by Pat McGuire ’14
The Saint Ignatius winter sports teams have had tremendous success in their regular season action and look for runs deep into the playoffs and compete for a state title, yet they have not received the support that they so much deserve. Outside of the annual rivalry games against St. Edward, neither the basketball team nor the hockey team have gained little following in terms of a student section.
Starting with the Wildcat basketball team, they stood at 12-4 before the Cleveland Heights game and have captured marquee wins against very talented teams like Saint Vincent-Saint Mary, Warren Harding, and a Walsh Jesuit team who went to the final buzzer against the Wildcats; and all with little student section support. In most home games, very few students stay for the entirety of the game, and by that, I mean staying through the singing of the alma mater. Too many times in this season have the basketball ‘Cats ended their night by singing this 8 line song to a section of empty seats. The ‘Cats will rely on the 6th man as they finish the regular and into the playoffs.
Of utmost importance for the 6th man is when the Wildcats begin district play at Midview on March 5th for the district semi-final where they could be facing talented teams like North Royalton and a scrappy Berea-Midpark team. If the ‘Cats win there, they would move on to a district final, which most likely would be against the Eagles. If you’re a fan of Wildcat basketball, or a supporter of the school in any respect, I humbly encourage you to come and support your basketball team – before we face our historic rivals. Support for the Basketball team is incredibly important as they make their run for states.
For the Wildcat hockey team, they begin their playoff quest with the sectional tournament at Brooklyn Recreation Center on February 17 against Elyria Catholic, and then play on the 22nd in the sectional final. They will then move into the district tournament on February 25th and then on March 1st, which will most likely to be played against very talented opponents like Holy Name and University School.
The fans for Wildcat hockey are incredibly important during the playoff run, as best exemplified by last year’s Rocky River team who bested a more-talented Wildcat team. Rocky River’s fans came out and cheered their hearts out in support of their team and were able to rattle the Wildcat team. This year’s fans will be a determining factor for the Wildcat hockey team; a force that can sway the outcome of games, helping to push our classmates deeper into the playoffs, improving the chances that this team will be able to add to the Ignatius trophy case. Your Ice ‘Cats will try to fulfill the promise coach Pat O’Rourke made at the Winter sports rally, but your support is paramount to their success.
