Illinois Wesleyan men's and women's track coach Chris Schumacher will have more than a passing interest in the weekend's NFL playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Atlanta Falcons  - Niners' quarterback Colin Kaepernick is Schumacher's cousin.

From Bill Flick's column in The Pantagraph, Jan. 18, 2013:

As you watch this weekend's NFL clash between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons, keep in mind there will be at least one BloNo resident who has more than just a casual interest. A cousin of 49ers' celebrated young quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, is Illinois Wesleyan University track coach Chris Schumacher.

The two look so much alike, they are often thought to be brothers, maybe even twins, and both grew up in neighboring Wisconsin towns, Schumacher, 44, in Wausau and Kaepernick, 25, in New London.

There's a twist here, though.

Both are adopted. "Ever since Colin's become nationally known, people have asked me if we're related," says Schumacher, a success story himself at IWU, where in 15 years his teams have won three national titles. "I tell everyone we are related. When I also tell them we both are adopted, it turns out to be kind of a funny story, too."


From WAOW.com, Jan. 9, 2013 - 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has ties to central Wisconsin
By Nate Barrett, Multimedia Journalist

WAUSAU (WAOW) - Chris Schumacher and 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick may look like brothers, but their relationship is much more complicated.

"My first cousin is Colin's mom," said Schumacher. "She adopted him before he was one year old. I was also adopted prior to myself being one."

Schumacher grew up in Wausau. Kaepernick lived in New London.

"Ever since he's been nationally known, starting at Nevada, people have asked me if we are related," said Schumacher. "I say we are and when I tell them that we are both adopted, it turns out to be kind of a funny story."

Even though Schumacher now lives in Illinois, his family still roots for the Packers.

"We're huge Packers fans," said Schumacher. "So much that we had an opportunity to go see Colin play at St. Louis, but my son decided to stay home and watch the Packers instead."

So what happens on Saturday when his cousin plays his favorite team?

"Personally, I would like to see Colin play really well and for the Packers to win."

Schumacher isn't able to go to the game in San Francisco but many of his aunts and uncles are.

"For his mom and dad who grew up so close to Green Bay," said Schumacher. "It's going to be a lot of fun for that whole family to have the Packers come play their son in San Francisco."

Because of Kaepernick's busy schedule Schumacher hasn't talked with his cousin since the NFL draft. But he did have some advice for the young quarterback.

"I would tell him to light it up," said Schumacher. "But score one less point than the Packers."

Schumacher says he plans to watch Saturday's game at his home but he hasn't decided what team's jersey he'll wear.