Athletic Booster Club Sportsperson of the Month: October 2019
The Saint Viator Boosters Club October 2019 Sportsperson of the Month is awarded to Patrick Schumacher '20, a member of the varsity cross country team.
After getting hurt at the conference cross country meet, Patrick changed his running gear and attempted to run at Prospect to see if he could gut through his injury and run at regionals.
According to Coach Stanczak, “after a poor performance, Patrick came to terms with his injury, which was not easy for him!” Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Patrick began rallying the top seven runners in their quest for State.
According to Coach Stanczak, “after a poor performance, Patrick came to terms with his injury, which was not easy for him!” Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Patrick began rallying the top seven runners in their quest for State.
In particular, he mentored Danny Botcher who, as the number seven runner, was having some anxiety about running at regionals, where the expectations were greater than to what he was accustomed to.
Patrick went to the regional race, warmed-up with the team and ran from sideline to sideline, cheering his teammates on, giving time information and encouragement as they ran by.
It takes a lot of internal strength to change your team role from “core team runner” to “mentor/coach” after dedicating four years to a sport. Getting hurt made Patrick realize his opportunity to run with his teammates and his younger brother had possibly come to an end.
Patrick was "all in" on getting the team to State. As it turned out, Patrick decided to gut it out and run at the State meet. It wasn’t his best run; but, he did not want to pass on his last opportunity to run with his brother and his team. You can bet you will see Patrick on the sidelines next season when he visits from college, cheering on his brother and former teammates.
Congratulations to Patrick Schumacher, who exhibits The Viator Way by cheering on his teammates, giving it his all, showing a positive attitude, and gutting it out until the end.
Saint Viator High School
Located in Arlington Heights, IL, Saint Viator High School is a private, co-ed, Catholic school for grades 9-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.