Vena received several college athletic scholarships upon his graduation from Chatfield Senior High School in Littleton, Colorado, and Colgate University was where he ended up.
Ryan finished his career as the Colgate and Patriot League's all-time leader in total offense with 9,435 yards.
Vena was the Destroyers primary quarterback, throwing 3,081 passes, 57 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, Columbus finished the season 6–10.
In 2005, he returned and competed with Matt D'Orazio all season long for the starting quarterback position.
But in the first game of the year against the Chicago Rush, Villanueva threw three interceptions without a touchdown, and Vena came in as a replacement.