Six Rockets commit to college athletic programs

Six student athletes participated in National Signing Day on Wednesday, April 14 to celebrate their intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level: seniors Daniel Auxier, Clay Badylak, Riley Haugh, Emma McSwigan, Austin Ramey, and Mia Smith.

Athletic Director, Mr. Drew Schmidt, said, “It’s always a great day to be a Rocket, but when you can highlight the accomplishments of such great achievers, on and off the field, it becomes an even better day to be a Rocket.”

Daniel Auxier signed his intent to play lacrosse at Virginia Wesleyan University. Through just six matches so far this season, Daniel has scored 7 goals on 41 shots on goal and has won more than 10 groundballs. Daniel is a two-year team captain, three-year starter at attack, and, according to his coaches, he “possesses a high lacrosse IQ and is very competitive.”

Clay Badylak will continue his baseball career at Frontier Community College. As a three-sport athlete, Clay has been a member of the McNicholas football, basketball, and baseball programs. Along with All-League, City, and District accolades in football and basketball, Clay was named to the 1st Team All-GCL in baseball as a sophomore. He hit .431 and accumulated a 3.5 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 26 IP. 

Riley Haugh committed to play football at Hiram College. As a member of the Rocket football team, Riley was a key-cog on the interior lines. He recorded nearly 70 tackles in 23 career games played, and earned 2nd Team All-GCL honors as a senior. McNicholas Head Football Coach, Mike Orlando, said, “Riley obviously was a tremendous football player, but more importantly he is an excellent teammate. In short, he has a tremendous heart, he gives uncommon effort, and cares deeply about those around him.”

Emma McSwigan will continue her soccer career at Northern Kentucky University. Emma is a two-sport athlete, competing as a member of Rocket basketball and soccer teams. She was named 2nd Team All-GCL her junior and senior seasons in basketball. In soccer, she competed at the varsity level for four seasons and was named All-GCL all four years.  During her senior season, Emma was named 1st Team All-GCL, 1st Team All-City, and 2nd Team All-State. 

Austin Ramey signed his intent to play football at Ave Maria University. As a Rocket football player, he was named All-GCL three times. Even though Austin’s senior year was plagued by injury, he still earned multiple accolades including 1st Team All-GCL, and 1st Team All-City, 1st Team All-Southwest Ohio, and 1st Team All-State. 

Mia Smith will continue her softball career at Mt. St. Joseph University.  During her sophomore season as a Rocket, Mia batted .421 and had 2 homeruns. So far this season in just five games, Mia is hitting .500 with 7 doubles, 2 HR, and 11 RBI.

Mr. Schmidt added, “Our signees represent everything we want our student athletes to be: dedicated, committed, accountable, and hard-working. As a result, we are proud to have had them leave their footprints in our McNicholas community’s history.”

Our signees represent everything we want our student athletes to be: dedicated, committed, accountable, and hard-working.
Mr. Drew Schmidt '06