By John Fanta ‘13
Whether it’s the diamond, field, courts, or track, Saint Ignatius athletics have been very successful this spring sports season. The regular season is near its conclusion, which means playoffs are on the way.
With seven of the sixteen varsity sports at Saint Ignatius High School being offered this season, it’s certainly been busy. But it’s been a good busy, because the winning has certainly been present. As the final season of my time at Saint Ignatius is into May, here’s hoping we have some memories to cherish together.
Coach Brad Ganor’s Saint Ignatius baseball team concluded the 2013 Ohio Jesuit Tournament with a contest with Saint John. The Wildcats, who came in still having a shot to win the tournament at 1-1, sent Tom Rolle to the mound at Classic Park for the Sunday afternoon affair with the Titans. Although Saint John’s came in at 0-2 on the tournament, they were ever-so-hungry to get out of Lake County with a win on their weekend.
Rolle, who is the Wildcats’ ace, was working like a machine early. After their nine-game winning streak was snapped the previous night by Saint Xavier, Coach Brad Ganor was looking for a special Sunday at the OJT.
Saint John’s came out very aggressive in the first few innings, but it would be a Sunday that would calm down until the 6th inning. A 5-run 6th inning led the Wildcats to a 7-2 triumph over Saint John’s, as Rolle threw those six innings and MJ Nara earned the save. Dan Rowbottom’s 2-run single in the 6th charged the ‘Cats into a big inning, as that would suck the life out of the now 12-5 Titans. Saint Ignatius finished in a three-way tie with Saint Xavier and Walsh Jesuit for the Ohio Jesuit Tournament Title. The Wildcats received good news from the OHSAA seed meetings for the Strongsville Sectional/District, as they stand at the #2-seed. Brecksville-Broadview Heights (22-1) is at the top seed and Strongsville stands at the #3-seed. For the bracket, go to http://brackets.ohsaa.org/bracket.aspx?t=4026&ts=9128¬=13.
The Wildcats go up against NDCL on Wednesday, Stow on Thursday, Lakewood on Friday, and St. Edward on Saturday. Go to Ignatius.edu/baseball for team info.
James Norris ran a 22.48-second 200 meter dash to win, while Kevin Kavalec took first in shot put (57-05.00) to lead Saint Ignatius Track and Field to a 3rd place finish at the Gary Smith Invitational. The Wildcats had finished first in their two previous invitationals, with wins at the Amherst Comet Relays and the Miele Invitational. If you have not seen freshman James Norris yet, you need to (if you can catch him with your eyes). The freshman won both the 100 (11.09) and 200 meter (22.73) dashes at the Miele Invitational just a few weeks ago at Gilmour.
More Results from Gary Smith Invitational (3rd Place Team Finish)
- James Norris, first place in the 200 meter dash, 22.48.
- Kevin Kavalec, first place in the shot put, 57-05.00.
- Kevin Kavalec, second in the discus, 157-11.
- Jack Miller, second in the 3200 meter run, 9:49.21.
- Matt McVey, second in the 110 meter hurdles, 15.45.
- Pat Politowicz, second in the pole vault, 13-08.25.
- Luke Wagner, second in the 1600 meter run, 4:34.00.
- Pat Jeffries, third in the 300 meter hurdles, 40.14.
- Joe Arquillo, fourth in the 800 meter run, 2:00.58.
- Mike Zupan, fourth in the high jump, 6-02.00.
- Corey Griffith, fourth in the discus, 139-10.
- A second place in the 4×100 meter relay, 43.45 – Mike Zupan, Pat Jeffries, Dan Way and James Norris.
- A second place in the 4×1600 meter relay, 19:01.29 – Sean Sovacool, John Nemes, Tim Trentel, Tom Sullivan.
- A second place in the 4×800 meter relay, 8:05.91 – Luke Wagner, Jake Maier, Jack Fitzgerald and Joe Arquillo.
- A fourth place in 4×200 meter relay, 1:33.66 – Quin Lawless, Nick Cristescu, Ray O’Brien and Mike Schafer.
The Euclid Relays are Friday at 3:30 pm, as the District Meet at Lakewood High School is looming. It will begin on Wednesday, May 22nd and conclude on Friday, May 24th. The full schedule is at Ignatius.edu/trackandfield. Check out Coach Chuck Kyle’s team.
The Saint Ignatius Lacrosse team won their fourth straight game on Saturday, as they exploded for a big day offensively early and often. It has been a very strong year for Coach Pat McManamon and his team, as the ‘Cats crushed St. Charles Prep, 13-4. On Wednesday, Westlake comes to Wasmer Field for a 7:30 encounter. On Saturday, Hampton (Pennsylvania) meets Saint Ignatius at Hawken High School at 3 pm. The Wildcats are 10-1 and are forging towards the playoffs with full force.
After taking second in the Midwest Invitational in Indiana, Coach Dan Arbeznik’s Saint Ignatius Rugby Program has earned a great reward. The Wildcats took down previously #18 in the country, Notre Dame La Salette, 12-5, but that was only the beginning. Standing at #8 in the country, the St. Edward Eagles came into Indiana seeking to win the Midwest Championship, but the ‘Cats won on a game-winning 38-yard kick, 10-8. With that loss, the Eagles fell back to #24 in the nation. The Wildcats did lose their lead in the final minute of the championship game and fell short of Penn, 27-24, but they almost knocked off the #6-ranked team in the rugbymag.com rankings.
Saint Ignatius was rewarded, as they garner the 18th ranking in the top 25. For the full rankings, go to http://www.rugbymag.com/index.php/boys-high-school/7975-boys-hs-club-top-25-may-6-2013-presented-by-selective-service.html. The Wildcats visit Hudson on Friday night, but they certainly hould cherish this moment, as they are the top team in the rankings from Ohio.
Congrats to Dan Arbeznik and the program.
Ranked 10th in Ohio, Saint Ignatius Tennis edged Massillon Jackson, 3-2, for their ninth straight match victory. The Wildcats have sectional play beginning next week, as they host Hudson on Tuesday and head to Western Reserve for a road match on Wednesday.
What a fantastic achievement it is for Saint Ignatius Volleyball, as Casey Marcelo’s program is ranked 4th in the Ohio High School Boys Volleyball Association’s Rankings. The 12-4 ‘Cats are behind Beavercreek, Hilliard Darby, and Archbishop Moeller.
Here is the poll:
Rank – Team – Poll points
1. – Archbishop Moeller – 198 2. – Hilliard Darby – 188 3. – Beavercreek – 148 4. – St. Ignatius – 117 5. – Elder – 111
The 12-4 volleyball team wraps up the regular season this week against St. Edward (Tuesday May 7th) Andrews Osborne Academy (Thursday May 9th). Postseason play begins with the district tournament May 10-14.
The Saint Ignatius Crew Team rows in the prestigious Midwest Championships on May 10-12 at Dillon Lake in Zanesville. It is the largest Midwest Championship Regatta in history, with seven countries being represented (48 teams, over 500 boats). The sculling teams won their first-ever gold medal this past week at the St. Mary’s Invitational. Good luck to Coach Pat Connor and his team this upcoming weekend.
For all your spring sports updates, follow me on twitter @JohnFanta13 and @SIHSSports
