About Us
Rise Above: Friends of Penn State Adaptive Athletics was established in 2022 by a passionate coalition of alumni, donors, and key stakeholders united by a singular mission: to safeguard and elevate a legacy of excellence. Recognizing that Penn State’s internationally acclaimed Adaptive Athletics program was navigating a critical crossroads—following a three-year pandemic pause and the retirement of visionary founding coach Teri Jordan—this dedicated group stepped forward to champion the program's future.
Operating independently of Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA), Rise Above is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our charter is built on collaboration and advocacy. We work hand-in-hand with Adaptive Athletics staff and university administration to revitalize this historic program, providing vital support to Penn State's community of students with disabilities and empowering elite adaptive athletes from across the globe to compete at the highest levels.
The organization is steered by a dynamic Board of Directors representing a diverse array of professional skills, industries, and life experiences. While our backgrounds vary greatly, we are driven by one unwavering, common goal: to establish Penn State as the nation's premier collegiate destination for adaptive sports.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support and elevate Penn State’s Adaptive Athletics program into the nation’s premier collegiate destination for elite training, competition, and inclusive leadership.
We empower student-athletes with physical disabilities to train, compete, and excel at the highest national and international levels by funding athletic scholarships, securing world-class adaptive equipment, and building vital community partnerships.
Our Progress
Starting from zero athletes and no coaching staff just a few years ago, our community's support has transformed Penn State Adaptive Athletics into a thriving national force:
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Championship Pedigree & Gold Medals: Standout athletes Jack Cunningham and Lucas Resch captured gold medals at the U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Championships, cementing Penn State's reputation as an elite training hub on the national stage.
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Expanding Roster & Elite Talent: Our growing roster features national-caliber student-athletes—including standout competitors Max Malec, Lucas Resch, Esther-Faith Henn, Jack Cunningham, Zane Hummel, Angel Guzman & Madison Hahs—earning medals, setting meet records, and securing spots on national governing body (NGB) performance tiers.
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Dedicated Coaching & Staff Leadership: Daily training, nationwide recruiting, and technical development are spearheaded by our dedicated staff.
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Comprehensive Team & Camp Expansion: Building upon our wheelchair basketball program, we host the annual Summer Wheelchair Basketball Camp and support grassroots competitive pipelines through the affiliated PA Lions youth teams.
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Community & Health Partnerships: We actively partner with regional organizations—including the State College Coyotes sled hockey team and Penn State Health’s inclusive recreation initiatives—to expand sports access for adaptive athletes across Pennsylvania.
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Record-Setting Annual Support: Our signature benefit galas—co-hosted by Sue Paterno and Dana Harris and backed by Penn State legends, alumni, and corporate partners—continue to draw sellout crowds, providing the critical funding required for travel, scholarships, and world-class equipment.
and we're just getting started...
Our Vision
By 2030, we envision:
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Setting the Gold Standard: Establish Penn State as the nationally recognized leader in adaptive athletics.
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Offering Comprehensive Programming: Host intramural, elite, and youth adaptive sports teams, events and camps.
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Providing Equitable Access: Ensure every adaptive athlete has fair access to premier coaching, high-level competition, and vital scholarships.
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Fostering Seamless Integration: Cultivate a thriving adaptive sports culture which is deeply embedded into Penn Sate's athletic identity - never siloed.
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Establishing Broad Outreach: Expand adaptive athletics outreach university-wide and throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
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Creating a National Ripple Effect: Inspire universities across the country to model their programs after Penn State's leadership and commitment to inclusion.
Our Impact
Support from Rise Above: Friends of Penn State Adaptive Athletics provides the resources to :
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Provide scholarships & tuition assistance.
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Purchase adaptive equipment and training gear.
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Support travel for national competition.
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Host intramural, elite and youth adaptive sports teams, events and camps.
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Promote program visibility through media and community events
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Foster collaboration between Penn State and the community.
Board of Directors
Chuck Sypula '68
President & Chairman
A 1968 Penn State graduate in Education, Chuck also holds an MBA from American University. He is a serial entrepreneur with over 50 years of experience creating successful enterprises in public sector finance, real estate, and environmental products. A dedicated supporter of Penn State, Chuck established the first endowment for the Ability Athletics Program and founded Rise Above to ensure the program’s revitalization and future success.
Joe Clouse '83
Vice President & Chief of Fundraising
Joe is a 1983 Penn State Marketing graduate with a distinguished career in business development at firms like IBM, EY, and Korn Ferry. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Ability Beyond and is a Senior Advisor to Disability Solutions. Joe specializes in fundraising and capital campaigns, dedicating his expertise to organizations that support individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
Mark Balistrieri '91
Treasurer & CFO
Mark is a Director at Schneider Downs, specializing in State and Local Tax Advisory Services. A 1991 Penn State Accounting graduate and CPA, he has over 30 years of experience advising public, private, and non-profit clients. In addition to Rise Above, he serves on the boards of the Carnegie Library of Homestead and the Pittsburgh Italian Scholarship Fund, bringing extensive financial stewardship to the organization.
