09/10/2025
Alumni Spotlight: Shane & Tesia (Cole) Ricker, Class of 2000
Every so often, Rio Grande brings people together in ways that shape not just their college years, but their entire lives. For Shane and Tesia (Cole) Ricker, both proud members of the Class of 2000, that story began during freshman orientation. A glance, a conversation, and eventually a few calculus tutoring sessions blossomed into a friendship that grew into a lifetime partnership.
Shane majored in Chemistry with a minor in Physics. His Rio years were full and vibrant—he ran cross country and track under Coach Willey, served as Academic Officer for Alpha Sigma Phi, was a member of Campus Crusade for Christ and Christian Fellowship of Athletes, and worked as an RA in Boyd Hall. His time at Rio was marked by both leadership and service, but also by the friendships and faith communities that helped shape who he is today.
After Rio, Shane pursued a Ph.D. in physical chemistry at the University of South Carolina. While he found deep joy in teaching, he realized research was not his true calling. During his time there, he also had the special opportunity to run for the University of South Carolina’s team, further fueling his lifelong love for athletics. That experience, along with his passion for teaching, eventually led him to switch gears and apply to South Carolina’s alternative licensure program. Today, Shane is a Chemistry Teacher at Pickerington Central and continues his passion for athletics by coaching cross country and track at Pickerington North.
Tesia earned her Bachelor’s in Biology and made her mark as a standout athlete. She was a dedicated member of the women’s cross country and track teams, qualifying for Nationals in cross country as a freshman, competing in Indoor Track with the women’s DMR team, and even breaking new ground for Rio Grande as the first woman All-American in racewalking. Among her many unforgettable memories, she counts the opportunity to compete at the prestigious Penn Relays as one of the highlights of her athletic career.
Like Shane, Tesia also poured herself into campus life. She was a member of Crusade for Christ and CFA, served as an RA in both Davis Hall and Boyd Hall, and has one especially vivid memory: the day Boyd Hall caught fire due to a candle. That event left its mark—not just on Tesia's memory, but on Rio Grande. To this day, we have a strict policy against candles in dorm rooms!!!
After Rio, Tesia pursued teaching as well, starting in Biology before discovering her true passion in working as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at Columbus City Schools. She describes this role as deeply rewarding, knowing she is making a difference by helping students find their voice and their place in a new culture.
Today, Shane and Tesia live in Pickerington with their two children. Their story is one of faith, friendship, and service—grounded in their shared Rio experience and lived out daily in the lives they touch through teaching and coaching. They embody what it means to be Rio alumni: carrying forward their education, their memories, and their values into meaningful lives of impact.
Please join us in celebrating Shane and Tesia Ricker—two incredible members of the Rio Grande family who remind us that sometimes, orientation is just the beginning of a lifelong journey.
