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Penn State Men’s Soccer Legend Dick Packer Dies At 91

Former Penn State men’s soccer All-American and U.S. Olympian Richard “Dick” Packer died on Friday, November 15. He was 91.

Packer was a forward for the Nittany Lions from 1953 to 1955 and played a key role in Penn State’s 1954 and 1955 national championship runs. In Penn State’s nine-game season in 1955, Packer scored 24 goals and 50 points, the most goals and points in a single season by a Nittany Lion to this day. Only Corey Hertzog, who scored 46 points in 25 games, came close to beating that record in 2010.

Packer played with the Uhrik Truckers of the American Soccer League starting in December 1955. To play in the 1956 Olympics, Packer played without pay for the Truckers.

After he graduated from Penn State in 1956, Packer served in the Air Force after serving in the school’s ROTC program. Packer remained with the Air Force until 1959 before returning to the Truckers until 1968.

After his retirement, Packer ran the Packer Soccer Camp for 40 years.

“We are so saddened by the passing of our men’s soccer program icon, Dick Packer,” Penn State head coach Jeff Cook said in a statement. “Penn State meant so much to Dick, and he has been a steadfast supporter and dedicated alumnus throughout his lifetime. Dick’s achievements on the soccer field as a two-time All-American, a national champion, and a member of the 1956 Olympic team are simply legendary.

“I am so grateful to have enjoyed Dick’s friendship, he leaves an impressive legacy with us. Beyond his talent as a soccer player, his sincerity, integrity, and authenticity will be the lasting traits that remain in our memory of him. On behalf of everyone at Penn State Soccer, we send his wife Joan and Dick’s entire family our most sincere condolences at this sad time. We will all miss Dick terribly, but his impact on the Nittany Lions will never be forgotten.”

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About the Author

Joe Lister

Joe is a senior journalism major at Penn State and Onward State's managing editor. He writes about everything Penn State and is single-handedly responsible for the 2017 Rose Bowl. If you see him at Cafe 210, please buy him a Miami pitcher. For dumb stuff, follow him on Twitter (iamjoelister). For serious stuff, email him ([email protected]).

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