Tommy Vendl seeks to rewrite program’s rushing record books for St. Charles North

Senior running back Tommy Vendl wants to change a narrative this season for St. Charles North. As high school football has evolved, the days of 2,000-yard rushers have gone by the wayside.

After splitting time with Carsen Durante in what turned into a very fruitful pairing last fall, Valente now see this as his time to shine. And he isn’t just ready to carry the load for the North Stars.

Vendl even took a look at the program’s rushing records when practice started.

“That’s a big thing that me and (coach Rob Pomazak) talk about,” Vendl said. “Those names have been on there for a long time. I think I’ll be able to replace some of those names.

“I want to bring the run game back. It’s going to be so essential for us this year.”

It’s not like Vendl wasn’t productive last season for the North Stars.

He rushed for 570 yards and five touchdowns on 85 carries for St. Charles North (10-2), but if Pomazak has his way, Vendl will hit those marks by midseason.

“It’s great for him to finally get the chance to be the guy,” Pomazak said. “You have to know where your bread is buttered. He’s going to be the dude this year — the guy that’s going to get the ball when everyone knows you’re going to get it.”

Vendl thrives under that type of pressure.

“It just fires you up,” Vendl said. “It gives you all of this adrenaline. I feel it and I just use it. I love it. You can feel it from the stands, from the coaches, even from your teammates. Everything is on the line.”

Pomazak knew what he had last season in Vendl. Having the luxury of splitting time with Durante, Vendl became a key component as the North Stars reached the Class 7A quarterfinals.

“He’s kind of paid his dues,” Pomazak said. “We were fortunate with him and Durante in the backfield last year. As the season went on, it proved to be a huge reason we were able to sustain because we had two backs that can carry the load.”

To prepare physically for his increased workload, Vendl lived in the gym during the offseason. He also went out for track and ran sprints. He can feel the difference in his body heading into Week 1.

“I increased my speed a lot,” Vendl said. “I focused more on explosive work.”

Pomazak noted the work Vendl has done on the mental side as well.

“It’s great to see his maturation process,” Pomazak said. “He’s in his playbook. He’s constantly trying to be cognitively proficient. That was a big thing he wanted to do in the offseason.

“He’s put his money where his mouth is.”

Handing Vendl the ball will be Landon Conroy, a senior who is St. Charles North’s new starting quarterback. Sophomore quarterback Dashel Von Qualen will also figure into the mix.

“He’s really accurate,” Vendl said of Conroy. “You get the sense that he’s already played. He’s really brought the offense together. He’s an all-around quarterback. That’s a QB you want.”

Vendl is just starting to get some calls from colleges. If this season goes the way he hopes, that interest should increase in frequency by the end of the fall.

“I have to finish my senior year, get that film,” Vendl said. “That will be the final decider. Who knows? Maybe I’ll pick up another offer or two during the season.”

No matter how it plays out, Pomazak is happy Vendl will receive the spotlight this season.

“There aren’t a lot of great running backs,” Pomazak said. “When you have a great one, you have to shift your focus sometimes.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.