April 27, 2015
By Tyler Feldman, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - A strong contingency of Blue and White fans witnessed history Saturday afternoon at DeGol Arena as the Nittany Lions defeated St. Francis in straight sets (25-21, 25-19, 25-22) in their final match of the regular season to give Mark Pavlik his 500th career victory.
Pavlik, who is in his 21st season as head coach of the men's volleyball program, embodies everything that Penn State stands for academically and athletically. His love of teaching and respect for others reflects the true heart of a Nittany Lion.
"In those 500 wins I have not served a ball in the court," Pavlik said. "I have not put a ball away. I have not set a ball. I just happened to be here that long to see it. More than anything else, I think it speaks to the true foundation that Tom Tait laid for this program back in the late 70s. We've been able to represent the university and the athletic department, not only with our current teams, but also with our alums."
It was a fitting end for No. 7 Penn State (18-9, 12-0 EIVA) over St. Francis (6-20, 4-8 EIVA). Immediately after senior outside hitter Aaron Russell earned the final point of match, the entire team rushed to Pavlik and paraded him with silly string and a celebratory cake.
"His 500th win is a lot of proof to what he's done for the program and the experience that he has," Russell said. "What a great coach he is. He's coached a lot of good players, and he's given a lot to me and my family. It's nice to be able to play for him, and his 500th win to be able to give something back to him."
Under the tutelage of Pavlik, the Nittany Lions have gone from losing their first six matches of the 2015 campaign to finishing the regular season on a 14-match winning streak.
Even further, the program is now a perfect 36-0 all-time versus the Red Flash, having dropped just seven sets ever against the university just down the road from University Park in Loretto.