Ranger Athletes Land College Scholarships
Nick Jackosky signs his Letter of Intent to run for Iowa State. Joining Jackosky are his father, Paul (left), and (standing from left) Athletic Director Bob Thayer, cross country coach Mike Schreiner and track coach Scott Troyan.
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Two of Lakewood High’s best athletes both signed Letters of Intent recently to continue their athletic endeavors next year at the college level. Senior Nick Jackosky capped off his stellar cross country and track career by signing a Letter of Intent to run for Division I Iowa State and senior Aturo Morgan, the Rangers quarterback for the past two seasons, accepted an offer to play wide receiver and defensive back at Division II Lake Erie College in Painesville.
Jackosky, who will receive scholarship money for both his athletic and academic achievements, was sought after by several schools, including being flown to California by the University of San Francisco on a recruiting visit, but the “more traditional college feel” at Iowa State won him over, Jackosky said.
In inviting Jackosky to sign a Letter of Intent, Iowa State’s Director of Track & Field/Cross Country wrote to him: “Very few people have the opportunity to compete at the NCAA Division 1 level and even fewer receive a scholarship to be able to compete. You are part of an elite group who has this honor, and I am extremely proud to have you with us here at Iowa State University.”
Iowa State’s record of being either first or second among the Big 12 schools each year of graduating student-athletes was also a big factor in Jackosky’s decision as the academic component was equally important to him.
Although he still has the LHS track season ahead of him, Jackosky looks back fondly on his years running at LHS and said he feels blessed to have been part of the “brotherhood” of runners.
“Everyone was just really nurturing from the start (of my freshmen year). … The seniors really helped get my confidence up” and urged me on, Jackosky said. He said the closeness among teammates helped him adjust when he first came to LHS. “I had a group of friends instantly,” he said.
Ironically, Jackosky had hoped to go to St. Ignatius but was put on the waiting list and turned to Lakewood High instead. “That was a blessing in disguise,” he said. “LHS has been the best place for me and I couldn’t have had a better experience.”
Highlights from Jackosky’s high school career:
- All-State team, cross country
- Two-time State qualifier, cross country
- State qualifier, 3200 meters, track
- District winner, 3200 meters, track
- District winner, cross country
- NOC Runner of the Year 2011
- Three-time NOC champ, 3200 meters, track
- Two-time NOC champ, cross country
- Academic All-Ohio team junior year
Morgan, who Ranger fans watched scramble and throw all over the field these past two seasons as the Rangers’ quarterback, received a generous scholarship and aid package offer to play for Lake Erie.
On hand to watch Morgan sign his Letter of Intent were Athletic Director Bob Thayer, his mom and head Ranger football coach Ron Lewis, who called Morgan “the best athlete we have on the team.” Lewis cited Morgan’s stats of both rushing and throwing for more than 500 yards this past season as the impact Morgan had on the field. And offense wasn’t the only impact he had as Morgan also started on defense as a safety for the team.
When asked what his biggest accomplishment as a Ranger was, Morgan doesn’t cite his own individual statistics or any one victory, but “giving the school a winning season that they haven’t seen since 2003,” he said. The Rangers finished the 2011 season at 6-4.
Morgan, who right now thinks he wants to major in criminal justice, said he was impressed by Lake Erie’s facilities and in typical football player fashion, he particularly liked the cafeteria.
Morgan’s mother, Ruby Soto, said she “is proud that he’s made it this far.” “It’s been a long road,” she said, of getting Morgan through numerous injuries and keeping him motivated. She credited the Ranger coaching staff and Coach Lewis in particular for “his big influence and helping to see (Aturo) through everything.”
Best of luck to both young men as they move toward graduation and the next chapter in their lives.