Demonstrating remarkable resiliency and personifying persistence, Schiltz has exhibited a courageous character since making a colossal comeback from a grueling back operation.

Schiltz, who had a herniated disc in two regions, underwent a three-hour surgery on April 17, 2003, at Trinity Medical Center's West Campus.

``Trying to return to baseball after that surgery has made me a much stronger person,'' Schiltz said. ``I also have a different perspective on life because I realize that you can't take anything for granted. Playing baseball means more to me now than it ever did before.''

Besides baseball, Schiltz played football for the Rocks as a sophomore and ran cross country as a junior. After running cross country during the fall of 2002, he began experiencing intense pain in his back that extended down his right side in December 2002.

After completing a rigorous physical therapy regiment during January 2003, Schiltz had two steroid injections between his herniated discs to alleviate the pain and pressure that he felt.

Because the injections didn't reduce any pain, Schiltz went to a chiropractor in late February 2003. After the initial visit to the chiro, Schiltz felt much better. Therefore, he subsequently started lifting weights and running again.

``I was a typical teenager, and tried to rush my recovery by doing too much too soon,'' Schiltz said. ``I paid for that decision because by mid-March, my back was much worse again. I played in two games last year in early April, but I lacked speed and didn't have very much mobility.''

Realizing a back operation was the most prudent option, Schiltz went ahead with the surgery and spent two days in the hospital after the procedure which left a two-inch incision.

``Those two days in the hospital were really terrible because I had to stay in the childrens' wing since I wasn't 18 years old yet,'' Schiltz said. ``All day and all night, I heard kids crying and screaming. A nurse brought in a PlayStation for me, and some of my teammates brought video games up to the hospital to make my stay a little more enjoyable. It was very difficult for me to get up and walk, and after going home, I felt so sore that I just laid in bed for two days.''

Schiltz missed only one week of school after his operation, but had some interesting adjustments to make once he returned.

Because he couldn't bend over and was unable to sit up straight, Schiltz had to lay down on the floor during class or stand by his desk. The first time Schiltz sat up straight for more than 10 consecutive minutes was to take finals at the end of the school year.

Schiltz took the ACT at the end of April, and had to stand throughout the five-hour test. A couple of teachers at Rock Island helped erect a makeshift podium in the school library for the National Honors Society student to stand at while he completed the college-entrance exam.

``Taking the ACT is bad enough, but having to stand during the entire test made it even tougher,'' Schiltz said. ``I got really sore standing up that whole time.''

Four weeks of excruciating physical therapy ensued after his surgery, and Schiltz was unable to carry his drums for most of last summer as a member of the marching band.

Schiltz started carrying his center snare set last fall, and helped the Rock Island drumline finish first at a state tournament in Bloomington last November.

``I wanted to play football last fall, but just didn't want to risk getting injured and missing any of the baseball season,'' Schiltz said.

The 5-foot-7, 160-pound Schiltz has returned this season with a vengeance.

Splitting starting time at catcher with junior Garrett George, Schiltz is batting .333 (6-for-18) with six RBIs and one double. He also has gunned down two baserunners.

On April 17 -- exactly one year since his surgery -- Schiltz was hammered at home plate by an aggressive United Township baserunner. The collision sent Schiltz spiraling backward, and also sent shockwaves throughout many concerned spectators.

``My parents, coaches and teammates were nervous after I took that hit, but I wasn't,'' Schiltz said. ``I didn't really feel any pain when it happened, so I just got up and made sure I held onto the ball to record the out.''

RI coach Andy Campbell is among those who admire and respect the gritty and tenacious Schiltz.

``Mentally and physically, he is one of the toughest and strongest athletes I have ever known,'' Campbell said. ``The back surgery was a real challenge for Adam, but he rose to the occasion and met the challenge. I can't say enough positive things about him because he has a lot of heart. Adam is just a very well-rounded young man who has a lot going for him.''

Schiltz, who will be a pre-med major at the University of Illinois next fall, still has soreness in his back and down his right side.

``I have some problems with flexibility, but I probably always will have trouble with that,'' Schiltz said. ``As a catcher, I'm a little stronger now than I was before the surgery. Although I feel back to normal for the most part, I honestly do have a fear of being in a wheelchair someday or having to rely on a cane later in life.''