Bernie Ryan '82
Chief of Staff
Bernie is a 1982 Penn State Engineering graduate and retired U.S. Navy pilot who commanded multiple worldwide missions. After his service, he directed the Penn State Grass Roots Network, organizing 435,000 alumni to advocate for the university with elected officials. A retired FedEx commercial pilot, Bernie and his wife are active volunteers in the State College community and frequent supporters of Ability Athletics events.
Kortney Clemons '08
Board Member
Kortney is the Head of U.S. Combat Medic Training at Brooke Army Medical Command. A Purple Heart recipient injured in Iraq in 2005, he became the first Iraq War veteran to qualify for the Paralympics, competing in Beijing in 2008. He credits Penn State Ability Athletics with his transition back into society and has co-authored the book AMPED: A Soldier's Race for Gold in the Shadow of War.
Alvin de Levie '73
Board Member
A 1973 Penn State and 1976 Villanova Law graduate, Alvin is a prominent personal injury attorney who has represented victims of catastrophic injury for over 40 years. He is a former member of the Penn State Board of Trustees (2021–2024) and a lifelong "townie" whose father founded the University’s Study Abroad program. Alvin remains deeply committed to student success, mentoring future leaders and supporting causes like the Special Olympics and THON.
Jeff Hantz '04
Board Member
Jeff is a Shareholder at the law firm of Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote in Pittsburgh. He graduated with honors in Computer Science from Penn State in 2004 before earning his J.D. from Duquesne University. A 2004 Paralympian who competed in Athens, Jeff remains deeply connected to the adaptive sports community and brings legal expertise and personal athletic experience to the Board.
Teri Jordan
Board Member
Teri served as the Administrator and Coach for the Penn State Ability Athletics Program for two decades, guiding it to national prominence from its inception in 1999 until her retirement in 2020. A former U.S. Olympic Team member and Kansas Sports Hall of Fame inductee, she previously coached Penn State’s Women’s Track and Field. She holds a Master’s in Biomechanics and Adapted Physical Education from Kansas University.
Capt. Ryan J. McCombie, USN (Ret.) '70
Board Member
A 1970 Penn State graduate and Board of Trustees Emeritus, Ryan served 26 years as a U.S. Navy SEAL and was the first military attaché to the U.S. Embassy in Brazzaville, Congo. He is a Founding Member of the University’s Outreach Development program and former Chair of the World Campus Military Scholarship Foundation. A lifetime member of the Mount Nittany Society, he remains a tireless advocate for the university.
Mike McHugh '12
Board Member
Mike is a 2012 Penn State Finance graduate and Vice President at JPMorgan Chase in NYC. During his time at Penn State, he participated in Ability Athletics and co-founded the "Adaptive Outreach" club to foster inclusivity on campus. Mike is an avid traveler who has visited all seven continents. He remains a dedicated alumnus and has served as Vice President of the Penn State NYC Alumni Chapter, Alumni Relations Director for The Hope Gala, and on the Executive Board of the Penn State's Alumni Council.
Keith McMinn
Board Member
Keith is the Director of Life Lion at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and a retired Maryland State Trooper. He holds a Master’s in Homeland Security and has spent decades coaching wheelchair basketball, including leading a team to a national championship. A father of a daughter with a disability, Keith is passionate about using sports to change the life trajectories of youth with disabilities.
Rohan Murphy '06
Board Member
Rohan is a 2006 Penn State graduate and accomplished powerlifter who wrestled for Penn State’s varsity team. The owner of Rohan Murphy Inc., he is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and the founder of the CatchSpark.com community. Featured by Sports Illustrated and ABC News, Rohan has represented the USA on the world stage and credits Ability Athletics with launching his career as an elite adaptive athlete.
Maggie Redden '07
Board Member
Maggie is a 2007 Penn State graduate and a 2008 Paralympian who represented the USA in Beijing. She currently serves as a Senior Communications and Marketing Specialist for the City of Falls Church, VA, and holds an MPA from St. Peter’s College. An official Torchbearer for the 2004 Olympics and a longtime activist, Maggie remains a fierce advocate for the disabled community and the Adaptive Athletics program.
Jenny Ryan
Board Member
Jenny has been with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) since 2016, managing Paralympics Cycling, internal operations, and international relations. A 2013 Grove City College graduate and 16-time All-American swimmer, she previously served as a Sports Development Coordinator for USA Triathlon. She is a Certified Meeting Professional and a licensed Youth Sports Administrator dedicated to advancing adaptive sports talent.
Jake Schrom '11
Board Member
Jake is a 2011 Penn State graduate and a Senior Landscape Designer for his family’s business in Carlisle, PA. After losing his leg in a work accident during college, he joined Ability Athletics, which launched a successful career in para powerlifting that took him to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. A certified Peer Visitor for the Amputee Coalition, Jake uses his story to inspire others navigating limb loss.