As the Chicago Bears gear up for their playoff encounter with the Los Angeles Rams, fans are rallying in support of their team. One notable group comprising teachers from St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights is planning a special tribute to their celebrated alum, Cole Kmet, who plays tight end for the Bears.
St. Viator’s Connection with Cole Kmet
The excitement surrounding the Bears’ successful season resonates strongly within St. Viator High School, where Kmet honed his athletic skills. Several teachers and staff members have started rehearsing their rendition of the iconic Super Bowl Shuffle, showcasing their school spirit and enthusiasm for the team.
Cole Kmet is not just a prominent athlete; he embodies values held dear by the St. Viator community. Mike Manno, who was Kmet’s baseball coach during high school, remarked, “He’s an even better human being than he is an athlete, and he’s one of the best athletes out there.” Kmet was known for his exceptional character during his time at St. Viator.
Notable Alumni and Achievements
St. Viator has produced several notable connections to the Bears. Former Bears kicker Robbie Gould serves as the school’s football coach, while Walter Payton’s son, Jarrett, also played there. Kmet was honored as a member of the homecoming court and left a legacy as a two-sport athlete, excelling in both football and baseball.
- Kmet was drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft in 2020 after a successful collegiate career at Notre Dame.
- During high school, he led the St. Viator baseball team to a state championship victory in 2017, playing as a pitcher.
Support from Current Students
The current student-athletes at St. Viator are enthusiastic about Kmet’s success in the NFL. Many of them view him as a role model. Student-athlete Peter Lafleur expressed, “As a Bears fan, it makes me feel closer. It’s really cool knowing I’m wearing the same stuff Cole did.”
Jonny Tschanz, another baseball player at St. Viator, admires Kmet not only for his athletic prowess but also for his exemplary character. “I definitely look up to Cole, not only as a great athlete, but definitely a human being,” Tschanz remarked.
Upcoming Induction into Athletic Hall of Fame
Kmet will return to his alma mater in February to be inducted into the St. Viator Athletic Hall of Fame, an occasion that promises to celebrate his significant contributions both on and off the field, reinforcing the enduring connection between him and his high school community.
As Bears fans anticipate the playoff action against the Rams, the support from St. Viator High School underscores the powerful bond between the school’s legacy and its alumni currently shining in the NFL.
