Kevin Bauman always knew he wanted to play Division I football. The fact he will be doing so at a school that encourages his Catholic faith and just happens to have the most storied program in college football, only makes it that much better.
The talented Red Bank Catholic junior gave his verbal commitment to Notre Dame University, Ind. in June, assuring that his entire education will have been gained in parochial schools.
Which is important to a football player who is not just there to play football.
"I constantly say that my faith is the most important thing to me in my life," Bauman said. "Just growing up with it, obviously getting it from my parents, my family. As I got older, I really began being serious about it. Going to Catholic school my whole life, it's something that has made me the person I am. I take it very seriously, I love it.
The football legacy isn't too shabby either, as it ranges from Knute Rockne and the Gipper to the current team, which is ranked No. 6 in the nation after the Sept. 29 win over Stanford.
Bauman got offers from such Power 5 schools as Michigan, Texas A&M, North Carolina, Rutgers, Syracuse, Boston College, Northwestern, Vanderbilt and several others. He considered them all but after making that first trip to South Bend last spring, the decision was easy.
And while that is something to anticipate in the fall of 2020, Bauman's focus is presently on the Caseys. RBC carries a 5-0 record into the Oct. 5 much anticipated clash with undefeated Long Branch. Red Bank Catholic enters the contest averaging 40 points per game. It opened the season with a 41-14 win over St. John Vianney, which snapped the Lancers 38-game winning streak against Shore Conference foes.
That has been the Middletown resident's attitude since he started in the Lincroft Flag Football League before moving on to play tackle for River Plaza.
Bauman went from receiver to tight end with River Plaza, where he began to learn the nuances of the position. It paid off quickly in high school as he started for RBC as a freshman and caught four touchdown passes.
Last year, he grabbed 14 passes for 231 yards and five touchdowns, and this season he has four receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown. He also does his share of blocking, which comes with the position. At 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Bauman has a mirror image for a teammate in 6-5, 225-pound junior tight end Charlie Gordinier.
Bauman, who said he couldn't imagine playing for any high school coach other than Edgerly, feels the Caseys are capable of big things if they continue to take care of business.