Nazareth Academy Student-Athletes Make College Commitments on National Signing Day

Submitted by Nazareth Academy.
Photo: John Kilcommons, Patrick Kilcommons, Decxavier Kelly-Martin, Michael Owens, Jack Shutack, Dmitri Joe, Kevin Jackson

Nazareth Academy is proud to announce that multiple seniors from the undefeated 2014 IHSA Class 6A State Champion football team have officially committed to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at the college level: Kevin Jackson (Westchester) at University of Wyoming, Dmitri Joe (Westchester) at Saint Xavier University, Decxavier Kelly-Martin (Plainfield) at Illinois State University, John Kilcommons (Stickney) at Dartmouth College, Patrick Kilcommons (Stickney) at Dartmouth College, Michael Owens (Clarendon Hills) at West Point and Jack Shutack (Western Springs) at Rutgers.

Kevin Jackson played both sides of the ball as Wide Receiver/Free Safety and was named ESCC All-Conference this season. Kevin is also an Illinois State Scholar. “Kevin was our main leader in the defensive backfield the past two seasons. He was the quarterback of our defensive and invaluable in making our defensive checks. On offense he had a knack for making acrobatic big game catches in crucial situations,” says Head Football Coach Tim Racki. The University of Wyoming Cowboys are an NCAA Division I program. Nazareth Academy wishes Kevin continued success at Wyoming.

Dmitri Joe was a three year starter on the Defensive Line for Nazareth. Named to the ESCC All-Conference team this season, DJ had the ability to play each position on the defensive line at a high level. “His combination of power and speed allow him to be equally effective as a run stopper or pass rusher. DJ’s poise and focus were infectious among his teammates,” says Head Football Coach Tim Racki. The Saint Xavier Cougars are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). Nazareth Academy wishes Dmitri continued success at Saint Xavier.

Decxavier Kelly-Martin was a two year starter at Linebacker/Defensive End for Nazareth and an All-Conference ESCC pick this season. In addition, Decx was named Most Valuable Defensive Lineman in the ESCC this year. “Decx is the most versatile defensive player I have coached in my career. He could play any defensive position on the field and be effective and explosive, a true difference maker,” says Head Football Coach Tim Racki. The Illinois State University Redbirds are an NCAA Division I, Football Championship Subdivision program. Nazareth Academy wishes Decx continued Illinois State University.

John Kilcommons is an Offensive Lineman and great all around Honor Roll student at Nazareth. An All-Conference ESCC pick, John was an explosive run blocker and fierce competitor on the field. “His work ethic in practice and in the classroom are a shining example to all of our underclassmen. John is a student of the game. He always knew his assignment and prepared thoroughly for each opponent,” says Head Football Coach Tim Racki. The Dartmouth College Football team competes in the NCAA Division I Ivy League program. Nazareth Academy wishes John continued success at Dartmouth.

Patrick Kilcommons is an Offensive Lineman and great all around Honor Roll student at Nazareth. An All-Conference ESCC pick, Pat was a key contributor on arguably the best offensive line in the state. “His speed, power and athleticism up front made him an equally dominant run and pass blocker. Pat was well known to never take a play off during a practice or a game. His high motor was consistently a spark plug for the line,” says Head Football Coach Tim Racki. The Dartmouth College Football team competes in the NCAA Division I Ivy League program. Nazareth Academy wishes Patrick continued success at Dartmouth.

Michael Owens was a three year starter on the Offensive Line. In addition to being named ESCC All-Conference this season, he was named Best Offensive Lineman in the ESCC and named to the IHSCA All-State team. “Aside from Mike’s talent, his intensity and focus raised the level of play of all of his teammates. Mike was a key leader and captain for the Nazareth team,” says Head Football Coach Tim Racki. The Army Black Knights are an NCAA Division I program. Nazareth Academy wishes Michael continued success at West Point.

Jack Shutack was a three year starter on the Offensive Line for Nazareth and a two time All-Conference selection for the ESCC. This season he was named to the prestigious Chicago Tribune First Team All-State team. “Jack embodied the confidence, selflessness and championship spirit our team displayed the entire season. His leadership skills provided a laser focus and unwavering determination for the squad each and every week. His ability to lead, both vocally and by example, is one of the many intangibles that outlined his stellar career at Nazareth.” says Head Football Coach Tim Racki. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are an NCAA Division I program. Nazareth Academy wishes Jack continued success at Rutgers.

Present for the signing were Nazareth’s President and Principal, Dennis Moran and Deborah Tracy; Tim Racki, Head Football Coach; players’ parents and teammates.

Nazareth Academy, a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory high school serving families from 55 communities and over 100 grade schools in Chicago and the western suburbs, established in 1900 and sponsored by the Congregation of St. Joseph, values scholarship, service, spirit, and unity.