St. Francis Finds Success With Small Numbers

The reputation may suggest a football powerhouse, but for St. Francis and other private schools in the suburbs, the scale is much smaller. Recently, St. Francis fielded about 30 players in a match against New Palestine, the two-time defending Indiana state champion. Their opponents doubled this number in attendance. This is a familiar scenario for the Spartans.

Before clinching the Class 5A state title last fall, their standout victory happened in 2024. St. Francis defeated Loyola, the largest private school in Chicago. Peyton Shipley, now a senior standout for the Spartans, reminisces, “I remember warm-ups the most. We had around 35 players. They had about 130. It was crazy.” Despite this, the Spartans triumphed with a 35-21 win, while Loyola secured the 8A state title later that season.

The trajectory of St. Francis has been intriguing. Coach Bob McMillen, who began in 2017, led the team through challenging 1-8 seasons. The school’s transition from the Metro Suburban Conference to the Catholic League marked a turning point. McMillen credits his experienced coaching team and the recruitment of players who align with their program. His background at IC Catholic in Elmhurst, another notable small school, complements his leadership style.

In Wheaton, St. Francis, with 684 students, is larger compared to nearby private schools like Montini with 551 and IC Catholic with 277 students. All three aim for state titles this fall. Senior kicker Evan Kolinski values the intimacy of a smaller school. “I’ve formed a deeper bond with these guys. We’re in all of each other’s classes,” he shares.

St. Francis, beyond football, has claimed 14 state titles in girls volleyball. Their field is distinct with black-and-blue turf and sponsorship from Battle Sports, allowing diverse uniform choices and helmet designs. “We’re like the Oregon of high school football,” McMillen states, highlighting the enthusiasm for athletics at the school.

The Spartans’ quarterback development is pivotal. Alumni like Tommy Rittenhouse and Alessio Milivojevic have progressed to lead teams at Illinois State and Michigan State, respectively. Recently, during a game against New Palestine, junior Jadon Wilson was injured. Despite an early lead, St. Francis couldn’t maintain their advantage. Senior running back Tivias Caldwell Jr. contributed significantly with an 80-yard touchdown. Caldwell, from Bolingbrook, has long been connected to St. Francis. “This was my youth team’s home field. It was a brotherhood with tenacity,” he remarks.

For St. Francis, strength isn’t in numbers. Perhaps the belief, “It only takes 11,” suits their approach to the game.