Four Elyria Catholic athletes make college choices official

ELYRIA — The tradition of Elyria Catholic football and the growth of emerging sports were both evident Thursday as the school community gathered to celebrate four of their own who are about to follow their athletic dreams at the next level. Trent Merrell, Joey Schill, Gracie Taylor and Cameron Jacobs all made their college choices official in a signing ceremony at the school's James E. Terrell Performing Arts Center. Merrell and Shill join the long list of Elyria Catholic football players who have gone on to the college level. Merrell, an All-Ohio selection last year, is headed to play Division I football at Bowling Green, while Schill, who was second on the Panthers in tackles last season, is staying closer to home at Baldwin Wallace. "It feels good to finally get through this process and focus on getting on to the next step and starting the next journey of college," Merrell said. "I had been to Bowling Green about four or five times during this process. After the first time, I could tell that was where I wanted to be. As soon as they offered, I knew that's where I wanted to go." Merrell had 25.5 tackles for loss and five sacks last year, while also blocking two field goals. "These are two guys who did things the right way the entire time they've been here," Elyria Catholic coach Chase Farris said of Merrell and Schill. "They met every challenge and never backed down. "The first time I saw Trent he was a man among boys, he was so big, I knew right then and there he was going to be special. He understood that nothing worth having comes easy and he's been more than willing to put in the work for whatever he wants in the classroom, in the weight room and on the football field. Trent is living, breathing proof that if you do things the right way and put in the work, anything you want to accomplish is possible." Taylor was a two-sport standout for the Panthers, playing soccer and flag football. She's going to continue to play both sports next year at Defiance College. While juggling two sports and majoring in psychology, Taylor also plans to enlist in the reserves. "The sports are in different season so it's just about maintaining a consistent schedule and being prepared," she said. Taylor is the quarterback of Elyria Catholic's club girls flag football team. "I hope I can inspire other girls, especially from here at EC, to want to play football and be a trailblazer," Taylor said. "Football isn't just for boys anymore, girls can play it, too. Being able to showcase myself and play on the collegiate level is something I'm very happy about." Jacobs, a two-year starter on the Panthers' bowling team and an All-North Coast Conference honoree as a junior, will continue his bowling career at Greenville University in Illinois. Greenville is a Division III school, which recently started its bowling program in 2024. Contact Todd Shapiro at (440) 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com.