By Matt Browning
Hutchinson Community College’s Ryan Ruggiero has a unique situation as a Blue Dragon. Not only does the redshirt freshman play baseball, but he also plays in the jazz band.
The fact that he was able to do both was one of the things that was so appealing about Hutch CC for Ruggiero.
“It seemed as though sports and activities were just as much of a focus as academics here, and there was something appealing about the idea that I would be surrounded by other athletes,” Ruggiero said. “There was also the opportunity to continue to pursue baseball as well as music by playing in the jazz band here. The jazz program has had a great reputation, and I was fortunate enough that the people running the program were willing to have me.”
Ruggiero said he has built relationships with students and staff that he believes will last a lifetime.
“I feel as though not many schools would be as accommodating and personalized toward student-athletes,” Ruggiero said. “Obviously, the smaller class sizes allow for a better connection between students and teachers, but I think this is something that is truly undervalued by those who don’t experience it.”
The small school vibe is one of the main reasons why Ruggiero would recommend Hutch CC to anybody.
“There are a lot of great people doing great things at the college who have your best interest at heart,” Ruggiero said. “They are teaching and working here simply because they enjoy what they do and because they care about you – which is difficult to say about larger colleges and even other junior colleges.”
