Home is where The Herd is for Heimbach

WHEELERSBURG — For Cooper Heimbach, he’ll be going away as far away to college as about as far as one of his kicks.

The Wheelersburg Pirates senior All-Ohio placekicker and punter realized his dream of kicking for Marshall after signing a letter-of-intent with the Thundering Herd.

“To have such an amazing culture and historic program just 45 minutes down the road is amazing,” said Heimbach. “All the early mornings and late nights that’s led up to this and all the hard work is so worth it.

“I’ve always wanted to go there and to be pretty close to home is huge for the support of this town which has given me so much. I’m forever grateful to this Wheelersburg community and this past season which was unreal and for the opportunities (Pirates head) coach (Rob) Woodward gave me.”

After originally giving a verbal commitment to Ohio University, Heimbach switched one green and white uniform for another when Marshall made its offer.

The 6-foot-1 Heimbach said his first choice was Marshall but Ohio was out in front with their offer.

However, Lorcan Quinn’s amazing season at Marshall earned him an offer from Alabama and he headed South to join the Crimson Tide.

“I’ve always wanted to go there. I’ve talked to their coach for a while if the opportunity would come up because of their specialists room,” said Heimbach.

“Their specialist had an amazing season so they transferred out and went pretty big and that opened up a spot for me. Once special team’s coordinator Coach (Jackson) White gave me the call, I was all in and with the amazing opportunity to play early and also the scholarship they gave me. Its just unreal and I’m forever grateful for that Marshall staff and give all glory to God.”

While Quinn was 4 of 6 on field goals of 50 yards or more, Heimbach was doing the same for Wheelersburg. Heimbach was 19 of 22 on field goal attempts for his career with his top three kicks traveling 50, 51 and 53 yards.

Heimbach is both a placekicker and punter. The two-time All-Ohio first teamer kicked 24 punts that averaged a new school record of 43 yards. He was 57 of 59 on conversions and set a school record with 42 touchbacks on kickoffs.

“They want me to be a punter and definitely hold for field goals and I may see some kickoff time if I win the job.. There are two other kickers who are very talented,” said Heimbach.

Wheelersburg surprised the critics this past season by going 15-1 as the Pirates reached the Division 5 state championship game only to lose to Liberty Center at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.

Heimbach said his hard work and the Cinderella season the Pirates had did nothing except enhance his confidence about playing at the Division 1 college level.

“It’s paid off this past season. Playing on a stage like that and in a stadium that huge will get you ready for (college),” said Heimbach. “Think I performed best under pressure.”