By: Tim Schumacher, Staff writer

Nick Tucker spent his freshman year at Lebanon Valley College, and after over a year away he’s decided to come back.

Tucker grew up in Frederick County, Maryland, and graduated from Walkersville High in 2013. He decided to come to LVC because of the welcoming atmosphere, proximity to his home, as well as an opening to continue his athletic career.

“It was the icing on the cake,” Tucker said.

During his freshman year at the Valley, Tucker started hanging out with the wrong crowd. That led to his grades slipping, and created a domino effect of Nick’s being displeased with his work and himself. At the end of his freshman year, Nick knew he had to make a change.

He decided to transfer to a local community college for a year.

“I focused more on my school work and reflected on a few bad decisions,” Tucker said.

Tucker is close with his mother, Martha Tucker, who also influenced his decision.

“We did what was best for him at that time,” she said.

Throughout his year away from LVC, Nick would occasionally come back to visit some old friends. During that time Nick discovered a newfound love for the community and people at LVC and began to plan his comeback.

In the spring semester of 2016, Tucker redeemed himself by reenrolling at Lebanon Valley College and posting his best grades to date.

“I am proud of Nick’s hard work ethic and dedication to achieve his goals,” his mother said.

Tucker is currently a cornerback on the football team and will also play for the baseball team in the spring of 2017 at the College.

He is ecstatic about his choice to come back to the Valley and enjoys the tight-knit community atmosphere and the opportunity to learn from experienced professors.

“Playing two sports at the next level is like a dream come true,” Tucker said.

Tucker’s return was cut short because of a season-ending knee injury.