Student Spotlight: Multi-sport BPHS phenomenon commits to Princeton

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer • January 8, 2025

Ryan Petras, first-team football all-conference wide-receiver and WPIAL baseball player of the year, has committed to Princeton to continue his academics and athletics.

In the competitive realm of high school athletics, few have made as significant an impact as Ryan Petras.

A standout dual-sport athlete, Petras has excelled in both baseball and football, showcasing his versatility and dedication as a middle infielder and outfielder, alongside his electrifying performances as a wide receiver.

His hard work and talent have not gone unnoticed, as he has recently committed to further his academic and athletic careers at Princeton University.

Ryan Petras, first-team football all-conference wide-receiver and WPIAL baseball player of the year, has committed to Princeton to continue his academics and athletics. Photo credit: Ally Wolling

When asked about his first reaction, Petras said: “It was honestly amazing. Growing up I never would have imagined talking to coaches from Princeton. Now I’m doing something I once dreamt of. I also have built a really good relationship with the coaches there.”

The recent announcement of Petras’s commitment to Princeton University marks a significant milestone in his athletic career.

The Ivy League institution is renowned for its academics and strong commitment to athletics, making it an excellent fit for an athlete like Petras.

Other than playing the sports he loves, Petras is also excited to be able to communicate with people all around the world.

“I’m most excited to meet new people. There are so many people from around the world that go there. I think it will be cool learning more about them and their ways of doing things,” he said.

Petras’s commitment to Princeton not only speaks to his athletic prowess but also his commitment to academics.

As a student-athlete, he has maintained impressive grades, balancing the demands of rigorous training and competition with a strong academic performance.

While undecided on his major, the opportunity to study at Princeton while participating in Division I sports is a testament to his hard work on and off the field.

This dual dedication has positioned him not just as an athlete but as a well-rounded individual ready to take on the challenges of college life.

As Petras prepares to embark on this exciting new chapter, he carries with him the hopes and aspirations of his community.

His achievements on the field have already inspired many young athletes in Bethel Park, and his commitment to Princeton sets a precedent that academics and athletics can indeed go hand in hand.

Petras’s journey from Bethel Park to Princeton University is a testament to his hard work, determination, and excellence.

As he steps onto the field, fans, coaches, and future athletes alike will be watching closely, eager to see how this rising star continues to shine in the world of sports.

The sky is truly the limit for Ryan Petras.

Princeton University

About the Contributors

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer

Ally Wolling, Staff Writer

Click, Click! Don't miss your shot! Make way for Allison “Ally” Wolling, a brand-new member of Scholastic Publications! Now a senior, Ally plans to make her mark on the newspaper and the yearbook this year. Ally has had her claim to fame in photography around Bethel Park for over two years. Though she photographs many different activities around school, she has a clear-cut favorite: “I really like shooting football mainly because you can get a lot of cool action pics and I love the atmosphere on Friday Night.” She is a part of the Quill and Scroll International Honors Society, a prestigious organization that recognizes scholastic journalism. That is not all; Ally is a valued member of Blackhawk TVand Homecoming Committee, and she also runs her very own photography account on Instagram (Go follow her at @_awmedia71_)! On top of her activities, she is an esteemed golf and lacrosse player. Most days after school, you can see Ally going to work, sports practice, or finishing up any homework she has left. If Ally wants some tasty food, she will make her way to her favorite restaurant, Plaza Azteca: “I normally get 2 chicken quesadillas or enchiladas with queso.” When she has nothing else pressing on her to do, Ally finds her own ways to chill out: “My favorite way to relax would be watching Soccer Arsenal (Premier League), playing XBOX or sleeping.” “I joined this class because a lot of people over the years have recommended me to take it.” Well, we are glad she did! After high school, Ally wants to keep playing golf and continue her photography journey. This year, Ally is determined to make her senior year fun and exciting. “I want to make memories that will last a lifetime.” Be sure to catch Ally this year and all that she does! Written by: Tacey Trypus, Staff Writer