Two New Inductees Set for Penn State New Kensington Athletics Hall of Fame

For 27 illustrious years, Bob graced the halls of Penn State New Kensington and the broader university community, leaving a permanent mark as a loyal member of the Sports and Exercise department. From the corridors of academia to the courts and fields, their leadership and dedication knew no bounds. 

In addition to his academic pursuits, our honoree embraced the challenges of coaching basketball, volleyball, and tennis with unwavering passion. His tireless efforts extended far beyond the realm of sports, encompassing the development of new athletic programs, the cultivation of conference championships, and the tireless promotion of our student-athletes' contributions to the public eye. 

Bob's coaching tenure was nothing short of extraordinary: 

Three Basketball Commonwealth Athletic Conference Championships and three second-place finishes stand as a testament to his strategic abilities and unwavering commitment to excellence. 

In the Pennsylvania Junior College Athletic Association, Bob led his team to a memorable appearance in the state finals, securing a well-deserved second place. 

His coaching wisdom was duly recognized, earning him the prestigious title of Basketball Coach of the Year in 1978-79, a testament to his leadership and mentorship on and off the court. 

In volleyball, he guided their teams to an impressive five CCAC State Championships, instilling a culture of excellence that vibrated throughout the league. 

On the tennis courts, he led his team to clinch the CCAC State Championship, further solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer in collegiate athletics. 

Beyond his coaching achievements, our inductee left an indelible legacy as the founder of the Commonwealth Athletic Conference in 1967, a groundbreaking initiative that paved the way for the Penn State University Athletic Conference that we know today. Additionally, his role as a co-founder of the Western Junior College Athletic Association underscored his commitment to expanding opportunities for student-athletes across the region. 

In 1992, Bob's unwavering dedication and service to athletics culminated in the prestigious Robert J. Scannell Roll of Honor, the highest accolade bestowed upon someone for their exemplary leadership within the Penn State University system. 

As we stand on the precipice of his induction into the Hall of Fame, let us not only celebrate his remarkable achievements but also pay tribute to the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship that he have so tirelessly championed throughout his career. 

John was a 1968 graduate of Penn Hills High School where he enjoyed success on the volleyball & physical fitness teams. He earned his varsity letter as a member of the Volleyball Team from 1965-1968 as a setter and defensive specialist. In Physical Fitness, he competed on the 1967 & 1968 Fitness Teams, with the 1968 Team placing third in the nation. 

He received his Associate Degree in Engineering at Penn State, New Kensington and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Point Park University. John went on to play slow-pitch softball for 35 years. As an accomplished racquetball player for over 40 years, he has compiled several championships in the A & B Division of men's singles & doubles. He began competitive race-walking in 1998 and was champion in his age group for 5 years at various 5K races. 

John had a successful coaching career in Physical Fitness as Assistant Head Coach for 17 years at Penn Hills High School and Plum High School. He also volunteered as a volleyball coach for church teams and played and coached in various adult volleyball leagues. 

He returned to Penn State, New Kensington as the Assistant Head Coach of the Women's Varsity Volleyball Team for the 1998-1999 season. The following year (the 1999-2000 season), John was promoted to Head Coach. His teams achieved unparalleled success in the Commonwealth Collegiate Athletic Conference and the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference. His teams were 3-time winners of the CCAC Western Division (1999, 2000, 2001), undefeated regular season in 2000 (CCAC & WPCC), CCAC Championship Runner-Up in 2000, CCAC Champion in 2001, WPCC North Division Champion in 2000, WPCC Champion in 2000, WPCC Champion Runner-Up in 2001, the Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletic Association State Championship Runner-Up in 2000, and the 3rd Place Penn State University Athletic Conference Champion in 2007. 

John earned Coach of the Year Honors in the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference in 2000 and Coach of the Year Honors in the Commonwealth Collegiate Athletic Conference in 2001. He was also selected as Head Coach for the All-Star Teams in the WPCC for 2000 & 2001. He was inducted into the Penn Hills Sports Hall of Fame classes of 2007, 2014 & 2022. John's coaching career at Penn State, New Kensington spanned a decade. He retired at the end of the 2007-2008 season with a record of 98 wins, 90 losses. He instilled invaluable lessons of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship in his players. John's impact extends far beyond the realm of athletics, as evidenced by his 7 years as a mechanical engineer and his contributions to the community, by owning and operating DeRiggi Landscaping & Remodeling for 40 successful years. 

John has resided in Plum Borough for 47 years with his wife of 49 years, Linda. They have 2 married sons, John and Anthony, and 2 grandchildren. John hopes his achievements, unwavering commitment, and enduring legacy, continue to inspire generations of athletes and enthusiasts alike.