Centerburg High School celebrated two of its stellar student-athletes moving on in their careers with a double signing Feb. 9.
The two student-athletes, Tyler Johnson (football) and Colton Martin (basketball), gained honors and recognition in leading their teams into the playoffs. At the ceremony, Johnson announced he will continue his academic and athletic careers at Ashland University, with Martin advancing to The College of Wooster. Centerburg officials, teachers and members of the football team and basketball team, as well as families of both signees attended.
Johnson, the 2022 KMAC football Player of the Year, rushed for 1,501 yards in 2022, an average of 6.6 yards per carry, with 19 touchdowns. He also passed for 1,216 yards and 17 touchdowns and his total offense was 2,788 yards and 36 TDs. As a defensive back, Johnson was in on 23.5 tackles with one interception and eight broken-up passes. As a punter, he averaged 39.9 yards per punt with six downed inside the 20. When his playoff season ended, Johnson was No. 11 in Ohio in rushing and No. 62 in passing.
Johnson said he chose Ashland after traveling around to other campuses and talking with many coaches and players from other programs.
“I felt like Ashland is the best fit for me athletically and academically,” Johnson said. “They have a beautiful campus, top-notch football facilities, small-town atmosphere and a great coaching staff who made me feel at home.”
Johnson’s football coach at Centerburg, Andy Colella, said he was extremely happy for and proud of Johnson.
“From day one, he bought into the process of becoming a better person, student and athlete,” Colella said. “As a result of all the hard work and sacrifices, he has the opportunity to continue his academic and athletic careers at Ashland University. In addition, he has provided an excellent example for future student-athletes to follow here at Centerburg. We are looking forward to following and supporting his journey at Ashland.”
Martin was named to first team All-KMAC this year, and was among the leaders in four categories. Martin placed second in the league in scoring at 18 points per game; was third in rebounds at 6.9 rebounds per game; was fourth in steals at 2.1 per game; was sixth in blocks at 0.6 per game and he averaged two assists per game while shooting at a 45.6% clip from the field and 76.8% at the foul line.
Martin said he chose Wooster because of the success the school has in academics and the basketball programs.
“I like the traditions Wooster has and I believe I mesh well with the team and coaches under their style of play and philosophy,” Martin said. “Additionally, I wanted to stay close to home and Wooster affords me that opportunity as well.”
Martin’s basketball coach at Centerburg, John Marhefka, said Martin’s commitment to the College of Wooster is exciting.
“He has the potential to add to the Wooster program,” Marhefka said. “His versatility and basketball acumen will help him in the transition to college basketball. Colton has a huge upside and it will be a pleasure to see how his career unfolds. Wooster is gaining not only a special player, but a special person.”
