Wilson signs with Lake Erie College
WARSAW – Nick Wilson always wanted to be a college athlete and he is now one step closer to that dream.
“At first it was football and I thought I’d be a Buckeye and then it was baseball and I wanted to go to the Major League, but then my mom ran a marathon and I thought that was so cool so I followed in her footsteps,” he said.
Wilson, who is a senior at River View High School, signed his letter of intent April 13, to do cross country and track at Lake Erie College in Painesville. His parents Robert and Katina Wilson, grandparents Judy and Bob Wilson and Cheryl and Mike Wilson, sister Erin Wilson and River View Cross Country Coach Gwenna Neal gathered with him in the high school library to pose for pictures to celebrate the occasion.
“We are very proud of him,” Robert said. “It will be interesting to see what he’s capable of accomplishing at the next level.”
Katina has enjoyed watching Nick run over the years and is glad he picked Lake Erie to continue his career.
“When he walked on campus he knew it was for him,” she said.
Nick said he liked the small town feel of Lake Erie.
“I don’t think it will be overwhelming,” he said. “It’s a small campus and I can still kind of feel like I’m at home.”
Nick plans on majoring in criminal justice and possibly minoring in psychology or accounting.
“I’m looking forward to living on my own and making some good memories,” he said.
Nick also will carry with him great memories from his times at River View.
“I’ve been doing track and cross country since seventh grade,” he said. “It’s been a long road, with a lot of miles and fun times.”
Going to regionals and state this year for cross country was especially memorable.
“When we found out we got third at regionals that was the best moment because we just fell short last year,” Nick said. “State really got me ready for college and running there.”
Of course, the support of his family and coaches also helped get him to the next level.
“I’m especially thankful for Gwenna Neal,” Nick said. “She coached me from seventh grade on up. She’s one of the best coaches out there and everybody needs to know that.”
Like his parents, Neal also was proud to see Nick sign his letter of intent.
“He’s probably the most determined athlete I’ve had the privilege of coaching,” she said. “He’s also a solid team member both in leadership and athletic ability. The coaches at Lake Erie aren’t going to get someone who will work harder than Nick Wilson will.”
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
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