Nic Slater had options, Northern Arizona, Sacramento State, California Lutheran and Montana State, to name a few. But, for one reason or another, the Christopher High senior wasn’t quite convinced any of those destinations had that “it” factor. After all, it’s a choice that will impact the next four years of his life.
“There was definitely a point, after applying to all the schools I was interested in and getting the acceptance letters back, when it came down to making a decision, none of the schools I was accepted to didn’t feel like the right fit,” Slater said.
And then, something clicked.
“I heard about Menlo College and looked at the size of the school and the class size,” Slater recalled. “I immediately became interested in it and it went from there.”
Slater’s stars aligned perfectly Monday as the Cougars’ leading rusher and Monterey Bay League first-team selection at running back in 2011, accompanied by family, friends, teammates and CHS faculty, signed his letter of intent to play for the Oaks of Menlo College, on scholarship, in the fall.
“It didn’t really hit me right away. When I got the letter, read through it and signed it, that’s when it hit me,” Slater said. “It was nice to know that I wasn’t going to have to go to a (junior college) and play through that and then try to transfer. It’s nice being the first person in my family to earn a sports scholarship.”
Slater will play under the watch of head coach Mark Speckman – a name that should be familiar to Gilroyans. Speckman, born without hands, is touted as one of the original pioneers of the “Fly offense,” and coached at Gilroy High in the mid-1980s.
“He knows a lot about football and a lot about life. He was really straight forward with me, which is one of the things that I really admire about him,” Slater said. “He flat out said how hard you work will determine how much you play.
“I have no problem putting in the effort and the time because this has been a goal of mine since freshman year – I wanted to get a scholarship to a four year, and so far that has come true So now I have to meet all the higher expectations.”
Slater, a two-way starter for head coach Tim Pierleoni, surpassed all expectations for the 2011 league champion Cougars, leading the team with 1,095 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns (17 on the ground) – a total that includes six scores against rival GHS in the second annual Severance Bowl. He hauled in a receiving touchdown and had an interception in the program’s first postseason victory, 55-0 over Del Mar, in the first round of the Central Coast Section Division III playoffs.
“The coaches at Christopher all helped me,” Slater said. “One of the coaches who really stood out was my defensive coordinator Tim Lemos. I really appreciated the tips he gave me.”
Menlo College finished 5-5 in 2011. This is Speckman’s first year at the helm.
“I start summer workouts in June,” Slater said. “I’m definitely doing everything I can to stay in shape so when I get there I’m ready.”
