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He took it, and ran with it. Over two seasons with Tumilty at quarterback Willowbrook went 22-3. Tumilty this year led Willowbrook to its third straight West Suburban Gold title, and fourth straight quarterfinal. And, finally, the Warriors cleared a significant hurdle, reaching the semifinals for the first time since 1975. "It's a blessing. I don't think a lot of people believed in us," Tumilty said. Tumilty, all of 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, made believers with simply out of this world numbers. He threw for 2,525 yards and 23 touchdowns, and ran for 1,551 yards and 19 more TDs, passing 8,000 career total yards. A three-year starter at defensive back, he also led Willowbrook in tackles with 107. (Gary E)
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Simply put, Willowbrook couldn't let Tumilty leave the field. The last punt of Willowbrook's second-round win over Yorkville, Tumilty was on the field at gunner. "He's too good of a football player not to have him on the field in certain spots," Willowbrook coach Nick Hildreth said. "He's a kid that you can put him in any position on the football field and he'd be our best one there. If you want to throw him at guard or at wideout, that's just what he is. His instincts are as good as any that I've seen on the football field." As indispensable to his team and as skilled as any player in the area, Sam Tumilty is the Suburban Life Player of the Year. (Gregory Shaver)
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Athletic ability is clearly in the bloodlines. Scott Tumilty starred at Naperville Central, and was a Division III All-American at Augustana as the school's all-time leading rusher. Sam started at a young age, around third or fourth grade. A competitive streak was born out of one-on-one basketball battles at home with Scotty. The two put on plastic football shoulder pads and went at it in the backyard. "My brother is one of my biggest role models," said Sam Tumilty, a three-sport athlete who also plays basketball and baseball. "He pushed me to be who I am. I try to emulate him."
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Tumilty took over at quarterback as a junior, and established himself as one of the state's best dual threats. He accounted for close to 3,800 total yards, and topped that this year. With an ability to freelance and cut on a dime, while still throwing with accuracy on the run, it looks like Tumilty is wearing skates on the field. Tumilty was as good as ever in a second-round playoff win over Yorkville, with 450 yards of offense and a key interception late. "He kind of tore up our defense, which nobody else was able to do," Yorkville All-State safety Cale Reeder said. "He is a crazy athlete. He can make plays with his arm and his feet." (Gregory Shaver)
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A three-year starter in baseball, Tumilty is focusing on football for college. He's talked to a few Division III schools like North Central and Augustana, as well as Drake. Fourth in his class at Willowbrook with a 4.5 GPA, Tumilty won't think of his individual stats when he reflects on his career. "I know they're there, but I don't take a great look at them," Tumilty said. "Stats come and go, wins and losses too. Playing for your coaches, your school and your town, that is the best. That's what it's all about."