The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Tatarunas, best bud headed to Walsh
Tadas Tatarunas, Mentor’s decorated quarterback, is headed to Walsh University — and his best friend is joining him.
Tatarunas announced on Jan. 26 he accepted a scholarship offer at Division II Walsh University. He will be accompanied by Tyler Schonauer, the man who snapped the ball to him the last three years as the Cardinals’ center. Schonauer is also headed to Walsh on a football scholarship.
“This is one of the best
feelings ever. I’m on top of the world,” Schonauer said. “I get to play for a great Division II program and on top of that, I get to go with my best friend. Mentor’s quarterback-center duo (is) going there to make things happen. I’m ecstatic.”
Tatarunas was a first team Division I all-Ohioan and co-winner of The News-Herald’s Tony Fisher Award after he threw for 3,424 yards and 31 touchdowns this past season.
Schonauer was a first team all-News-Herald and second team Northeast Lakes all-district selection.
“It’s great,” Tatarunas said. “My first year, we were both sophomores on varsity. He’s been our anchor. I’m glad we’ll still be playing together.”
Tatarunas announced his college decision on Twitter, penning, “I want to thank my coaches, teammates and most of all my family for supporting me these past four years as a Mentor Cardinal. I am proud and excited to announce my commitment to Walsh University, and look forward to the next chapter in my life.”
Tatarunas said the Cavaliers won out for his services over a litany of other schools, including Robert Morris, Albany, John Carroll, Mount Union, Mercyhurst and Brown. He also had a preferred walk-on opportunity with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
“I’m relieved,” said Tatarunas of the rigors of his recruitment being over. “It’s been a long two years. It’s definitely been a rollercoaster. I’m happy I found a place where the interest was mutual, a place I could leave a legacy.”
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound quarterback led the Cardinals to the Division I state championship game, where Mentor lost to Pickerington Central, 56-28, in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.
Ironically, Tatarunas will have plenty of opportunity to improve on his 0-1 record in that stadium. Walsh’s home field is Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
“The opportunity to compete early is there,” he said of why he chose Walsh over other schools. “I was looking for a good academic school all along, and they have that there, too. I’m close to home, so my parents can see every game. And I’m able to play in Hall of Fame Stadium, too, so that’s awesome.”
Tatarunas plans on majoring in accounting and/ or finance.
“My decision came down to what was the best fit for me,” Tatarunas said, “and Walsh was it.”
Schonauer said his decision came down to Walsh, Mercyhurst and Mount Union. Other schools were in play, but those were his final three.
“When I got there, that campus felt like a place I could see myself,” he said. “And I loved the football program. Every single coach I enjoyed talking with. And of course it didn’t hurt that I’d get to room with my best friend. Everything just came together — every aspect of it.”
The trek to play college football was tough on Schonauer, who missed most of his junior season with an injury.
But he said being able to come back and help lead Mentor to the state championship game meant the rehabilitation work was worth it.
“People talk about how big your junior year is for recruiting,” said Schonauer, who plans to major in special education at Walsh. “I was happy I was able to come back, fight and have a good (senior) year. It was an amazingly gratifying year for me.”
He and Tatarunas are looking forward to at least four more years together on the gridiron.
“If you would have told me in our sophomore year that Tadas and I would end up playing football together (in college), I would have told you that you were crazy,” he said.