Ricky was a two-sport star at Flint Southwestern, Football and Basketball. He made the All-Valley teams in football and basketball at Southwestern in 1971-72, an Honorable Mention All-State in football in 1972 and co-captain of basketball team 1971-72.
Normally, players from the south of the border (Ohio) are anxious to cross the border and come to Michigan to play. Ricky did the reverse and honed his collegiate skills at Miami of Ohio. Ricky played on three consecutive MAC championship teams for Miami University, Ohio from 1973-75. He made three Tangerine Bowls on nationally ranked teams with a school record of 32-1-1, the best consecutive record in school history. He was an All-MAC tight end in 1975, received the Most Outstanding Lineman Award in 1975. Ricky three younger brothers also made significant contributions to the MAC Conference in football. Ricky attended the Baltimore Colts Training Camp in 1976.
