Men’s soccer ends a memorable season
The Knights keep jousting ahead
By Arsenio C. Humphrey
Knightly News Reporter
The 2025–26 season marked a defining chapter for the Central Pennsylvania College Knights men’s soccer team, a season that delivered growth, grit and a continued rise on the national stage.
Central Penn solidified itself as one of the nation’s emerging programs, with dubbing appearances in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Division II National Championship Tournament and a top-10 national ranking.
This year also marked a heartfelt farewell to four seniors: Ben Painter, Greg Conkle, Alija Korkutovic and Blake Eiserman, each of whom played an integral role in shaping a season filled with milestones and unforgettable moments.
One of the most iconic highlights came during homecoming, when senior Alija Korkutovic scored the lone goal against Patrick Henry College, securing not just a 1–0 victory but a memory destined to echo through CPC soccer history, a moment any young player of the sport would dream of achieving.
The Knights finished the regular season ranked eighth in the nation, posting an 8-6-3 overall record and a 5-1-2 conference record, displaying their consistency, discipline and competitive identity. Their efforts earned them a second consecutive berth in the USCAA Division II National Tournament, reinforcing their standing among the country’s top programs and adding to a growing list of accolades that continue to elevate the program’s reputation.
“With Coach Chris Hartman stepping in, Coach Nick Hammaker in his second year and graduate assistant Deegan MacLeod returning for his second season, the outside world didn’t expect much from us, especially with so many changes, but their leadership, belief and constant support ignited the flame that drove our success,” Conkle said.
In the opening match on Nov. 14, Central Penn delivered one of the tournament’s most compelling performances, securing an electrifying 2–1 upset over No. 2 seed Penn State New Kensington, a team that had defeated the Knights in the regular season. When it mattered most, Central Penn responded, flipping the script in dramatic fashion to advance to the next round.
The Knights’ postseason run came to an end in the second round against a talented Cincinnati Clermont squad. Central Penn fell 3–1, concluding the team’s tournament journey but not the momentum they carried throughout the year. Throughout the season, the Knights proved to be one of the toughest and most disciplined teams in the USCAA, especially at Skyline Stadium, where they obtained a 4-1-1 record.
As the year ends, Central Penn continues to show the nation that this is a program on the rise. Two consecutive national tournament appearances, another tournament victory and a top-10 national ranking represent significant steps forward, each one strengthening a foundation that future players will nurture and build on.
With the fire lit, pep in their step and a new class prepared to carry the torch, the Knights closed the 2025–26 season with confidence.
And while four seniors take their final bow, the legacy they leave behind positions the program for greater milestones next fall.
The chapter closes, but the story of Central Penn soccer is far from finished.
Edited by Professor Michael Lear-Olimpi, co-adviser of The Knightly News Media Club @ Central Penn College, and this blog’s editor.
