Michael Woolridge Hopes to Make Sports a Part of Life’s Work

Michael Woolridge is a native of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania and a 2021 graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School in Altoona. The 6’9’ forward recently wrapped up his first season of college hoops for the Pennsylvania College of Technology (often known as Penn College or PCT), for the Wildcats men’s basketball team.

(Photos from PCT Athletics)

Woolridge stayed in Central Pennsylvania to play his college hoops, a decision he made after he first visited Penn College.

“PCT was the right fit for me because I love the coaching staff and the players felt like family even after the first meeting them. The school is not too far away from home, meaning my parents can still come to all the home games. PCT kind of just felt like home from the day I first visited.”

The college freshman came to PCT from a school with a rich basketball tradition in Bishop Guilfoyle as Woolridge and his teammates did their part to continue to try to help the Marauders to reach new heights. The big man graduated with three District 6 crowns and helped the team to reach the state title game with a runner-up finish. He also only lost six games in all of his high school basketball career. He said this about his time playing basketball for the Marauders.

“Playing for Bishop Guilfoyle was the best experience I’ve ever had in my basketball career. The tradition there is amazing; the fans and the student section were all amazing and fun and they always had our backs through thick and thin. I will always be a Bishop Guilfoyle Marauder.”

On the travel hoops circuit, the Blair County native played for All Day Hoops with many of his teammates from high school. It was a way for the program to gain additional reps during the offseason and push themselves to raise their game.

In his first season with the Wildcats, Woolridge played in 14 games, scored 26 points, and grabbed 29 rebounds. Wildcats Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Geoff Hensley, said this about the type of player he is and the role he foresees for Woolridge over the next three seasons.

“(He) has been an impactful player for us from the first day he stepped foot on campus. First, Michael has that easy-going personality that gets along with everybody and everyone is drawn to him. Second, coming from a great high school program like Bishop Guilfoyle, Michael has one of the best basketball IQ’s on the team. He’s always in the right spot doing the right thing and picks things up very quickly.

“His presence on the court protecting the paint, rebounding and finishing around the basket has elevated our program to compete with some of the best teams in the region. Michael has so much potential and I am excited to see him grow and develop the next three years in a Penn College jersey.”

Woolridge is a second semester Business Administration major and hopes to make working in sports his life’s work. In particular, he is hopeful to work for a professional organization.

Best of luck as you continue in your college days, Michael! Thank you for the chance to recap your days at Bishop Guilfoyle and what lies ahead in the rest of your days at PCT 🏀