Five rockets commit to college athletic programs

Five student athletes participated in National Signing Day on Wednesday, February 1 to celebrate their intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level: seniors Ethan Gardner, Timmy Griffin, Matt Mitchell, Ty Snyder, and Jackson Wang.

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.”

Ethan Gardner signed his intent to play football at Thomas More University. Ethan’s rise as a football player was remarkable and unique as he only played one season. His dedication and development through the season led him to being a key asset at the wide receiver position. In his one season as a Rocket, Ethan made 15 catches for 353 yards and his 6 receiving TDs were tied for most on the team.

Timmy Griffin will continue his soccer career at Northern Kentucky University. As one of the most decorated soccer players in McNicholas history, Timmy earned almost every accolade and award that a local high school play can receive. Timmy has been named All-GCL and All-City four times, Enquirer Player of the Year twice, and GCL Coed Player of the Year. In addition, Timmy has been a 4-year varsity starter and is McNicholas High School’s all-time leader in goals with 62. He contributed 26 assists and 150 total points in his career as a Rocket, finishing his career ranked the 4^th best soccer player in the state of Ohio.

Matt Mitchell signed his intent to play baseball at Bluffton University. Matt is a multi-sport athlete, competing as a member of the McNicholas football and baseball teams. He played varsity baseball for three years and was team captain for two years. With a season still to play at McNicholas, Matt has won a District Championship and ranked in the top 5 on the team in games played, hits, runs scored, and RBIs. These efforts on the field earned him Honorable Mention All-GCL Coed.

Ty Snyder will continue his career as a multi-sport athlete by committing to play football and baseball at Thomas More University. During Ty’s three years a varsity football player, he was named All-State Running Back, All-City and All-District two times, and All-League three times. At McNicholas he also holds the record for most career touchdowns with 42 and is top five for most rushing yards in program history. So far in Ty’s baseball career, he has been a three-year varsity player and has been named All-State, All-City twice, and All- League First Team twice.

Jackson Wang committed to play baseball at Wabash Valley College, one of the top Junior College baseball programs in the country. Transferring to McNicholas and only playing half a season due to OHSAA rules, Jackson has had an impressive baseball career despite his unique situation. Starting all 13 games he was eligible for as a Rocket, Jackson hit over .320 and ranked top five on the team in many major offensive categories. Overall in his three-year varsity career at Indian Creek and so far as a Rocket, he has batted .340 and was voted Best Defensive Player twice.

Mr. Schmidt added, “We are proud of these athlete’s accomplishments! The countless hours they have put in and the people and athletes they have become exemplify what it means to be a Rocket: 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.”