Collinsville’s Cal Schlomann
Collinsville’s Cal Schlomann does not take lightly what it means to wear Cardinals across his chest. A multi-sport standout who pitches and plays utility in baseball while also starting at point guard for the basketball team, he sees every game as another chance to represent a program he believes sets a standard.
“Collinsville high school athletics is a very good program to represent,” Schlomann said. “We show class as well as we have been very good in the recent years.”
That pride is backed by a competitive mindset that stretches well beyond the diamond and the court. Schlomann said playing multiple sports has sharpened his work ethic and taught him how to lead, especially when it comes to setting the tone for teammates. “It has taught me to be a better person just from having the work ethic as well as always lifting up my teammates,” he said.
One of the memories that stands out most to him came away from Collinsville, when he competed in the Oklahoma State Games. For Schlomann, that experience validated years of early mornings, extra reps and long seasons. It also fueled his desire to keep finding new stages and new challenges.
Schlomann’s outlook has also been shaped by the people around him. He points first to his parents when asked who inspires him most. “Both of my parents inspire me because I see how hard they work every day and I’ve just always looked up to them,” he said. Their example, he added, is a big reason he tries to bring energy and accountability to everything he does.
That appreciation for mentors extends into the classroom. Schlomann singled out Tracy Helm, his sophomore-year teacher, as a favorite. “She is a great teacher as well as she knows how to have fun,” he said. “She’s very thoughtful and funny.” Just as on his teams, he values people who can demand the best while still keeping things enjoyable.
On the field, Schlomann models his game after one of Major League Baseball’s most versatile stars. “Mookie Betts has been one I’ve looked up to,” Schlomann said. “Just his ability to start at different positions and just play wherever he’s needed is cool.” As a pitcher and utility player, that mindset resonates with him, and he embraces the challenge of helping his team in any role.
Schlomann said some of the best guidance he’s received is simple but powerful: compete with everything you have and enjoy the process. “Everything you do you need to compete hard, but remember to have fun doing it,” he said. It is a message he carries into practices, games and the way he approaches his school day.
He is quick to acknowledge he has not done it alone. “I want to give thanks to my parents and coaches throughout the years who have held me accountable and pushed me to be the best I could be,” Schlomann said. For Collinsville, that combination of gratitude, versatility and competitive fire makes him exactly the kind of athlete the program is proud to put in uniform.
