Bellefonte Area High School offers many different extracurriculars, ranging from sports like soccer and golf to clubs like FBLA and FFA. However, it is nearly impossible to provide every interest, so some students have to find other outlets. One student, a hockey player, freshman Ryan Lombardo, doesn’t have the option of playing for the school, but he found a club where he is thriving.
Ryan has put almost every waking hour into these last four years with his team, the Mustangs. He makes a round trip commute of 2 hours to practices 2-3 times a week. Overall, he trains 5-7.5 hours a week with his team, bettering himself for even the worst opponent. In addition, he spends time fine-tuning his skills at home. Recently, all of Ryan’s hard work paid off when the Mustangs won the Mid-Am District PA State Tournament in Pittsburgh, PA. They will go on to compete for the National title the first week of April, where stakes will be high for the team.
“I feel like we are confident in how we have been playing recently… we will come out strong in our first game, and as long as everyone buys into what coach says we will be fine,” Ryan said.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this may stress some out, but Ryan seems to be calm, cool, and collected.
Ryan’s dedication to the sport doesn’t leave him much downtime, but he still manages to stay social outside of hockey. Any spare time he gets he often golfs or hangs out with friends. One of these friends is freshman Triston Heeman.
“He is always laughing and always having fun,” Triston said.
Ryan is largely regarded as kind and outgoing, and many notice his obvious strong work ethic.
Although Ryan loves playing for his club team, he does miss out on some of the school spirit that comes with in-school athletics. BAHS student-athletes are given team merch and often have lively student sections at events. Most of all, since many don’t know of his performance, he is overlooked by many of his peers at Bellefonte. He has put in just as much sweat as a BAHS student-athlete. Wishing him only the best is government teacher Mr. Edward Fitzgerald.
“Ryan is an outstanding and passionate individual, this passion comes out not just in his academics, but also in his love for hockey,” Mr. Fitzgerald said.
