In March 2026, Phil Riccio was awarded the National Federation of State High School Associations ( NFHS) Outstanding Service Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to high school sports or performing arts.
“It really hit home: the appreciation, the honor of being able to do so much for high school athletics throughout the state of Pennsylvania,” Riccio said. “Not just in Altoona, but with recognition and the respect I’ve earned throughout the state.”
Riccio has been the athletic director at Altoona since 2009. Before stepping into that position, he was a football coach.
“I used to coach football, so you had your competition area, and you were done with competition at the beginning of December, and then you were around the athletes,” Riccio said. “Now, each season, I go into another competitive sports season where you’re trying to win and trying to be successful.”
Riccio has been influential on the athletes here at Altoona including his son.
“I think it was cool that he got it, [Outstanding Service Award],” Ricco’s son sophomore Anthony Riccio said. “I think he worked hard enough for it, and I’m proud of him. As an athlete, I think that he deserves it for everything that he does.”
Along with being recognized at Altoona, Riccio was recognized on the Pennsylvania House floor.
“That [being recognized] was a total shock,” Riccio said. “Congressman Joyce’s office had sent me an email after the fact, which I didn’t know was even occurring, and to see that and see my name in a minute and a half speech on the House floor truly was overwhelming, as well as receiving the award.”
Riccio has a lot of experience and accomplishments under his belt.
“I’ve been fortunate,” Riccio said. “I have an outstanding job here as athletic director. I had an outstanding job here previously as head football coach. If you put the team awards and team victories and things that we’ve done here to the side, this and coaching in the Big 33 game are two of the attributes that I’ve received or earned that really stand out to be my career.”
To be considered in the running for the NFHS Outstanding Service Award, individuals must typically be nominated by their state high school association or by peers familiar with their contributions.
“The recognition for a job well done is always appreciated by anybody, but you can’t strive to be the best based on trying to receive an award,” Riccio said. “You have to strive to be the best, whether it’s the competition as a team or as a leader in general, on what is right and how can I make this the best possible thing that I can make it, really not being satisfied, but striving every day to do it better than what you did the day before, because you’re either growing or you’re dying. So each day, that’s the mentality I believe you have to have, is to get better, to promote your school, promote your athletes, promote your teams and compete to be the most successful person.”
Superintendent Brad Hatch reflected on the impact Ricco has had on the district.
“You won’t find a better advocate and voice for Altoona, Altoona Athletics and the Altoona community,” Hatch said. “Mr. Riccio works tirelessly to provide opportunities and experiences for our student athletes on a daily basis. He is a great partner to many in the community and is always striving to make Altoona a great place to learn and compete. Mr. Riccio personifies servant leadership, and I am proud to have him lead our athletics department. Winning this honor demonstrates the quality of educators and human beings that we have working with our students. You will not find a more passionate and dedicated staff that is trying to serve our students and families.”
