GREENVILLE — Greenville High School senior William Nibert Jr., signed his letter of intent on Wednesday to play football for Wittenberg University.
Nibert was joined by his mother, Jenny Massie; father, William Nibert Sr.; stepmother, Karen Nibert; Greenville High School football head coach Aaron Shaffer as well as family members and a number of teammates who witnessed him signing the letter of intent.
Nibert’s father said he was “very excited” and “very proud” of his son, noting that he’s played football since the second grade
“It’s always exciting to get one of our guys off to further their education, continue to play,” Coach Shaffer said. “It’s always a little exciting more for me, being a Wittenberg alum, that we get another one off to Wittenberg.
“Next fall when Wittenberg camp starts, we’ll have three guys from Greenville on their roster. We’ve got Kyle Bruner who’s already there. We were fortunate to get Jordan Ernst last month signed, and now to get William signed here is really neat. Hopefully it’s the beginning of many, many more kids heading out to Wittenberg and other places.
“He’s as tough a kid as I’ve coached. He’s not necessarily the biggest kid, not necessarily the fastest kid, but he put himself into positions to make plays, and he doesn’t mind contact. I can recall we’re out ringing the bell after beating Sidney and he can’t hardly stand because he had put so much effort into that game. It just speaks to the kind of kid he is and the work ethic that he has. I have no doubt that he’ll be successful both on the field and in the classroom at Wittenberg.”
Nibert, who played both linebacker and running back for the Green Wave, is slated to play middle linebacker for Tigers.
“I love defense. I love going out and hitting people. Absolutely — finding the ball, getting in there and tackling,” he said.
Nibert called Shaffer “one of the best coaches” he’s had.
“He’s taught me so much throughout the four years I’ve been able to have him,” he said.
In addition to his parents, Nibert said he was thankful to all his coaches, his teammates, and especially noted Clay Guillozet, Codi Byrd and Lukas Lowry as fellow players who helped him along.
Nibert said he will major in special education, with a minor in coaching.
