An Epochal Open Letter from Zack Ryder to Penn State, Supporters, and the Entire Penn Community
Dear Penn State Family,
As I sit down to write this, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude, humility, and emotion. This letter is more than just words—it’s a tribute to a chapter of my life that has shaped me into the person and athlete I am today.
From the moment I first stepped onto campus as a young, ambitious wrestler, I felt something different about Penn State. The energy in Rec Hall, the passion from every corner of the fanbase, the unwavering support from coaches, mentors, and teammates—it all created something truly extraordinary. It created home.
To the Nittany Nation—your love and energy never went unnoticed. Whether we were in the heart of Pennsylvania or battling far from home, I could always feel your spirit driving me forward. You cheered for every takedown, stood tall during every win, and held us up when we fell short. That kind of loyalty isn’t just rare—it’s sacred.
To my coaches and teammates: thank you for pushing me to be the best version of myself, both on and off the mat. You’ve taught me discipline, brotherhood, and resilience. Through early morning practices, weight cuts, long bus rides, and hard-fought victories, we forged bonds that will last a lifetime. We weren’t just a team—we were a family.
To the Penn State community—professors, staff, alumni, and friends—thank you for creating an environment that nurtured my growth beyond the sport. Your support helped me find my voice, build confidence, and prepare for life after the final whistle. Wrestling may have brought me here, but the education, relationships, and memories will carry me far into the future.
Wearing the Blue and White has been the greatest honor of my life. Every time I stepped onto the mat, I carried not only my own dreams, but also the legacy of this incredible institution. And now, as I prepare to move forward into the next chapter—whatever that may be—I do so with pride, gratitude, and immense love for this university.
This isn’t goodbye. It’s a celebration of all we’ve accomplished together, and a heartfelt thank-you to every single person who played a role in my journey. I’ll always be a Nittany Lion—because once you bleed blue, it never fades.
With all my respect and love,
Zack Ryder
Penn State Wrestling
Let me know if you want a version styled for social media or turned into a video script—happy to help!
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