CRESSON, Pa. - Mount Aloysius College achieved a remarkable distinction this year as senior student-athletes Josh Lytle (Georgetown, Pa., South Side) and Sarah Henninger (DuBois, Pa., DuBois) were selected as the 2026 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) Award winners, giving the Mount a sweep of the conference's most prestigious academic-athletic honor.
The Faculty Athletic Representatives from across the AMCC selected Lytle and Henninger from a group of 18 exceptional student-athletes named to the conference's All-Academic Team. The FAR Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the classroom, athletic competition, campus leadership, and community service throughout their collegiate careers.
For Mount Aloysius, the honor reflects the College's commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes who embody academic achievement, athletic success, and servant leadership.
Lytle graduated from Mount Aloysius in May with a near-perfect 3.99 grade point average while majoring in Biology/Pre-Med. His accomplishments in the classroom earned him the College's Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year award and established him as one of the institution's most accomplished undergraduate researchers.
In just three years, Lytle completed his bachelor's degree while leading five research studies on campus. His academic success culminated in an early acceptance to the West Virginia University School of Medicine, where he will join the Class of 2030.
A Mercy Scholar and Mother Francis Ward Fellowship recipient, Lytle's influence extended throughout the Mount Aloysius community. He served as a peer tutor in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and organic chemistry while mentoring fellow students within the biology program. He also worked as a resident assistant, participated in the campus pickleball club, and regularly welcomed prospective students by conducting campus tours.
On the golf course, Lytle represented the Mount in two AMCC Championships during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. As a senior captain, he helped guide the program while earning recognition as a two-time member of the AMCC All-Sportsmanship Team.
Henninger's collegiate career was equally impressive, highlighted by a 3.97 GPA in Biology and accomplishments that spanned two varsity sports.
Academically, she received the Academic Science and Mathematics Faculty Award and was recognized as a Mercy Presidential Scholar, Mother McAuley Award recipient, and Shine the Light Scholarship recipient through United Electric Cooperative, Inc. She was also inducted into both the Tri Beta Biological Honor Society and Chi Alpha Sigma National Honor Society and earned national recognition as a College Sports Communicators Academic All-American.
Athletically, Henninger became one of the most decorated student-athletes in recent Mount Aloysius history. She was named the College's 2026 Female Athlete of the Year and earned AMCC First Team All-Conference honors in softball from 2023 through 2025. Her standout 2023 campaign saw her claim both AMCC Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors, while her success continued with NFCA All-Region recognition in 2025.
In addition to her softball accomplishments, Henninger was a four-year captain of the women's golf team from 2022 through 2025 and helped lead the Mountaineers to the 2025 AMCC Invitational Team Championship.
Her commitment to service and leadership matched her success in academics and athletics. Henninger served as a peer tutor and supplemental instructor, held board positions in both the biology and outdoor clubs, and volunteered for numerous campus and community projects. Among her notable contributions were helping establish a seed lending library at the Portage Library and assisting with coaching a local Portage 12-and-under softball team.
The selection of both Lytle and Henninger as 2026 FAR Award winners highlights the standard of excellence that defines Mount Aloysius athletics and academics. Their achievements demonstrate the impact student-athletes can make not only in competition, but also in the classroom, on campus, and within the surrounding community.
As they begin the next chapters of their lives, Lytle and Henninger leave behind legacies of leadership, scholarship, and service that will continue to inspire future generations of Mount Aloysius student-athletes.
The 2026 AMCC FAR Award sweep marks another proud milestone for Mount Aloysius College and serves as a testament to the dedication, character, and accomplishments of two truly exceptional graduates.
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