Ruggeri to tackle multiple sports at Penn State Hazleton

Hazleton, Pa. - Nicholas Ruggeri joins the Nittany Lions as a dual-sport athlete from Crestwood Area School District. A successful basketball and soccer player at the high school level, Ruggeri brings his talents to Penn State Hazleton looking to compete at the highest level in both arenas.

Ruggeri proved to be an offensive juggernaut on the pitch for the Crestwood Comets in 2020. He was named to the All-Conference team following three of his four varsity seasons and earned All-Star status from the Citizen's Voice news organization out of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Ruggeri captained the Comets during his final year of competition and from the forward position, the senior struck for 17 goals and 16 assists leading to the team's fourth straight Wyoming Valley Conference championship and fourth consecutive District II championship.

Nick's athletic success extended beyond the soccer field as the Mountain Top, Pa. resident picked up District II titles in basketball and lacrosse in 2020-21. Ruggeri added medals in the 400 meter race as well as the 1600 meter and 3200 meter relays as a track star for the Comets, solidifying his place as one of the top athletes in the area.

After suiting up for the Hazleton Nittany Lion soccer program in the fall, Ruggeri will trade in the cleats and hit the hardwood for Coach Rush and the men's basketball squad. Ruggeri played three seasons at the varsity level for the Crestwood program and was named an All-Conference Honorable Mention and senior All-Star as a point guard. He won two Wyoming Valley Conference championships during his tenure and in his final season, Ruggeri averaged 8.1 points per game and carried a three-point shooting percentage above the 40 percent mark.

Ruggeri certainly made headlines during his high school career and the opportunity to continue playing multiple sports helped cement his decision to attend the Hazleton campus and add some collegiate championships to his resume while pursuing his degree. A high honor roll student in high school, Nick will seek out a degree in Information Systems and Technology while looking to add his name to the ever growing list of academic all-stars, maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better and earn a place on the USCAA's National All-Academic team.