Tigers' Macer Moving on After Illustrious Career

What did Aaron Macer accomplish in four years at Twinsburg High School?

A better question might be, what didn't he do?

Macer, the 6-1, 185-pound recently graduated senior, is one of those athletes who makes it look easy on the football field, basketball court or the track. With a 4.4 time in the 40 and a 37-inch vertical leap, he tends to get noticed.

But Macer is also an Honor Roll student, excelling in the classroom as well as on the field of play. If all that isn't enough, he was even voted King of the 2011 Prom.

Macer recently closed out his athletic career at Twinsburg with a fifth-place finish in the high jump at Columbus. Macer cleared 6-7 at state after going 6-8 in the regional meet. He came close to the school record of 6-11, established in 2003 by Ryan Jones.

"I thought he could possibly challenge for the record," said track and field coach Spencer Johnson. "He had a fabulous season and I'm proud for him."

Macer also anchored the Tigers' 4x100- and 4x400-meter relay teams. If he had a chance, he probably would have tried to play all nine positions for the baseball team.

In basketball, Macer was the point guard and a co-captain for Twinsburg. In football, he was not only a stalwart in the secondary but played quarterback during his senior season, leading the team to a 10-2 overall record and a share of the NOC River Division title.

Macer averaged more than six yards per carry for the Tigers last season and completed more than 50 percent of his passes. One of the biggest plays during his career was a 75-yard touchdown run in a thrilling overtime win against Sylvania Southview in the playoffs. He also owns a 107-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Ohio University football coach Frank Solich liked what he saw when he looked at Macer's athleticism. So did the coaching staffs at Miami, Toledo, Kent State and Akron. Macer decided his best combination of academics and athletics was Ohio U.

Macer was the only safety signed by the Bobcats. Ohio U will play four games on ESPN networks this fall and the team will open its season on the road at New Mexico State Sept. 3.

"Aaron has worked very hard to obtain what he has accomplished," said Johnson. "He listens to what you tell him and he rates very high as a coachable athlete. Twinsburg has had a lot of gifted athletes come through here and he is right up there with them."

Macer has great athletic bloodlines. His father Rick played football at Baldwin-Wallace and his mother Pam ran track at B-W. Sister Lauren placed fifth in the 100 meters at the 2009 state meet, running a time of 12.34 and she also earned All-Ohio honors after running on a second-place 4x200-meter relay and a fourth-place 4x100-meter relay.

"As a coach I always ask the parents are there any more?" laughed Johnson. "Unfortunately, that's it. I know his parents and what type of athletes they were but more importantly what kind of people they are."

Macer made sure to involve his parents in his college decision. Now he will have an opportunity to display his talents on a bigger stage for a wider audience.

Anyone watching him will find out what Twinsburg fans have known for the past four years – Aaron Macer is the real deal.