by Greg Ziton ‘13
Expectations were quite high for Saint Ignatius Rugby in its first year as a varsity sport. Led by coach Dan Arbeznik, this team has lived up to those expectations, and then some. On the surface their 8-5-1 record may not appear overly impressive. However the schedule leading to that record has been loaded with many of the best teams in the nation, and the Wildcats have been ranked as high as #18 in the country this season.
In all three of the regional and national tournaments in which it competed, Saint Ignatius finished in the top three. The Wildcats started off the season by finishing second at the Ohio vs. Indiana Invitational, losing only to defending national champion Cathedral. Saint Ignatius recorded a third place performance at the prestigious Jesuit Cup after rolling Fairfield Prep (CT), 24-0, falling to the number one team in the nation in Saint Xavier (NY), 26-7, and defeating Fordham Prep (NY) in the third place game by a final tally of 29-5. Most recently in the Midwest Invitational, the Wildcats topped then national #18 Notre Dame La Sallette (IL), 12-5, and Saint Edward (#8), 10-8, before losing a last-second heartbreaker to national #6 Penn (IN) in the championship game by a final score of 27-24.
“I’m proud of our success in our first season as St. Ignatius rugby. Not only have we played more nationally ranked teams than ever before, but we’ve beaten them too. The guys that we have out there now are the toughest and most physical ruggers in Ohio. We’re fighting for that state championship,” said senior captain Ian McDonald.
Other games of note have included a close loss and tie against state powers Westerville and Moeller, respectively. After a 31-0 thrashing of Hudson, it’s postseason time. Led by captains McDonald, Mark Morek, Mitch Bryson, and Matt Foley, as well as Max Baughman, Aedan Mangan and numerous other skilled ruggers, the Wildcats begin their quest for a state championship with the state semifinal on May 25th against St. Edward in Hudson.
