St. Marys Football Standout hoping to attend invitation only camp
As St. Marys Rough Rider football standout Jace Schaefer finishes up his high school career, he’s hoping to show off his skills one more time.
Schaefer has been playing football since 3rd grade, and he’s quick to point out that he played all ten years he could throughout school.
“All around I love the sport, and how it brings my teammates together. Its more than just a game,” said Schaefer when asked about football. Schaefer plays a number of positions including defensive end, tight end, as well as performing punting, and kicking duties.
About two months ago Schaefer was notified that he had been nominated to attend the Offensedefense Football
Camp in February. “You have to be nominated to attend. Then they review the nomination, and then may choose to invite the player.” Schaefer explained. The Offensedefense football camps started in 1969, and has seen numerous alumni,, both players to coaches, reach the National Football League. This opportunity comes with a cost though, and one that Schaefer is looking to the community for help with. “Its an expensive camp to go to, so when he made first team Western Buckeye League, his mom really realized it was something he shouldn’t pass up,” said Matt Storer. Storer is helping to organize the fundraiser, and has been a supporter, and role model of Schaefer’s since he was young. When asked about Schaefer, he said, “I see a very goal oriented person. He sets his mind to something, and accomplishes it. Very dependable and reliable… I could message him for help anytime I needed.”
The estimated cost to attend the camp is around $3000. “Roughly $1800 in tuition just to attend. That doesn’t include everything else, travel, hotel, and food.” said Schaefer. The camp will run five days from Feb. 1-6 with the first few days being practices, and the last two being game days where the offenses and defenses will compete. When asked what he expects of the camp, Schaefer said, “I ex
pect a lot more, harder competition. It’s a different kind of play style compared to whats around here.”
Schaefer is also hoping to learn from the event as well. “I’m looking to gain more experiences around my caliber of player. I want to get my name out there for scouts, and college opportunities,” said Schaefer .
So far Schaefer has drawn attention from colleges, and has some official visits coming up.
“So far I have two D3 offers. This month I’m going on official visits to
Ohio Dominican, Ashland University, and the University of Findlay” said Schaefer. What he brings with him though, no matter where he goes, will be a brand of football learned at home. “Playing the Roughrider way is probably just the toughest around. Going against smash mouth football, hitting, banging heads, its probably the toughest around here, the Roughrider way,” said Schaefer of his takeaways from St.
Marys brand football.
Schaefer has also been involved in the community giving back. A few years ago he was involved with a local wrestling camp as a coach. The three day event saw local youth come to learn about wrestling, another sport that Schaefer is involved in. This past season Schaefer was the defensive coach for the St. Marys All-stars, a 12U football team, that competed in Troy for the annual tournament held there.
With the help of his mother, and Matt Storer, Schaefer has been raising funds. “We held a fundraiser at Inspired Nutrition, private donors are also contributing, and the touchdown club is also donating a portion towards the cost,” said Storer. On Thursday, Jan. 12 they’re holding another fundraiser at JT’S Bar and Grill located at 470 Fortman Drive St. Marys, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. At the event, 15% of both dine in and carry out orders will be donated towards the cause.