Pittston Area’s Jake Rutkowski to play football at Shippensburg University

YATESVILLE – Pittston Area senior football player Jake Rutkowski has committed to continue his academic and athletic careers on the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II level at Shippensburg University.

Rutkowski, a three-year lineman for the Patriots, was recruited to play offense for the Red Raiders.

“I fell in love with the place,” said Rutkowski, who also made recruiting visits to Misericordia and Utica, but canceled other visits after making his decision. “I liked the whole atmosphere there.

“I just think it’s a place that’s going to get the best out of me academically and athletically.”

At Pittston Area, Rutkowski is also a three-year member of the track and field team as a thrower and was on the wrestling team for one season.

Rutkowski was one of the leaders when the Patriots posted their first winning football season in nine years last fall.

Shippensburg went 10-2 and reached the Division II national playoffs in 2017.

Pittston Area lineman Jake Rutkowski has committed to play NCAA Division II football at Shippensburg University. From left, seated, are Patty Rutkowski, mother; Jake Rutkowski, Robert Rutkowski, father. Standing, Pittston Area assistant principal Chris Lazevnick, head football coach Nick Barbieri, head of football operations David Galli and principal John Haas.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Rutkowski.jpgPittston Area lineman Jake Rutkowski has committed to play NCAA Division II football at Shippensburg University. From left, seated, are Patty Rutkowski, mother; Jake Rutkowski, Robert Rutkowski, father. Standing, Pittston Area assistant principal Chris Lazevnick, head football coach Nick Barbieri, head of football operations David Galli and principal John Haas. Tom Robinson | For Sunday Dispatch