2016

Many ECC teams and individuals highlighted 2016. While the women's soccer team captured its first regional title, it also finished as the NJCAA National Runner-up. The hockey team was an overtime goal away from its first back-to-back titles. The football team put together its first back-to-back winning seasons since the program's early years. Dana Voytovich became the first ECC bowler to win the all-events and singles titles at the Nationals since Ryan Ciminelli, who was inducted into the Kats' Wall of Fame. Soccer, Hockey, Football and Bowling highlighted a great 2016 for the Kats!

ECC Women's Soccer Crowned NJCAA National Champion Runner-up - The Erie Community College women's soccer team finished the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association National Tournament with an impressive performance and a national champion runner-up accolade, while finishing the season with an incredible 17-3-1 record. In what can only be described as a dream season, the Kats made their first appearance in the national tournament and hosted its second-ever playoff game (both wins), while setting a program record for wins and being led by Abbey Lombard.

ECC Hockey Close to Back-to-Back NJCAA National Titles - In a winner take all scenario, the ECC hockey team fell short by the slimmest of margins on winning its first-ever back-to-back NJCAA hockey titles by falling in overtime to Dakota College, 4-3, Sunday, Feb. 28 in Binghamton and had to settle for National Champion Runner-up only after Aaron Wanat tied the game in the final seconds.

ECC Football Posts Back-to-Back Winning Seasons with 3 All-Americans - The National Junior College Athletic Association announced its 2016 All-American football teams with three Kats being recognized for their accomplishments in leading Erie to an 7-3 record and helping head coach Scott Pilkey to Erie's first back-to-back winning seasons in a decade. Tarik Johnson was one of just five freshman named to the First-Team offense. Named to the Second Team defense was Christian Cheatom, while lineman John Pope was recognized as a defensive honorable mention. The three helped the Kats record a program-best six road wins.

2016 PBA Bowler of the Year Runner-up Ciminelli & Nelson Inducted in Kats' Wall of Fame - Ryan Ciminelli and Steve Nelson became newest Kats to be welcomed to the ECC Athletics Wall of Fame, March 16. Ciminelli was a two-time NJCAA All-American and is one of the most accomplished bowlers in NJCAA history. He was the Kerm Helmer All-Events champion at the 2005 and 2007 NJCAA championships and led the Kats to national titles in both years. Steve Nelson was a standout multi-sport athlete during his two years at then-Erie County Technical Institute culminating in him earning the Laurence E. Spring Male Athlete of the Year Award in 1968.