the full complement of athletic teams at Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield. Through our collaboration, we've ensured that our student-athletes have the opportunity to compete as they do today. Intercollegiate athletics hold a special place as part of the fabric of each of our campus communities and institutional brands. Together we can confidently move forward into the 2022-23 academic year and beyond - to cheer on the Huskies, Bald Eagles, and Mounties" said Bashar W. Hanna.

"The NCAA's decision is another major decision toward building these powerhouse institutions and is great news for our universities, our system, Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, and above all, our student-athletes. I congratulate President Bashar Hanna, students, faculty, staff, and trustees at Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield for this accomplishment. The excitement of intercollegiate athletics will continue for players and fans when the integrated university begins enrolling students in August" said Dr. Daniel Greenstein.

"Mansfield University athletics is thrilled with the recent announcement that we will be maintaining our 13 intercollegiate athletic programs. "We are excited to begin planning for the 2022-23 season, and this news gives us a little extra excitement. Let's go, Mounties!" said Peggy Carl.

Mansfield has 13 varsity athletic programs including sprint football, which competes in the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL).

More information on the NCAA approval for the three institutions' athletic plans can be found here.