by Cole Larson ‘14
Cross Country
MVP: Luke Wagner, Sophomore
Notes: Finishing second overall in the Wildcats’ first meet was just a sign of things to come from sophomore sensation Luke Wagner. One week later, Wagner was at it again, this time taking first overall in the annual Avon Lake Early Bird Invitational. Wagner also finished first in the Galion Cross Country Festival. Then came the post season. Luke took second overall in the district meet with a time of 16:40. Then, keeping his momentum, he third overall in the regional meet at Tiffin. In the state meet, Wagner ended up placing 79th with a time of 16:40:44, helping the team finish 7th. His most memorable finish to a race came at Galion where he raced step-for-step with a racer from Hilliard Davidson, but Luke blew past him in the final 100 meters to place first overall.
Other Notable Athletes: Tim Trentel (10), Elliot Thorkelson (12), Jim Rogers (10)
Golf
MVP: Jack Coyne, Senior
Notes : After a solid start to the year, Jack Coyne really started to catch fire when he hit a score of 69 (one under par) and finished first overall at the University School Invitational at the prestigious Windmill Lakes golf course. The following week, Jack topped his performance with a score of 68 on the south golf course at Firestone Country Club (Site of the Bridgestone Invitational) at the Archbishop Moeller Invitational. That score of 68 was good for Jack to take third place in the outing. Coyne would go on to have a fantastic season that concluded with him shooting a 77 in the district tournament and a two day score of 158 in the state tournament. Both scores led the Wildcats in both respective tournaments. Coyne’s leadership showed through for Coach Brian Becker’s golf team, as Jack led the young and talented team through very difficult sectional and district tournaments all the way to a state tournament appearance.
Other Notable Athletes: Peter Malik (12), Kevin Duncan (11), Harrison Vonderau (10)
Soccer
MVP: Colin Cleary, Senior
Notes: Throughout the entire Wildcat soccer season, whenever the team needed an offensive sparkplug it seemed that senior co-captain Colin Cleary would step up. However, Cleary’s talents offered more than just a quick scoring option. The senior co-captain excelled in nearly every aspect of the game of soccer. From penalty kicks to corner kicks to crosses into the box, Clearly utilized a combination of speed and tremendous touch to set up teammates or even himself for scoring opportunities. Cleary also served as a hard nosed all-around player, most evident in the playoff game against the Saint Edward Eagles. All-in-all the 2013 season was a success for the senior co-captain.
Other Notable Athletes: Mikal Outcalt (11), Matt Ivancic (12), Matt Nigro (11)
Football
MVP: Dameon Willis
Notes: Unfortunately for Wildcat opponents this season, “Buffet Time” was in full effect on Saturday nights and Dameon Willis was hungry and ready to eat. Willis made his initial mark with an early season statement against a tough Mentor team. Willis limited Mentor’s star receiver Brandon Fritts to just two catches the entire game, leading the Wildcat defense in an effort where they gave up just a single touchdown to the high powered Cardinal offense. Willis, starring at a hybrid position of safety and linebacker, struck fear into the eyes of opposing quarterbacks, posing as a constant threat to blitz or to intercept a pass. Committed to Indiana next year, Willis looks to stay hungry and on the prowl for many years to come.
Other Notable Athletes: Nick Fabian (12), Mike Siragusa (12), Chris Keane (12)
