MUSKEGO, Wis. — Nicholas McCullough is a senior at Muskego High School and has earned varsity letters on the football and track and field teams.
McCullough has excelled on the gridiron as a defensive lineman, starting as a sophomore on the team. His coaches said he’s become a natural leader over the past few years.
“We’ve kind of had a winning mentality and mindset since freshman year, and it's been something that I’ve really embraced and something I’ve really enjoyed,” McCullough said.
Muskego High School’s football team is known to have one of the best defensive lines in the state. Defensive coordinator Ryan Lucchesi said having McCullough as a role model and a standout athlete has helped their team grow.
“To be able to organize the actives he does with that group and be an extension of the coaching staff and a role model or the younger guys. It helps him, but it also helps the younger guys develop as a group but also for the defense as a whole,” he said.
McCullough committed to playing football at prestigious Harvard University next year. He said football has helped shape who he is in many ways.
“It’s definitely turned me into who I am,” he said. “And kind of not just on the field but in the classroom. We do mental training once a week and that’s kind of grown my mind outside of just a football and academic standpoint. I find myself being a better person all around.”
In the classroom, he’s been able to maintain over a 4.0 grade point average. He also participates in a handful of clubs and organizations, but said Peers 4 Peers, a program for Muskego students, really left a mark on him.
“It’s kind of a community outreach program we have here where other student help students around Muskego,” McCullough said. “Just being an open ear and just helping people. A lot of stuff is mental health and stuff like that.”
His teachers said they can see the impact he’s making in the classroom while working with others. His AP English teacher CJ Michaud said it’s been incredible to watch McCullough balance school and sports and be successful in both.
“I guess the best way he balances is he just stays in his moments,” Michaud said. “Wherever he is, he just stands in his moment.”
McCullough said he is soaking in these last moments as a high school senior and is waiting for what the future holds as he prepares to head to Harvard next year.