The Pine Grove Area School Board Directors officially named John Rizzo as the next head coach of the boys’ basketball team at their March 20, 2025 meeting.
Rizzo, a 2000 graduate of North Schuylkill, brings a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree to the program. During his high school career as a Spartan, he achieved the milestone of scoring 1,000 points and was a key member of the 1998-1999 team that achieved an 18-game winning streak.
With eight years of head coaching experience under his belt, Rizzo arrives at Pine Grove following a successful tenure leading the North Schuylkill girls’ basketball team. Before leaving the Spartans in 2016, under his leadership, the team compiled an impressive 95-23 record and made the District XI playoffs in all five seasons he was at the helm. He also led them to a Schuylkill League Championship in 2014 and Division Championships in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Before coaching at North Schuylkill, Rizzo guided the Antietam boys’ basketball team through a remarkable turnaround, taking the program from a 2-20 record in his first season to a state qualifier by his third year. His coaching resume also includes assistant coaching stints with Wyomissing and Albright University.
“This will be my third head coaching job — Antietam boys (2008-11) and North Schuylkill girls (2011-16),” Rizzo said. “When I took over both programs, they were in rebuild mode, so I take a lot of pride in the challenge of improving a program.”
Rizzo expressed his excitement about joining Pine Grove, stating, “I’m excited to bring enthusiasm and energy to a program with kids that are hungry to win.”
“As a NS player & then girls coach, I always admired the passion and pride at Pine Grove. One of the best fan bases, amazing home court energy, and tough kids who want to be successful is what makes PGA special,” he added.
Adding a unique dynamic to Pine Grove’s basketball program, Rizzo joins his wife, Allison Rizzo, who serves as the head coach of the Pine Grove girls’ basketball team.
Looking ahead, Rizzo plans to hit the ground running. “I plan on getting together with the kids over the next couple days and start laying the foundation for the program, which starts with a strong culture,” he said.