As seniors find their way through their last year of high school, they are deciding where they want to go and what they want to pursue. Nick Ruth, a senior at Newton High School, has already been accepted into many different D1 and D2 colleges. However, Ruth still needs to decide where he wants to go and who he wants to play for.
Nick Ruth is a triplet to Haley and Zach Ruth. He has been playing football for 10 years and was first inspired by his older brother, Max Ruth.
“My brother started playing when he was in the sixth grade, and I wanted to be like him so I started playing the year after,” Ruth said.
Nick Ruth said his biggest inspiration would be his parents and what they have done for him.
“I am very excited for Nick, I just want him to be happy with his decision, so I’m not super involved with telling him where to go. I’m just happy to see him get these opportunities,” Ruth’s mother, Holly Ruth, said.
Nick Ruth’s coach, Greg Slade, also known as Coach Slade, is the head football coach, assistant athletic director, and strength and conditioning teacher. Slade has been coaching at NHS for a year and a half, two football seasons with Ruth.
“I thought he was motivated and worked hard when I met him, and I still think that,” Slade said. “I think [Nick] has grown as a person, not just in football, just as a person overall and I think that his mom and dad are guiding him through the process too.”
Ruth went to visit one FCS school, Eastern Illinois; however, if he chose to go there, he would have to wait a couple of years to be able to get onto the field. There are ways that Ruth can get onto the field quicker if he chooses a small D1 or D2 college.
“He’s looking at some of the MI Double-A league, which are Division 2 schools in the Kansas City western part of Missouri that are in that league,” Slade said.
Slade has coached a lot of kids throughout his career.
“We always talk about favoritism, the kids who work hard, are on time, come every day, do what they’re supposed to, and Nick is one of those kids, and those are the kids you’ll always miss. He’s a good leader, and has a good work ethic.”
