Plenty of hype and potential surround the 2013 Saint Ignatius lacrosse season

by John Fanta ‘13

With veteran leadership and a lot of and developed chemistry, the Wildcat Lacrosse team is very confident for a big season in the spring of 2013. Coach Patrick McManamon ’96 is very excited for his team to begin action after finishing 10-4 last season, as there is a special depth and physicality at the defensive end for the Wildcats. It was the fourth-best year in the program’s history last year, and the Wildcats want to build even bigger this season.

Talking to captain Garrett Joseph ‘13 about the season, there are a lot of high hopes. “We take on a tough schedule, but there is great chemistry with this team and our toughness starts at the defensive end. We made it to the Sweet 16 last year (and lost to Massillon Jackson, 6-5), but it’s time to take the next step. I am confident in the fact that our ultimate goal is very realistic. We are aiming for a state title, and that is something that we will not take our minds off of until all of our efforts are given,” Joseph said.

Saint Ignatius Lacrosse looks to take their level of play to the next step after finishing in the Sweet 16 of the state tournament last year. Coach Pat McManamon could not be more excited for Wildcat Lax to begin in the OHSLA.
Saint Ignatius Lacrosse looks to take their level of play to the next step after finishing in the Sweet 16 of the state tournament last year. Coach Pat McManamon could not be more excited for Wildcat Lax to begin in the OHSLA. 
Seniors Joe Cillo, Brian Hartnett, and Billy Grebenc make up the main corps defensively for the ‘Cats, but there are many more-than-capable Wildcats who can assist. The Wildcats gave up 5.3 goals per game last season, as they allowed the fifth-lowest goals in Ohio amongst every lacrosse team. Sophomore Pat Mulach was the most improved defender for the Wildcats at the team banquet last year, as he has a definite bright future. Nick Chapek and John Bodnar will both be in on the action defensively, as they can also be found in the fall on the football field. Also, Michael Siragusa poses big challenge to get by as the lengthy, physical wide receiver on the football field will be holding his lacrosse stick this spring for the blue and gold. It’s a rumbling, stifling group of stoppers that will be tough for teams to face offensively. Captain CJ Hagg is in goal for the Wildcats, as Hagg looks to bring his aggressive style on the football field into action for the Wildcat lax squad this spring.

Transitioning to the attack, Saint Ignatius’ veteran presence and up-and-coming players are right in the thick of it. Danny Hennessey and Mike Avdey will take the main reigns for the Wildcats this spring, while junior Luke Bill picks up a big-time varsity role. Coach McManamon has been trying to implement a new, more aggressive type of style that Dan Hennessey says has been interesting to get to know. “Our coaching staff is trying new things and changing things up. It’s all in preparation for a deep run in the Ohio High School Lacrosse Association playoffs,” Dan stated.

In the midfield, Garrett Joseph, Jake Maruna, and multi-sport athlete Bryan Fisher look to contain the middle and be the leaders that they have been up until this point. Joseph and Maruna are captains, and Bryan Fisher is a big man on campus in the student senate and is quite a leader on the athletic field at Saint Ignatius.

Before going to the schedule, as I turned away from the Wildcat lacrosse team before writing my story, sophomore Pat Mulach stated, “We plan to do big things this year. Big things.” It’s a team that is very positive, and carries a special mojo about them. Get ready top watch a fun group of guys for Saint Ignatius this spring.

Saint Ignatius Opens the Season Against University School on Thursday March 28 at 5 pm. Then the Wildcats head to Seneca Valley, Pennsylvania for two early season tests. The home opener is against Western Reserve Academy on April 10. On April 23, the Wildcats face a hefty road test at Hudson, who always challenges the ‘Cats. On May 4, the Wildcat lax squad welcomes St. Charles Prep (Columbus); then on May 8, an intriguing Westlake team pays a visit to Wasmer Field. To conclude the regular season on May 18, Saint Ignatius and St. Edward square off on Wasmer Field.

Follow me for updates on Wildcat lacrosse @JohnFanta13 and @SIHSSports throughout the season on Saint Ignatius lacrosse. The official home of Saint Ignatius lacrosse is the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network. John Selby ’15, Mike Berry ’15, Sean Reynolds ’13, and I have Wildcat lax for you all spring. 

 

FULL SCHEDULE

03/28/2013  @ University School US  5:00 p.m.
 04/06/2013  Hill Academy (Canada) Seneca Valley, PA  10:00 a.m.
 04/06/2013  @ Seneca Valley, PA Seneca Valley, PA  2:00 p.m.
 04/10/2013  Western Reserve Academy Wasmer Field  7:30 p.m.
 04/13/2013  North Allegheny, PA Wasmer Field  1:00 p.m.
 04/17/2013  @ North Canton Hoover Hoover HS  7:30 p.m.
 04/20/2013  @ Solon Solon HS  1:00 p.m.
 04/23/2013  @ Hudson Hudson HS  7:00 p.m.
 04/25/2013  @ Shaker Heights Shaker Heights HS  7:00 p.m.
 04/27/2013  @ St. John’s Jesuit St. John’s HS  1:00 p.m.
 05/01/2013  @ Jackson Jackson HS  7:00 p.m.
 05/04/2013  St. Charles Prep Wasmer Field  1:00 p.m.
 05/08/2013  Westlake High School Wasmer Field  5:30 p.m.
 05/15/2013  Medina High School Wasmer Field  7:30 p.m.
 05/18/2013  St. Edward’s High School Wasmer Field  7:00 p.m.
 05/23/2013  OHSLA Playoffs – Play-in Game
 05/25/2013  OHSLA First Round of Playoffs
 05/29/2013  OHSLA Second Round of Playoffs
 06/01/2013  OHSLA Regional Finals
 06/05/2013  OHSLA Semi-Finals
 06/08/2013  OHSLA State Championship

 

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