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Will Robinson Commits to Holy Cross

By Joe Mertens '15, 08/02/22, 3:45PM EDT

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The senior defensive end will continue his academic and athletic career as a Crusader in 2023.

OHIO CITY, OH - Saint Ignatius' Will Robinson will continue his academic and football career at the College of the Holy Cross. Robinson came on to the scene in his junior season as an edge rusher on a tremendous Wildcat defense in 2021. The two-year varsity letter award winner comes into his senior season, standing 6'5" and weighing 250 lbs. Robinson, also known as "Will Rob," will be a Wildcat Player to Watch this season. 

"They were on my radar and as soon as I got to visit the campus and experience the football team's culture, I fell in love with the place," explains Robinson. "This is a great fit for me, it feels like home and that is why I decided on Holy Cross."

Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Ryan Franzinger '02 knew Robinson had the skill to become a Division I College football player. "His leadership is off the charts; that is what sticks out to me when you talk about Will Robinson," Franzinger says. "He is a big, strong kid and has put countless hours in the weight room and the results are showing."

With his college choice taken care of, Robinson is excited to turn his focus on the football field for the Blue and Gold. "I have one goal in mind and that is to play football," says Robinson. "No matter where we play, I want to give my best." The Cats, as usual, will have a competitive schedule in 2022 that includes travel to cities such as Cincinnati, Baltimore and River Rouge. 

In his junior season, the Wildcats built a dominating defensive front that shut down any opponents running game. The defensive line featured nose tackle Tommy Wasinski '22, edge rushers Peter Chalhoub '22 and Robinson. Robinson credits his success on the line to the past captains. 

"The senior leadership last season meant everything to me. Playing alongside Wasinski and Chalhoub, they demonstrated a high work ethic and how to handle yourself on the defensive line," explains Robinson. "Chalhoub, especially because he played defensive end, took me under his wing and he left a lasting impact on me."

Robinson followed in the steps of Wasinski and Chalhoub; before the beginning of double sessions, Robinson was named a captain for the upcoming season. "Being a captain means a lot to me," Robinson says. "I want to try and help elevate the team and mentor the younger class."

"He looks like a college player at this time," says Franzinger. "We are looking for him to have a big year for us."

The 2022 season is a special season for the football program as Head Football Coach Chuck Kyle '69 heads into his 40th and final season. Robinson, similar to many other Wildcats, is using that as motivation. "We have been waiting months for this season," Robinson says. "Since 2016, we haven't met the standard as we expect this program to be; we want to come out and end coach Kyle's career on top."

The Saint Ignatius Football team will take the field to begin the season on August 20 at Byers Field vs. Springfield in the Home Opener. Robinson will become a Crusader and play Division I FCS football next fall, but his focus is on winning a State Championship with the Wildcats.