WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – From the steps of Main Hall to the sidelines of Ohio Stadium, Mickey Marotti has built one of the most decorated careers in college athletics. A four-year letterwinner for the Hilltoppers from 1983-87, Marotti has gone on to become one of the most respected leaders in strength and conditioning at the highest level of college football.

Now in his 12th season as Associate Athletic Director for Football Sports Performance at Ohio State, Marotti is in his 37th year overall as a coach. Widely regarded as a "master" of motivation and preparation, he has been the head sports performance coach for three national championship teams – the 2006 and 2008 Florida Gators and the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes.

Since arriving in Columbus, Marotti has helped shape the Buckeyes into one of the nation's premier programs. He has coached 34 first-team All-Americans, worked with 23 first-round NFL Draft picks, and played a key role in Ohio State's 117-13 record from 2012-21, which included a national title, five Big Ten championships, and a school-record 24-game winning streak. His impact was recognized in 2016 when he was named American Football Monthly's FBS Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year.

Before his time at Ohio State, Marotti spent seven seasons as Florida's Director of Strength and Conditioning, helping guide the Gators to two national championships, and also led strength programs at Notre Dame and Cincinnati. He began his career as a graduate assistant at Ohio State before earning a master's degree in sports medicine from West Virginia.

But before the national titles, All-Americans, and NFL stars, Marotti was a hard-nosed fullback at West Liberty, where he lettered four seasons, served as a team tri-captain, and earned NAIA All-Academic honors in 1987. He graduated with a degree in exercise physiology that same year.

For Marotti, his time at West Liberty laid the foundation for everything that followed.

Favorite WLU Memory:
"Hanging out on the steps of Main Hall after football practice and Spring Band Blast."

Most Influential Coaches/Teammates:
"Head Coach Larry Shank, Jim Watson (ATC, Head Athletic Trainer), Dr. Robert Doe, and Dr. Clyde Campbell."

Advice to Current Athletes and Students:
"Find out what you want and COMMIT TO IT – wholeheartedly!!! Not just saying it, but doing it."

What it Means to be a WLU Alum:
"West Liberty gave me the opportunity to grow and develop."

Today, as he helps shape the next generation of Buckeye greats, Marotti carries with him the lessons and values that started on the Hilltop.