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Schiller's football void filled through coaching at St. Charles East

Pat Schiller made a name for himself as a fullback-linebacker for Geneva's football teams from 2004-2006.

Upon graduation, Schiller became a force on the defensive side of the ball as a linebacker at Northern Illinois University.

During his collegiate career, Schiller recorded 239 tackles, including a team-high 115 tackles as a senior when he helped lead the Huskies to their first Mid-American Conference title in 28 years as well as a 38-20 victory over Arkansas State in the GoDaddy.com Bowl.

Upon graduation, Schiller wanted to continue to pursue his dream of playing professional football.

Invited to training camp with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent 3 years ago, Schiller made enough of an impression to be a part of the team's practice squad in 2012.

"I lived two years in Atlanta," said Schiller, cut from the team following the Falcons' final preseason game in 2013.

A year ago, his final attempt to land a spot with the St. Louis Rams ended with an injury settlement after doctors found 3 herniated discs in his neck.

"My left side would go numb after every hit," said Schiller. "It was frustrating because of all the hard work I put into it. It put an end to my playing career."

Returning back home, Schiller turned his attention to his business, S&K Landscape Co., a property management and maintenance company along with co-owner Jeff Kohl.

However, football was still in the back of his mind - even if he wasn't fully aware of it at the time.

When St. Charles East first-year head coach Bryce Farquhar spoke with him about coaching last September, Schiller instead elected to focus on his business.

After former Saints assistant coach Brandon Coleman moved to Iowa, Farquhar once again contacted Schiller.

"We had another opportunity to move him in so we sat down and talked again," said Farquhar. "He thought he could fit it into his schedule."

This time, Schiller accepted the position and served as the Saints' varsity linebackers coach, where he helped guide an improved defensive unit (79-point improvement from 2014) that included Mitch Guillaume, Jeff Sommer, David McDermott and Abe Swanson.

"I wasn't seeking a coaching position but it kind of fell into my lap," said Schiller. "I felt like the guys came such a long ways from when I first got them."

Schiller, 26, brings a youthful passion to coaching.

"I try to be that guy I wish I had back in high school," he said. "I wish my football IQ was higher than it was.

"I want to be a friend, coach and mentor, and teach them about the game of football."

Earlier this month, Schiller returned to his roots when St. Charles East visited Geneva (the Saints lost 27-26).

"It brought back so many different emotions for me," admitted Schiller. "I have a lot of respect for (Vikings) Coach (Rob) Wicinski. It felt weird to be on the other side of the field."

After a full season with the Saints, Schiller has found a new home.

"A piece of me will always be there (in Geneva)," he said. "I love the town and I love the community. It's where it all began for me. But St. Charles East is now home for me."

Farquhar enjoys having Schiller on his coaching staff.

"He brings a lot of energy," said Farquhar, "and just the knowledge he brings from where he has been and what he has seen - the smaller points of the game.

"When you get somebody who has played at such a high level, they demand a lot. The players listen to what he's saying. They know it to be true because he made it to the highest level possible.

"It worked out pretty well this year. We had a lot of kids who weren't even on our radar map that I think he helped put on."

St. Charles East finished its second consecutive season with a record of 4-5, missing a state playoff berth by 1 game.

"I don't think our record indicates the progress that we made this season," said Schiller, who would like to see everybody come together - coaches, players, families and community. "The community needs to rally around this team."

Contrary to what you might think, Schiller doesn't spend his Sundays watching NFL games.

"It's so hard to watch," said Schiller. "I just think, 'man, I should be out there playing.' "

Friday nights serve as his new "game" days.

"At first, I was very hesitant as to how much time I could dedicate," said Schiller, "but I fell in love with it. When (playing) football finished, there was a void. Honestly, (coaching) has been the best way to help fill that void for me.

"As long as my career allows me to coach, I want to coach."

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