STATE COLLEGE — Former US men’s national team player and Penn State alum Richard “Dick” Packer died on Friday, Nov. 15, at the age of 90.
Packer played forward for the Nittany Lions from 1953 to 1955 and was widely considered one of the most prolific soccer players in Penn State history. His legacy will remain in the record books forever. In 1955, Packer recorded 24 goals and 50 points in a nine game season. That is the most by a Nittany Lion to this day, even with the minimum games now at 16.
Packer is still the only two-time First Team All American to ever play for the Nittany Lions.
“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 on Penn State News. “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.”
The forward is a large reason, if not the sole reason, that Penn State won the national championships in 1954 and 1955. In the years Packer played, the Nittany Lions were 17-0-0 and outscored its opponents 91-22.
By the time he joined the Uhrik Truckers of the American Soccer League, Packer had already been selected for the USMNT for the 1956 summer Olympics.
In 1956, the Truckers won the league with Packer scoring two goals in the championship game despite not starting.
