Dedication and perseverance were hallmarks of John Ryan’s career at Penn State Abington. The student-athlete worked and studied through a host of injuries, and his positive attitude let nothing stand in his way.
Ryan became a four-year starter in Abington’s NCAA Division III basketball program despite having back surgery the summer prior to his freshman year. He overcame multiple injuries, an appendectomy, and he ultimately needed a second back surgery that ended his senior season at Abington.
“My teammates and coaching staff were super supportive,” Ryan said.
Ryan graduated in May with a degree in criminal justice after being bedridden while waiting for and eventually having a second back surgery. This resulted in him falling short of the 1,000-point milestone by 11 points and 500 rebound mark by 15, but he managed to maintain a GPA over 3.0.
According to head basketball coach Jon Tanous, Ryan was a model student-athlete, and his work ethic and relentless drive brought him success both on and off the court.
“I will never forget his first practice as a college basketball player. He was recovering from his first back surgery, which sidelined him during his senior year of high school. John had to sit out during our first few weeks of practice,” Tanous said. “On top of that, he did not have the opportunity to get in shape during the summer or in the preseason leading up to our Oct. 15 practice date. His first collegiate practice was around Nov. 1. After that practice, there was no doubt within our coaching staff that John was the best and most dominating player on the court as a freshman.”