Women's Softball...
Coaching Staff
Head Coach
Nikki Runzo
1st
season
|
 Nikki
Runzo was named the third head coach in Penn State Altoona women's softball
history on January 22, 2008, taking over for Brenda
Palmer, who stepped down after more than five years at the helm. A native
of Blairsville, Pennsylvania, Runzo was a four-year varsity letter winner and
three-year starter at first base scholastically for the Blairsville Bobcats.
She was named team captain and MVP as a junior and senior.
Runzo graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2006 with a Health
and Physical Education - Sport Management degree and is currently seeking a
Masters of Science in Sport Management with an emphasis in Facility Management
from California University of Pennsylvania. She was hired in December 2007
as the Assistant Director of Recreation at Penn State Altoona where she
coordinates the intramural program and assists with daily operations.
She completed an internship in the summer of 2006 with the Ocean City,
Maryland, Parks and Recreation Department and served as the coordinator of
softball leagues. Prior to her arrival at Altoona, Runzo was the program
coordinator for the Lampeter-Strasburg Recreation Commission for nine months.
In that capacity, she worked with and coached the youngsters of the community in
a variety of sports.
Contact Coach Runzo: Phone:
814-949-5468 Email:
nmr12@psu.edu
|
Assistant Coach Steve
Crider |
|
Coach Crider enters his first season as an
assistant on the Penn State Altoona softball staff. The Tipton,
Pennsylvania, native played two years of varsity baseball at Bellwood-Antis
High School and will focus primarily on hitting and defense while also
aiding in recruiting. He was taught as a youngster and coached in high
school by former Lion baseball assistant Dave Brisbin, one of the top
individual instructors in the region. Crider also serves as the Sports
Information Director for Penn State Altoona athletics.
Assistant Coach Debbie Wasko
|
Coach Wasko
is in her sixth year as an assistant on the Lion coaching
staff. Her softball experience includes playing in a variety of leagues in
the Altoona area for more than 20 years. She assists with recruiting
efforts and has coached third base for the team in past seasons. Wasko
also serves as the
administrative assistant in the Penn State Altoona athletics department.
|
|
