"It sucks because Penn State was such a school that went by the book, basically, and had such a good reputation and one man had to bring it down. But, I mean, Penn State is still Penn State. Awesome academic program up there, and to be up there, it's just unbelievable."
Ryan, who swims for the Fords and the Radnor Aquatic Club, has qualified for next year's U.S. Olympic trials in the 100-meter backstroke, and he is a two-time PIAA state champion, having won the 100-yard backstroke as a sophomore and the 200 freestyle last season.
He went on three official college visits: to Penn State, Tennessee, and Auburn. The Nittany Lions and Tennessee extended full scholarships, he said, and Auburn offered 75 percent.
Not wanting to come out of college with debt - especially in this economy, Ryan said - he chose Penn State.
"All the guys there are really friendly," Ryan said. "I just felt like I was already part of the team when I took my trip up there. The campus is awesome. We're getting a new pool soon, and I'm really excited about that. I just felt really comfortable with the coaches. They really pushed for me to get me on their team, and I really liked that."
After Ryan's commitment, and after the scandal broke, Nittany Lions coach John Hargis called him to make sure his decision was steadfast.
Hargis said he told Ryan that "success with honor's never been more important than it is going to be now. I asked him if he or his family had any questions from our standpoint, and just wanted to reassure him that Penn State swimming and diving as well as the university are moving forward, and at the end of the day, it's going to make us all stronger and better."
