Family tradition helps convince former GCC standout Klimchock to transfer from Clarion to Bethany

Asa Klimchock is chasing rings.

But the former Greensburg Central Catholic basketball player will do so with a different college program.

Klimchock is transferring from Clarion, a Division II school in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, to Bethany (W.Va.) of the Division III Presidents Athletic Conference.

The 6-foot, 195-pound guard appeared in only 10 games last season for Clarion and averaged just 3.4 minutes.

He will be a sophomore.

“It wasn’t the right fit for me,” said Klimchock, who finished his prep career at The Kiski School in Saltsburg. “Coach (Nate) Hager gave me a great opportunity, and it would be great to get some PAC rings like my cousins. I think we have a opportunity to be something great there.”

Follow this family tree for Klimchock’s path to Bethany.

Nick Hager is the head coach at Bethany. His brother, Nate, coaches the men’s team at Regis (Mass.), where Chris Klimchock, Asa’s cousin, was once an assistant.

The “cousins” Asa Klimchock’s refers to are Chris and Ben Klimchock and Dan Sinwell, all relatives who won conference titles at Saint Vincent.

“I know Chris got a couple and Ben and Dan got four in a row,” Asa said, “so that’s one thing special to me to try and get one.

“All my cousins who played basketball played in the PAC, that would be a great family tradition to be a part of. They all had amazing careers and I want to put my name next to theirs.”

Asa Klimchock, a slashing scorer who has put on muscle and worked on his defensive play, said he plans to give “everything I got” to Bethany.

He is as confident in his impact with the team as he is happy with his fit on it roster.

“It’s gonna be my best season,” he said. “I’m ready to do something special. I want to make us a championship team. And I believe it will happen.”