by Cole Brownsberger ’14
What was one of the most exciting events at Saint Ignatius High School this year, the 2013 Chariot Races couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. The races showcased the Latin students’ athletic ability, or lack thereof, and no matter how well the students placed, competitors and spectators alike were able to enjoy the nice weather and hopefully see a few crashes.
It is quite comical to see the chariot designs that students come up with. There will always be students who build the classic blue and gold chariot, and there will also be several classic trashcan chariots. One of the trashcan chariots this year displayed huge pictures of Mr. Laco’s mug and featured hockey stick handles. Although this “chariot” did not go far in the tourney, the team definitely earned some brownie points. Other ridiculous chariots included: a love seat, a wheelbarrow, and a little tikes car.
The most entertaining part of the chariot races are not the chariots themselves but the much beloved crashes. Students who completed the race unharmed were promptly boo’d, and the students who had the biggest crashes became instant heroes. Some of the best crashes came from competitors cutting each other off which resulted in chariots being flipped over and one charioteer being ejected into the crowd. 7th graders from Lakewood Catholic Academy, who were seeing the chariot races for the first time, loved how “dangerous” the races were. Despite the appearance of danger, protective padding on both the course and the racers ensures that the most common injuries at the Chariot Races are bruised egos.
“The agony of defeat is overwhelming,” said Sean McCann ’14 after failing to make it out of the first round races. “This event really ruins my whole year. My only regret is that I did not put in enough work in the off season, but at least I still have my wingspan.” Riley Ellis ’14 took a different approach to losing before one of his races: “If we don’t win, I am going down hard.” Gabe Dalpiaz ’13 went into his race with very positive thinking, estimating “I have a .2% chance of winning.” Even though the race producers many losers, the incentive of glory and extra credit keep bringing these students back for more.
Congratulations go out to winners of this year’s race: 1st Place went to senior Brett Bendokaitis and Freshman Hunter Toth, 2nd Place went to seniors Stephen Franko and Ryan Stefancin, and 3rd Place went to juniors Jack Hyland and Pat Hopkins. I also want to congratulate the SIBN crew for breaking the highest number of people they could fit into the broadcasting booth; you gentlemen did a fine job. Overall it was a very successful Chariot Race, and it would have made Caesar proud.
Photos by Jack Cotton ’14
