Marist Football Star Playing in Army All-American Bowl This Saturday

Marist senior Nic Weishar will be joining the top football players in the country this Saturday to play before a national audience in the Army All-American Bowl. 

Weishar had a stellar career as a Redhawk breaking the Illinois state record for receptions with 256. He led the team deep into the playoffs this year and ended his high school career with 3,284 receiving yards and 28 touchdown catches. 

The national stage might soon be a common occurrence for the Midlothian native as he heads to Notre Dame next fall. 

"Thank you to my teammates, my brothers, for all your support . . . the honor of playing in this game is just a representation of the things they have sacrificed to make this program successful," Weishar said during his selection ceremony in November.  

The Army All-American game invites 90 of the country's best high school football players to square off in an East vs. West nationally televised game. Other Illinois players participating are Nick Allegretti of Lincoln-Way East, Brian Allen of Hinsdale Central, Clifton Garrett of Plainfield South and Nyles Morgan of Crete-Monee. 

Weishar was previously honored with Patch's MVP award in October 2012. After losing his older brother Andrew Weishar to cancer that month he went on to put in stellar performances on the field. 

The Andrew Weishar Foundation raises money for families dealing with cancer and and hosts the annual WeishFest outdoor concert. 

At the announcement of Weishar's selection to the game, his coach Pat Dunne spoke of his excellence both on the field and in everyday life. 

"The entire Marist community is not only excited to see [Nick] play in the Army All-American game," Dunne said. "But to see [his] success on and off the field in the years to come."

The game will air from the Alamo Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 4 on NBC at noon.