MORGANTOWN — For some high school student-athletes, being able to continue playing the sport that they love after moving on to college is a dream they have worked towards most of their childhoods.
While the opportunity to play one sport at the next level is special in its own right, being able to play two is certainly a rare occasion and one that Morgantown senior Caleb Nutter jumped at right away when it presented itself.
Nutter recently announced his commitment to continue his athletic and academic careers at Grove City College in Grove City, Pa.
Not only will Nutter join the Wolverines as a member of the football team in the fall, but he will also be suiting up in the spring as a member of the baseball team.
“This is just a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to play two sports in college because I’ve truly grown up loving both football and baseball my whole life… it’s been like a dream come true,” Nutter said. “I just want to make the most of the opportunity that I’ve been presented with.”
On the gridiron, the Grove City Wolverines are coming off of a historic, first-ever undefeated 10-0 regular season and the outright Presidents’ Athletics Conference title. The Wolverines entered the Division III playoffs ranked 18th in the D3football.com poll and earned a 21-20 victory over Susquehanna in their first postseason game and win in program history. GC finished 10th in the final poll of the season in Division III.
“I have a great opportunity with the football team being ranked 10th in the nation to help make some history,” Nutter said. “They have a great returning group and hopefully I can help the team chase a national championship.”
Despite being an all-state selection at the linebacker position on defense for Morgantown, Nutter will lineup on offense for GC at the fullback position.
“Caleb is a perfect example of what our program stands for and he is one of the toughest, most hard-working, dedicated players I’ve ever coached,” MHS football coach Sean Biser. “Not only is he a great athlete but he’s an even better student and person. Grove City hit the jackpot with Caleb and we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes on both fields at the collegiate level.”
MHS baseball coach Pat Sherald echoed Biser’s thoughts on Nutter.
“He has been outstanding for us from day one and embodies everything we stand for,” Sherald said. “He is passionate about both sports and he truly brings that football mentality to the baseball field for us. Grove City is getting a pure leader and winner.”
Like the football team, the baseball program is also coming off of a record-setting season of 30-11 and will enter this spring season ranked one spot out of the D-III top-25.
Nutter expects to suit up behind the plate at catcher for MHS this season and will have the opportunity to do the same at Grove City while also seeing time in the outfield.
“The ceilings for both programs are high and the opportunity for me to make an impact from the jump is there,” Nutter said. “I know it will take some hard work but I’m confident in myself and will do what I can to make the most of it.”
Initially, Nutter says he was in contact with GC for football only, but quickly realized that he wasn’t ready to give up playing baseball and pursuing a future on the diamond.
“A couple months ago I decided I wasn’t ready to give baseball up or decide between the two sports,” he said. “I love both and feel like I can succeed in both sports. I ended up emailing the coaches for the baseball team and sent some film and they asked me to stop by when I made my visit for football. They ended up offering me after a great conversation and watching my film.”
Now, says Nutter, knowing his senior year of baseball at MHS won’t be his final one playing gives him confidence and motivation going into the 2024 high school season.
“It helps knowing that I have a spot on the roster at Grove City, but my senior year at MHS is the most important time for me,” he said. “Last season’s graduating class will be missed but we still have a great shot at winning this year. Being committed before the season starts gives me a lot of confidence and I know that I will still need to work on improving my game for college.”
