×

Warren athletes headed to Marietta College

RON JOHNSTON The Marietta Times Warren senior Katie Rauch and Bishop Ford commited to continuing their athletic career at Marietta College Wednesday. Sitting, left to right: Brian Rauch (father), Katie, and Jenny Rauch (mother). Standing, left to right: Ben Cunningham (principal), Katie Farley (assistant coach), Arielle Baker (athletic trainer), Ryan Lemley (principal) and Deb Proctor (AD).

VINCENT — Warren High featured a tag team collegiate ceremonial commitment at the gym Thursday afternoon.

Both seniors’ Bishop Ford and Katie Rauch are planning to continue their education and play a sport at Marietta College after high school graduation.

Leading off, the 18-year-old Ford was accompanied at the ceremonial table by his parents’ Paul and Mindy Ford, and sister Caspen Ford. Also, in the picture were Warren head football coach Tim Carver, principals’ Ben Cunningham and Ryan Lemley, athletic trainer Arielle Baker, and Athletic Director Deb Proctor.

Bishop Ford will be playing football and majoring in athletic training at MC. At Warren, he owns a 3.78 GPA in the classroom.

“Coach (Andy) Waddle (of Marietta College) showed up at one of my games during the football season,” said the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Ford. “He really sparked my interest, because he showed interest in me.

RON JOHNSTON The Marietta Times Warren senior Katie Rauch and Bishop Ford commited to continuing their athletic career at Marietta College Wednesday. Sitting, left to right: Caspen Ford (sister), Mindy Ford (mother), Bishop and Paul Ford (father). Standing, left to right: Ben Cunningham (principal), Arielle Baker (athletic trainer), Ryan Lemley (principal), Tim Carver (football coach) and Deb Proctor (AD).

“Then, I went to Marietta College, and it just really felt like home when I visited the campus.”

Ford said that he’s planning to play wide receiver at MC. At Warren, he was a good one, one who could run the 40-yard dash in 4.74.

“I’m very proud of him,” Carver said. “We did everything we could to help him get there. Coach Waddle’s a friend of mine. We both have the same alma mater (Wittenberg). I actually coached Coach Waddle’s brother in the Springfield area.”

Carver said that he was hoping Ford would go to a Division III school.

“I think that’s a good fit for everybody, and you can enjoy yourself at it,” he added. “I think Bishop will fit in great at Marietta College.”

Warren QB Casey Adams agreed.

“Bishop is such a big target,” he said. “He’s got this big wing span, and he gets open.”

A couple of Ford highlights from last season occurred in games against Parkersburg High and Logan.

Against PHS, Ford caught two touchdown passes of 60 and 5 yards from Adams.

Against Logan in the season finale….

“When Casey was back there, he took a little bit more time,” Carver said. “He could find them, and Bishop would get open.

“Against Logan, Casey threw between three defenders, and threaded the needle right into Bishop’s hands — and it went 65 yards for a touchdown.”

Carver paused.

“Bishop started things going in the Logan game with a kickoff return that he had. It went about 95 yards,” the coach continued. “The hole opened up and he just turned it on through there. That was something waiting to happen all season long.

“I hope Coach Waddle gives him an opportunity to do some kick and punt returns, because he’s good at it.”

Capping the ceremonial commitment was the 18-year-old Rauch, who was accompanied by her parents’ Brian and Jenny Rauch. Also in the picture were Warren assistant basketball coach Katie Farley, Cunningham, Lemley, Baker, and Proctor.

Katie Rauch is planning to play basketball and major in early childhood education. At Warren, she owns a 4.0 GPA.

“I wanted to stay close to home,” Rauch said. “Any my mom and sister (Jordanna) both went there. I was comfortable there.”

This past season, Jordanna Rauch was the lone senior on the Pioneer roster. MC finished the winter with a 16-11 overall record.

“The team is really close and I think with Coach (Kole) Vivian, they’ve made a lot of strides in just one year,” Katie Rauch said. “And I think the program is going to keep progressing and hopefully we can win the OAC by the time I’m a senior.”

At Warren in her senior season, Rauch averaged 10 points per game. She was instrumental in helping the Amy Colgrove-coached Warriors compile a 20-5 overall mark.

“I’m better at threes than I am layups,” Rauch said. “I did play post some this year. I just have to get stronger. I’m going to work out with my sister.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.15/week.

Subscribe Today