College track: UNH’s Ritzo manages academics, sports and diabetes – Seacoastonline.com

By Al Pikeapike@fosters.com

DURHAM Nick Ritzo had to grow up fast. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 18 months, he didnt have a choice.

Despite the early responsibility of learning how to take care of his body, the Rye resident and Portsmouth High School graduate developed into an elite athlete along the way.

He won a state title in the shot put less than two years after taking it up and is currently one of the top throwers on the University of New Hampshire mens track and field team, which is getting ready for its outdoor season.

At this point Im pretty mature about it, Ritzo said of living with diabetes. I know how to do everything for myself but I definitely went through a phase where it was very difficult growing up when I didnt know how to do everything and I was very reliant on my parents and grandparents to really look after me.

Then again if someone develops it now its definitely a huge lifestyle change, he continued. Its never easy, but its also one of those illnesses thats not the end of the world. You can adapt. I think in the end its probably made me better for it. Im more mature and Im definitely healthier.

There were times, however, when he felt isolated. Although he had a strong support system at home, he had to become self-disciplined.

It was difficult, said the affable Ritzo. I remember as a kid having a little bit of a sweet tooth. It was always difficult controlling that, and going to friends houses and having to be very careful and being responsible for yourself for a few hours was always difficult. Theres times when you think about it and it seems like the most difficult thing in the world because its just happening to you.

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease that attacks the pancreas and its ability to produce insulin. It is not yet curable or preventable. Among the early symptoms are fatigue, excessive thirst and frequent urination.

There was never a time when I didnt have it, Ritzo said. Ive always been a pretty inquisitive guy. Its just another way to live your life. Its not really the end of the world. It can be difficult, but its manageable.

Ritzo, who wears an insulin pump and has to constantly monitor his blood sugar level and diet, is also an outstanding student. The junior carries a 3.94 grade-point average in genetics and might apply to medical school after he gets his undergraduate degree.

I knew that I wanted to do something science related, Ritzo said. I thought (genetics) was interesting stuff. I liked how it was new to the field of science where many discoveries were still occurring in the field. Its something that I really enjoy. Its definitely time-consuming and its difficult, but its something that really interests me so I dont mind putting in the time towards it. Its the same with track.

Hes also interested in endocrinology and has considered a career in pediatrics. Ritzo started taking courses in genetics when he was a sophomore at UNH.

Im a Type 1 diabetic so Ive always wanted to get into the field of endocrinology, Ritzo said. Its a big role and also just my interest in science and the fact that Ive been given a lot of opportunities that other people havent been given to go towards this field. Ive always felt like I shouldnt waste those opportunities to go help other people.

Balancing academics with athletics has been challenging but rewarding.

I wasnt too set on doing track here when I first came in, Ritzo said. Im a genetics major and thinking about pre-med. When I first came into school I was really focused on that. I wasnt positive I wanted to do track coming in. Its been a really good decision to do it. With having difficult classes it does give you that structure. Its really helpful especially for me because I get to go outside and throw heavy things around. Thats the oldest stress reliever there is.

Speaking of throwing heavy objects around, Ritzo is coming off a strong indoor season in which he finished fourth in the shot at the America East championship meet and eighth in the 35-pound weight, setting personal records in both events while scoring points for the team.

Hes a tremendous teammate for the other kids, said coach Jim Boulanger. Everybody likes him.

A shot-putter by trade, the 6-foot-5 Ritzo will also compete in the discus and javelin during the outdoor season. His height and arm length coupled with improved technique and athleticism enables him to get more distance on his throws.

A basketball player most of his life, Ritzo was recruited coach Mike Lyford to join the track and field team at Portsmouth High. Ritzo competed for the Clippers outdoors his junior year, and indoors and outdoors as a senior.

(Lyford) was really on my back about it because he thought I could be really good at it, Ritzo said. I guess he was right.

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College track: UNH's Ritzo manages academics, sports and diabetes - Seacoastonline.com