Shenandoah’s McVicker to Run Track at Walsh U.

Photo by Holly Dixon

Shenandoah High All-Ohioan Max McVicker, flanked by his parents RJ and Maureen McVicker, will continue his academic and athletic careers at Walsh University where he will be a member of the track team. Also on hand were his grandparents, Herman and Ronnie Gray, and his sisters Sophia and Emmy McVicker.

By Jeff Harrison

Max McVicker – a two-event All-Ohioan this past spring – will continue to jump over hurdles at the next level after announcing he will attend Walsh University where he will be a member of the Cavaliers’ track team in the spring.

McVicker etched his name in Shenandoah sports lore by placing in both hurdle events at the OHSAA Division III Track and Field Championships – taking the runner-up spot in the 300-meter hurdles (40.06) and placing eighth in the 110-meter hurdles (16.06).

Selecting Walsh served a dual purpose for McVicker.

“I am happy to say that I chose Walsh because going there will give me the best opportunity to become successful in track and also in my future career as a nurse,” he said. “Their campus was gorgeous and the amazing teachers and fellow students that I met at orientation really made the decision to attend Walsh University a whole lot easier.”

The Zep standout says he’s ready to tackle the challenge of college athletics.

“My expectations are pretty high for myself in track,” he said. “It will be very tough, but I know I am capable of doing amazing things.”

Shenandoah coach Anna Slevin agrees.

“Max is a great kid, and I am excited for him to be able to continue his track career at the collegiate level,” said Slevin. “His work ethic is superb, frequently training diligently during and outside of scheduled practices.

“I believe he will have continued success at the college level given his athletic, as well as outstanding academic and social, abilities,” she added. “With collegiate-level training, he is bound to excel.”

At the D-III District, McVicker was first in the 300 hurdles (43.16) and 110 hurdles (15.75); second in the 200 meters (22.48) and the anchor of the Zeps’ third place 4×200-meter relay team (1:35.68).

At the D-III Regional, he finished first in the 300 hurdles (39.98) and fifth in the 110 hurdle3s (15.53) to punch his ticket to the state meet in both events.

McVicker was named the Eastern District Division III Co-Track Athlete of the Year, earning all-district honors in the 300 hurdles, 110 hurdles and 200 meters.

At the OVAC Cal Giffin Track Championships, he was first in the 300 hurdles (40.69) and 110 hurdles (16.43); third in the 200 meters (24.32) and anchored the third place 4×200-meter relay team (1:37.26).

McVicker was also a key member of the Zeps’s basketball team last winter. He averaged 12.2 points per game as Shenandoah posted an overall record of 21-4, capturing the OHSAA Division IV Sectional championship to reach the D-IV District semifinals and finishing second in the OVAC Class 2A standings.

He received honorable mention All-Ohio, first team All-District 12, second team All-Eastern District and participated in the District 12 All-Star Game.