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Baseball advances to Sunday’s state final with gritty 7-5 win over Gahanna Lincoln

by John Fanta ‘13

On a picture-perfect day in downtown Columbus, the Saint Ignatius Baseball team was not in any mood to be looking around Huntington Park for the final time. “Battle-tested” is what Coach Brad Ganor said about the state semifinal with Gahanna Lincoln, and he was absolutely correct with that. It was a game of answers, but Saint Ignatius never hung their heads. “It will take 1000 % focus tomorrow, but let’s enjoy this” said Coach Brad Ganor about the state title game with Moeller.

The Wildcats started off their state semifinal right where they left off in their 14-0 rout of Toledo Saint Francis in the Cleveland Regional Final. After a walk by Dan Rowbottom and a single by Tyler Finkler, Conor Hennessey came to the plate. Hennessey, who was being used to DH due to an elbow injury, showed that he has no wear and tear. He sent an RBI single into right to give Coach Ganor a sigh of relief and a 1-0 lead over the Lions. After an inning-ending double play, Tom Rolle came to the bump for the ‘Cats. “I fought. I did not have my best stuff, but you can’t stop fighting,” said Rolle. The lefty went four innings, having to work a hard-fought outing. Gahanna Lincoln found a way to answer the Wildcats in the bottom of the 1st on a throwing error as Zach Baumann. After one, things were knotted up. After a 1-2-3 top of the 2nd for Saint Ignatius, Gahanna Lincoln added another run on an RBI single by Peyton Ross, who has hit .333 on the season. But, Alec Tuohy could not get going throughout the afternoon. The star “Mr. Everything” for the Lions came in with a 9-2 record and a 2.44 ERA. He was knocked out after four innings as he walked two, which was, “so unlikely,” Lincoln fans cried out. In the 3rd, the Wildcats really got on Tuohy. Trailing 2-1, they answered again as Tyler Finkler and Conor Hennessey both reached on infield singles. After a strikeout, Nick Longo reached on an error as Finkler came in and then the clutch hits came. Both Cole Nieto and Shane Skuhrovec had RBI singles to give the Wildcats a 5-2 lead, as the intensity rose from the blue and gold fans.
The key gem came in the bottom of the 3rd, as Tom Rolle was in a little trouble. With one out, Christian Chiero doubled into the left-field corner. Alex Delp followed with a two-out single to left. As Chiero rounded third, Shane Skuhrovec picked up the ball, looked up, and fired a bullet. Alex Panstares went to his left and made a tremendous tag for the third out of the inning at the plate, saving a run.

But just when the vibe around Huntington Park was that Saint Ignatius was well on their way to win, the Lions would roar back. Tom Rolle walked the first two hitters of the inning, as Kyle Pluta came on in relief. Pluta threw strikes, but the very skillful Lions’ hitters were tough. Christian Chiero (hitting .414 coming into the game) ripped a RBI single into right. Clean-up hitter Alex Delp then drilled a RBI single that brought home a couple to tie the game at 5-5.

After five, Saint Ignatius was looking for their big shot. Shane Skuhrovec hit a seeing-eye single to center, as Quillen Austria followed by getting hit by a pitch from reliever Boomer Lowe. With one out, Dan Rowbottom stepped in. After drawing a 3-2 count, Rowbottom hit a high fly ball to right, and this one was carrying. At first, it looked like a dead pop-up, but it would not stop carrying. Zach Bauman kept on going back farther and farther in right for Gahanna Lincoln, but the ball flew over his head and skipped off the wall. Kyle Daugenti pinch-ran for Skuhrovec as he came home along with Austria, making it a 7-5 game.

Then, sophomore closer MJ Nara came on. Nara, who had woken up with a bit of an illness, was going through the fluids to get ready. He was more than ready. Nara walked two, but he did not surrender a hit. In the 7th, Nara gave up a lead-off walk, but he was not going to let anybody threaten anymore. Nara struck out red-hot Christian Chiero, then got Evan White to ground into a fielder’s choice. Alex Delp had a 1-2 count, and he could not touch the final pitch of the game. MJ, a sophomore, threw it to the glove of sophomore Alex Panstares for the final out. Celebration ensued as Saint Ignatius celebrated their first state title berth since 2008.

