Ratay picks Grand Valley State U.

Geneva running back Michael Ratay only lost two games as the star running back for the Vikings.

Now, he's going to continue his career at a school that has lost just twice in the last four years.

The Vikings standout has committed to play football at Division II Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., after visiting the school last weekend. Since 2001 Grand Valley State is 91-6 and has won 4 national titles (2001, 2003, 2005, 2006) and was national runner-up in 2001.

"They're very excited with Michael coming into the program and not just him as a running back, but as a football player," Geneva coach Rob Wicinski said. "Michael's very excited. He knows the tradition and success of the program and with his success in high school and their new recruiting class he knows he has an opportunity to win a championship every single year."

Wicinski was pleased to hear that someone he referred to as a "once-in-a-lifetime player" has made his decision and can now move on to the next level.

"Recruiting is a tough business and a lot of young men have to go with the same issues," he said. "Michael looked very relieved and excited about his decision. It's a taxing situation but that's part of the whole process if you continue playing the game."

And Ratay plays the game extremely well. Last fall he rushed for 100-plus yards in 13 consecutive games, scored 44 rushing touchdowns (which was just 1 shy of tying the single-season IHSA record) and amassed a career-best 358 rushing yards and scored 6 touchdowns in a game against rival Batavia that likely will never be forgotten.

"I'm extremely proud of him and real excited for him," Wicinski said. "I think he was a career-type kid for me to coach and now Grand Valley State has got a really special player."

Grand Valley State, which was 11-1 in 2008, is located a little more than 200 miles away from Geneva, which will allow Ratay to remain relatively close to home and close enough for his family to attend home games.

Ratay, the Western Sun Conference MVP in 2008, rushed for 2,859 yards on 335 attempts last season and led the Vikings to their second consecutive perfect regular season and to their first state championship game appearance since 1975.

Grand Valley State University head coach Chuck Martin is scheduled to appear at a news conference on Feb. 4 to discuss Ratay and the rest of the program's 2009 signing class. The news conference can be viewed online at www.gvsulakers.cstv.com.