Shadyside’s Micker to continue careers at Muskingum University

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Muskingum head coach Matt Nardo was a graduate of Shadyside High School. Nardo actually is a graduate of St. John Central High School.

SHADYSIDE -- Early on during his recruitment period, Shadyside's Cole Micker had a few options on the table, however, a coaching change made the final decision simple.

When St. John Central graduate Matt Nardo was appointed as head coach at Muskingum University, Micker's decision was basically made for him.

"Capital was one of the schools I looked at, but Muskingum was close to home which kind of fit what I was looking for," Micker said. "Coach Nardo is a Shadyside guy and he was at Bluffton which was really far away, so when he came to Muskingum that sealed the deal for me."

Micker was a jack-of-all-trades for the Tigers.

As a senior he was the utility man of the team. Offensively he had well over 1,000 all-purpose yards, most coming from the wide receiver and tailback positions. He also threw for a touchdown from the tailback position and returned kicks, including a 93-yard return for a touchdown. He finished with 10 total touchdowns his senior year.

Defensively, he had 127 tackles, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries leading the Tigers from his Rover position. His defensive efforts gained him multiple awards including first team All-Ohio Division VII honors his senior year and second team All-Ohio his Junior as a linebacker.

"That was pretty exciting. I was surprised," he admitted. "I was thinking more like the second or third team because they pick more linebackers than defensive backs.

"The one thing about Cole is his competitiveness," Shadyside head football coach Mike Kernik said. "He's a fierce competitor who cares about the game. We will miss his leadership, but the nice thing is, the younger kids saw how he led by example. Hopefully, they can follow in his footsteps.

"Cole never came off the field," Kernik added. "He played on every play. Muakingum is getting a great kid."

As for the recruiting process.

"It was pretty exciting. I've been waiting for this day for a long time," Micker said.

He said the Muskies are looking at him as a defensive back, but he wouldn't count as some wide receiver play.

Minger said he will pursue a major in the Business field.

"I would like to thank my parents, friends, coaches, teammates and God for getting me to this level," he added. "I'm a big believer in my faith. I know I'm being watched from everywhere."

Minger is the son of Shawn and April Minger of Shadyside.

Cole will be joining fellow 2 time All Ohioan and Shadyside Alum Logan Crozier at Muskingum University.