“We aren’t done yet,” said senior captain Conor Hennessey.

The SIBN will have full coverage of the State Championship beginning with pre-game at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon. First pitch is at 3 o’clock at beautiful Huntington Park. It’s the best $8 that you’ll spend, I assure you. Back to the beautiful Marriott Hotel for another night. Tomorrow will be my final day of coverage of Saint Ignatius Sports, and man what a ride it’s been.
On the last day of the sports season year at Saint Ignatius, the Wildcats will have a state title on the line. It doesn’t get much better than that. Congrats to the ‘Cats.

Previewing Cincinnati Moeller: The Crusaders absolutely exploded in a 13-1 win over Aurora in a State Semifinal. They have won six state titles and toppled Westlake in the 2012 Championship Game. Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Larkin, and Buddy Bell are just a few players who have come out of the powerhouse. They have won 18 straight games and have now outscored their opponents in the postseason, 75-7. Lead-off man and shortstop Riley Mahan, is hitting .376 and has 27 steals. Catcher Cameron Whitehead is batting .373 with 28 RBIs, as Justin Wampler is hitting .370 with 20 steals. Junior lefty Zach Logue will be on the hill, as let’s look at the pitching match-up. Logue is a star, as he has a .436 average and 23 RBIs.

PITCHING PROBABLES: Saint Ignatius’ Nick Margevicius (9-0, 1.65 EA in 46 and 2/3 innings) v. Cincinnati Moeller’s Zach Logue (7-1, 1.31 ERA, 51 strikeouts)

The stage is set for the Division I State Title Game in the state capitol!

John Fanta ’13 calls MJ Nara’s strikeout to secure the State Semi Win

Major Leaguer Derek Dietrich ‘07 has been a model to the Wildcats and beyond

by John Fanta ‘13

“He is the hardest-working player I have seen,” said Saint Ignatius Baseball Coach Brad Ganor. That quote came in 2012, back when Derek Dietrich was still just a double-A kid trying to make it. Dietrich, who had 121 hits, 37 doubles, 18 homers, 103 RBI’s, and 56 walks in his career (all school records), was a household name in the state when he played when high school baseball came up. Coach Ganor has used Derek as an example of how hard it is to make it to the majors since he was at the farm and how much work it takes. Now, Coach Ganor can use Derek’s story in a different way, because the second baseman has made it to the major leagues.

Dietrich was the Rays’ second-round pick in 2010 and had gotten some recognition in their farm system, but still was waiting on getting a call-up. There wasn’t much of a chance in that part of the Sunshine State, but then things changed. Derek was traded to the Miami Marlins during the offseason for Yunel Escobar, and went to double-A. The 23-year old was off to Miami, but on May 8 at 2 AM, things changed even more. With Donovan Solano and Chris Valaiko both hurt for Miami, Derek was being flown to Columbus for the afternoon game with the Dodgers. He started, and from there his life has been one of a major league. At 6 AM on May 8, Coach Ganor received a call from Derek’s parents, and since that time Coach has talked to Derek throughout the past weeks multiple times.

In 95 at-bats, Derek has scored 12 runs and has 22 hits. He has hit four homers and has brought in 12 runs. Currently hitting .231, Derek is grinding it out and is finding ways to make it. Yes, it’s for the worst team in MLB, but Dietrich is making the best of his situation. He has done very good things and is showing his potential for the future. And on a bad team, Derek will continue to have a role. “He continues to be positive,” said Coach Ganor. He went on, “He was nervous, but now he is settling in. I am confident that a work ethic like his can stick around. He is such a model for my players and beyond.”

