College commitment: Avon Lake's Nathan Schillinger to play football at Holy Cross

Avon Lake senior Nathan Schillinger kept the family tradition alive Monday when he announced his oral commitment to continue his football career at Division I Holy Cross. Schillinger, a tight end and defensive lineman who earned All-Lorain County, All-Southwestern Conference and honorable mention All-Northeast district honors after the 2021 season, followed in the footsteps of his sisters Emily and Abby, who are Division I athletes in volleyball and lacrosse. "Sports has always been a big part of my family's journey," Schillinger said. "My parents have always been great in supporting me in whatever sport I played. Seeing the blueprint of my sisters playing Division I showed me what it took, how much hard work you have to put in during the offseason and everything you have to do achieve your goals." Schillinger caught 21 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns this season. On defense, he had 38 tackles, including five for loss, and two sacks. He put up those numbers in eight games after missing the Shoremen's first three with an injury sustained in the final preseason scrimmage. "Nathan was one of a few seniors we had coming back from a regional finalist team and we really counted on him for leadership this season," Avon Lake coach Matt Kostelnik said. "He attracted interest from a number of different schools. Then he got injured and missed those first three games and it was kind of an uphill battle." Schillinger's father, Andy, who is a member of the Avon Lake Sports Hall of Fame, was drafted by the Phoenix Cardinals in 1988. After an official visit to Holy Cross last weekend, Schillinger came home and knew where he wanted to spend the next four years. "I made my visit over the weekend and I got to meet all of the coaches, all of the players and have a look at the campus. Everything was really great," Schillinger said. "I got offered and then I sat down and discussed my options with my family and decided to commit to Holy Cross." Although Schillinger had a truncated senior year, he made it back just in time to help Avon Lake beat archrival Avon in Week 4. "It was a rough patch when I got injured, but I didn't shy away from the adversity," Schillinger said. "I kept working to get back on the field and I was so happy I got back in time to play our rivals, Avon." He impressed Kostelnik with his play against the Eagles. "That kid sacrificed his body for the Avon game," Kostelnik said. "He was about half-dead after that game because we asked him to play both ways in his first game back." Schillinger, a three-year letterwinner, is excited to begin the next part of his football career. "It has always been my dream for as long as I can remember to play Division I football," he said. "It feels great knowing I finally achieved that goal. I've never been more excited for anything in my life. I can't wait to get to Holy Cross and really challenge myself." Contact Todd Shapiro at 440-329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com.