Record Number of Saint Viator Athletes Commit on Spring National Signing Day

It was just a few months ago, that Saint Viator seniors Casey Hintz and Anthony Pluto were headed to play baseball at the junior college level, as a stepping stone to a major program. On Wednesday, the two teammates signed letters of intent to play at the University of Arizona, one of the power five conferences (Pac-12) in the country, to play for the highly-rated Wildcats.

Casey and Anthony were just two of the record 18 student-athletes to commit to college programs at the Spring Signing Day ceremony.

“It’s one of the best conferences for baseball in the country,” says Coach Mike Manno of the U of A program. “To have two young men going is pretty neat for everyone involved.”

In fact, he cites the chances of having a pair of teammates going to the same powerhouse program in one year, as something like less than 1 percent.

Casey and Anthony, as well as Connor Nicholas (Ursinus College), Ian Farrell (Lake Land College), and Ty Schafer (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire) are leaders on the 21-1 Lions, who are first in the East Suburban Catholic Conference and aiming to better their regional championship from last year.

“Casey and Anthony are the best pitchers on our team – Casey is also our shortstop – and they are an integral part of our program,” Coach Manno added.  ‘But across the board, we have a talented group of juniors and seniors.” 

Another senior headed to a power program is Mikey Schumacher, who will be running cross country at Vanderbilt.

“Mikey was sectional champion and he finished 6th at the state championship,” says Coach Wayne Edelman. “It’s the highest finish by any boy in school history, beating the former record holder, Tim Phillips '10, by one slot.”

Mikey, he adds, will fit in well at the highly selective academic school, having scored a perfect 36 on his ACT exam.

In making his college announcement, Mikey, like his classmates, thanked his parents and his teachers, adding “Thank you to my coaches and teammates. You pushed me to be the best I could be, on and off the field.”

These Division I recruits headlined a record group of student-athletes—18 in all—who took their seats at Saint Viator’s Spring Signing Day. The ceremony took place in the Cahill Gymnasium, in order to accommodate the crowd, which filled one-half of the gym.

As a group, their sports ran the gamut, from baseball, cross country, volleyball and lacrosse; to track and field, basketball, football, soccer, and acrobatics and tumbling.

“This is a decision not one everyone makes,” said Athletic Director Jason Kuffel. “Your commitment to your passion has provided you this opportunity. We are so proud of all the work you have put in as a student-athlete.”

Here is the complete list:
  • Alexander Arango: basketball, University of Dubuque, undecided major
  • Allison Ardito: softball, St. Norbert College, biology
  • Danny Crawford: track and field, Illinois Wesleyan, business
  • Ian Farrell: baseball, Lake Land College, undecided
  • Cailyn Harrington: volleyball, University of Dubuque, human resources management
  • Isaac Harrington: lacrosse, Piedmont University, business administration, management
  • Casey Hintz: baseball, University of Arizona, business management
  • Jack Lewis: lacrosse, University of Dubuque, flight operations
  • Dominic McKevitt: football, Butler University, computer science
  • Connor Nicolas: baseball, Ursinus College, undecided
  • Brendan Oleksak: track and field, Marian University, biology
  • Quentin Perry: soccer, Truman State University, nursing
  • Gabby Pierce: acrobatics and tumbling, Quinnipiac University, software engineering
  • Anthony Pluta: baseball, University of Arizona, engineering
  • Ty Schafer: baseball, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, business
  • Mikey Schumacher: cross country, Vanderbilt University, environmental sociology
  • Maeve Serb: cross country/track, St. Ambrose University, exercise science and behavioral neuropsychology
  • Marie Torosian: volleyball, Union University, nursing
Back
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.