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ST. MARYS - Quinn Holtzapple and Jace Schaefer had breakout seasons for their respective teams at St. Marys in 2022.
Now, the Roughrider seniors have their college plans intact after declaring their intentions on Wednesday.
Holtzapple, the key offensive threat for the Roughriders boys soccer team as it reached the district final this past season, will attend NCAA Division III Defiance College and play for the Yellow Jackets this fall.
Schaefer, a dominant presence on the defensive line for the Roughriders, will head east to play at Division II Ohio Dominican.
St. Marys senior Quinn Holtzapple, center, will attend Defiance College and play soccer for the Yellow Jackets this fall. Seated with Quinn are his parents James, who is the new Roughriders' head coach, and Janelle Holtzapple.
When looking at his choices, Holtzapple received some helpful information about Defiance from a former Roughrider who just finished his sophomore season with the Yellow Jackets.
"I reached out to the coach after my junior year. I learned of Defiance from Adam Tobin," said Holtzapple, who will major in accounting. "He helped me out through the process a lot. I had been talking to (former coach Cory Bucer). Josh (current coach Josh Lubich, who had been an assistant coach) was also part of the process the whole way. He was great through the process."
Holtzapple joins a Defiance program that will work to move upward after a rough 2-12-5 record, including a 1-7-1 ledger in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference.
"I went up for a futsal (an indoor variant of soccer) tournament and stayed overnight," said Holtzapple. "The guys were just amazing. Everyone got along. I met a lot of the recruits coming in, excellent guys."
As St. Marys went 16-4-1 in 2022, Holtzapple was the prime threat on the attack. As an attacking midfielder, Holtzapple scored 20 goals and recorded 14 assists as St. Marys reached the Division II district final, losing to Western Buckeye League rival and eventual state champion Shawnee.
Holtzapple's season earned him numerous postseason honors, including first-team All-WBL and first-team All-Ohio honors.
"Coming from middle school to high school, I was a lot smaller and not nearly as good a player I needed to be," said Holtzapple. "I had to work. I know it's going to be the exact same way at Defiance."
St. Marys senior Jace Schaefer, left, will attend Ohio Dominican University and play football for the Panthers next season. Seated with Jace is his mother Jessica Schaefer.
Schaefer's choice of ODU, located on the east side of Columbus, came down to his visit.
"I went down and visited three months ago. I really liked the atmosphere down there," said Schaefer, who plans on majoring in criminal justice and political science. "I like that it's near downtown Columbus. A lot of opportunities there for me, not only for football but for a career."
The Panthers had a tremendous 2022 campaign, finishing 7-3 overall and 6-2 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.
"The coaches feel really solid," said Schaefer. "I felt like for them, it's more than just the game. They really connected with me as a person. They came around and contacted me. I really like that."
At 6-4 and 200 pounds, Schaefer made his presence felt as a defensive end for the Roughriders, recording 76 tackles, 15 sacks and two fumble recoveries as the Roughriders reached the second round of the Division IV playoffs.
Schaefer was named the defensive flex player on the All-WBL first team, as well as first-team Division IV All-District, and was awarded second-team All-Ohio honors by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association.
When asked what he'll take with him from St. Marys to prepare for college, Schaefer made mention of both football and classroom.
"The toughness from the St. Marys program. I'll take that," said Schaefer. "(I'll remember) the teachers who pushed me to keep my grades up."
