Ratay runs his way to D-II power

Geneva's Michael Ratay lets out a yell as he crosses the goal line for a score against Carmel.
(Donnell Collins/For the Beacon News)

January 23, 2009 BY TAYLOR BELL

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Michael Ratay, one of the most prolific running backs in state football history, has made an oral commitment to Division II power Grand Valley State in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Ratay, a 5-10, 205-pounder, led Geneva to 24 victories in 26 games in the last two seasons by rushing for more than 4,500 yards and scoring 77 touchdowns. The Vikings reached the state quarterfinals in 2007 and lost to East St. Louis in the Class 7A final in 2008.

Last season, Ratay earned a spot on the Sun-Times 25-man All-Chicago Area team by carrying 335 times for 2,859 yards and 44 touchdowns. He averaged 8.53 yards per carry and 204.2 yards per game. His season total of 51 touchdowns was one short of the state record set by Morris' John Dergo in 2005.

"He is a once-in-a-lifetime kid," coach Rob Wicinski said. "He was a great high school player and Grand Valley State got a steal."

Wicinski said several Division I schools asked Ratay to walk onto their programs but didn't offer a scholarship because he was too slow or too small or they didn't have any more scholarships to offer and they simply had better players on their roster.

"But Grand Valley State was excited to get him," Wicinski said. "He felt wanted and loved. And he wants to play, not sit on the bench. Grand Valley State has one of the strongest Division II programs in the country and I think he'll make a big contribution. They'll be glad they recruited him."