The McNicholas Milestone

By: Alexandra Minella

On April 15, nine McNicholas seniors signed to play college level sports, who represent the most athletes in McNicholas’s history who signed at once to play sports at the collegiate level. Gary Collins committed for football; Chad Dannemiller committed to play baseball; Kayden Dugger signed to play soccer; Zayden Harvey and Zarius Harvey committed for football; Sarah Hutchinson signed to continue playing volleyball; Steven Melterbrink signed to continue playing football; Ryan Schnizer committed for tennis; and Kennedy Steuer signed to play lacrosse. 

Gary Collins committed to playing football at Georgetown College in Kentucky, where he will major in information technology. Collins described his journey as unpredictable saying, “Throughout my career of playing football, I’ve had my ups and downs, but I always find a way to be better.”  

Chad Dannemiller will continue his baseball career at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, where he will major in project management. During his high school career, he was named first team All-GCL and the First Team All-Southwest of Ohio. 

Kayden Dugger committed to play soccer at University of Northwestern St. Paul in Minnesota, where he will also be majoring in mechanical engineering.  Throughout his high school career Dugger had become a key defender for the Rockets, leading them to multiple victories. 

Zayden and Zarius Harvey will continue their football careers at Morehead State University, where they will continue their athletic and academic careers while majoring in mechanical engineering.  

Sarah Hutchinson will continue her volleyball career at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she plans to double major in AI and data science. Hutchinson earned multiple honors throughout her high school career, including All-GCL recognition, All-Ohio Honorable Mention, and led McNicholas to its first-ever state championship in women’s volleyball in 2025. Hutchinson said, “My advice to younger players would be to remember to love the sport. It’s easy to view practices and training as an obligation rather than a privilege.”  

Steven Meltebrink committed to playing football at Hanover College in Madison, Indiana, where he will be majoring in civil engineering. Meltebrink said, “I have played football since kindergarten, and I have loved and cherished every second of it.” Throughout his high school career, he said, “Fighting through adversity has made me mentally and physically stronger not just as a football player but as a person as well.” 

Ryan Schnizer will continue his tennis career at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina, where he will also be majoring in marketing. Schnizer played the first spot in singles all four years and was a two-time district qualifier. 

Kennedy Steuer will continue her lacrosse career at Muskingum University, where she will also be studying exercise science and physical therapy. During her high school lacrosse career, she had many accomplishments including being named MVP Player of the Week twice.