Three Mentor student-athletes put pen to paper on National Signing Day Feb. 7 and solidified their college futures.
Quarterback Tadas Tatarunas and center Tyler Schonauer signed National Letters of Intent to play football at Walsh University. Midfielder Mary English finalized her commitment to play soccer at Edinboro University.
“It’s awesome,” Schonauer said. “Ever since we were kids, we dreamed about this day, signing where you’re going to go off to college after you’re done with your high school career. We’re ecstatic. It’s awesome.”
Tatarunas and Schonauer join the Cavaliers football program after they concluded their Mentor careers with a run to the Division I state championship game.
>> Mentor football: Tadas Tatarunas, Tyler Schonauer commit to Walsh University
Tatarunas, a three-year letterwinner for the Cardinals, was the co-recipient of The News-Herald’s Tony Fisher award. He earned First Team All-Ohio recognition after his junior and seniors seasons, and was named the 2017 Offensive Player of the Year by the Greater Cleveland Conference and Lake County Touchdown Club.
During Mentor’s state runner-up season that included victories over St. Edward and St. Ignatius, Tatarunas threw for 3,423 yards and 38 touchdowns. He carries a 3.9 grade-point average and plans to study finance or accounting before possibly pursuing a law degree.
Tatarunas’ signing concludes a tumultuous recruiting process. His sophomore season attracted attention from major college football programs, but interest waned after Tatarunas said he didn’t have the type of junior season that he “needed or wanted to.”
“That kind of hurt me, but I know I’m in a great place,” Tatarunas said. “This is where God’s plan was, and you’re going to end up where you’re needed to be. I’m so happy and relieved it’s over, and I can’t wait for the next chapter.”
>> Photos: National Signing Day
Tatarunas will be protected by a familiar face after Schonauer snapped to him the past three seasons. Mentor’s center was a co-captain with Tatarunas this fall and is a three-year letterman.
Schonauer was named to the Lake County Touchdown Club First Team and was a second-team All-Northeast Lakes District selection. He was also selected to play in this year’s North vs. South All-Star game.
Schonauer carries a 3.5 GPA and plans to study education with a minor in early childhood administration. He chose Walsh over offers from Mercyhurst and Mount Union, and feels well-prepared for his collegiate experience after his time at Mentor.
“Coming from this program, it’s top-notch,” Schonauer said. “It’s definitely the best in Ohio in every aspect. Even on and off the football field, Coach (Steve Trivisonno) always teaches us we’re going to be great football players but his main goal is to teach us to be great men.”
>> Video: Schonauer and Tatarunas talk about committing to Walsh
English first visited Edinboro for an overnight soccer camp. When she felt sad to leave and return home, it was her first indication the school could be her college of choice.
English was a four-year letterwinner for the Cardinals, who earned two district runner-up finishes during her tenure. An outstanding student, English owns a 4.2 GPA, was a 2017 Academic All-Ohio selection and is a member of the National Honors Society. At Edinboro, she plans to study physical therapy and hopes to coach soccer.
Flanked by many of her teammates at her ceremony, English reflects fondly on her time playing soccer for the Cardinals.
“Playing at Mentor has brought me my closest friends,” English said. “All the people that came today were my best friends. I’ve been playing with them awhile now, so Mentor has just brought us a lot closer. The school’s pretty sweet.”
>> Video: English talks about committing to Edinboro
In other signing news, Mentor’s all-Ohio receiver Logan Shea committed to John Carroll.
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