Playing in the Final Four this weekend, the Wildcat Baseball team has had Derek in their heads throughout this whole season. Coach Ganor has called upon Derek’s story in his talks to the team. Senior and Illinois recruit Dan Rowbottom says, “It’s really encouraging to see that hard work does pay off.” The team has been driven by a guy like Dietrich, and other coaches around the state have visited with the Wildcat coaching staff and have talked about Dietrich. He was a hard worker in the classroom, and it has translated to the field. On top of that, I think credit needs to go to his high school coaches. The fact that Derek still initiates plenty of conversations with Coach Ganor and still stays in touch with Saint Ignatius is truly a great model of what it means to keep things in perspective when the spotlight is on you. Even when he was called up at 2 in the morning back in May, Derek had his parents make sure that the people who had impacted his life knew.

Derek’s attitude has gotten the Miami media to appreciate him, and if that doesn’t have anything to do with the tremendous education he received at Wildcat High, I don’t know what does.

Eight Wildcats will participate in 106th state track and field meet in Columbus

The Wildcat Track and Field Team started the 2013 spring with a 4th-place finish in Brunswick.

by John Fanta ‘13

It is called by many as the greatest OHSAA event throughout the whole year, and it arrives at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium on Friday.

The Division I track events begin on Friday, with the 4×800 finals and the rest of the prelims going on, as they begin at 4:30 pm. Saturday, Division I field events begin at 3 pm, with track finals at 4:30. 40-year head coach Chuck Kyle took the Wildcats down on Thursday in prep for the action at The Ohio State University. The regional champion 4×100 meter relay team of junior Enzo Cannata, seniors Pat Jeffries and Dan Way, and freshman James Norris come off a really strong weekend. Freshman Luke Wagner has been on the Wasmer Field track all week as he readies for the 1600 meter. Penn State bound Jack Miller will be in the 3200, as he concludes his memorable running career. Senior Joe Arquillo will also step on the track in the blue and gold for the final time in his career in the 3200. Two-time All-Ohio defensive end Kevin Kavalec had a personal best of 182-10 in discus, as he is in Columbus for that and shot put. The last time the Wildcats won a track and field state title was 2001. They will score well, as they have, but the lead contenders are St. Edward and Pickerington North. The present is not only present, but the future is as well. If you haven’t heard yet, James Norris has been tearing it up, and as a freshman. James has run a 10.66 100-meter dash and a 22.19 200-meter. Milesplit.com has released that James ranks #1 among all freshman in the state.

Athletes to Watch

St. Edward’s Steele Wasik and Pickerington North’s Desmond Palmer will duke it out in 110 and 300-meter hurdles, as they are the top two in each category, with Wasik 1st in 110-meter, and Palmer 1st in 300-meter. In the 100 and 200, the Eagles are going to be scoring, there is no question. Pickerington North is the lead qualifier in the 4×400 meter relay and can score in all three relays. St. Edward’s 4×100 relay team was disqualified at Regionals for a baton error, as their 4×200 has been scratched. St. Edward’s Aaron Zedella is the lead contender for shot put and discus. Just ask Kevin Kavalec. Even with personal records, Kevin has been awed by the great Zedella. Cleveland Heights is a team to watch, as they are led by Shelton Gibson in the 100, 200, 4×100, and 4×200. Khoury Crenshaw will charge out the Comets of Solon in the 100, 200, and 4×100. The 1600 man for Solon has been Kevin Blank, while Darian Hicks has been very solid in the high jump. Kyle Peterson and Johnathon Spilker lead the Comets in pole vaulting. William Robinson has been solid in the 300-meter hurdles and Jacquez Riggs has carried his team well in the 400, 4×200, and 4×400 for Glenville.

 

Hotels are packed, and it’s time to hit the track in Columbus. Good luck to everybody!

Memorable run for Saint Ignatius lacrosse ends in fall to Dublin Jerome

by John Fanta ‘13

WOOSTER – Coming off the bus, Saint Ignatius Head Coach Pat McManamon said, “We like being a loose group, and I like the fact that we’re under the radar, at least I think we’re a team like that. These guys have put Saint Ignatius Lacrosse back on the map.” Although Coach was only speaking to me in the pre-game interview, he uttered the same words on the postseason ride home. And although that meant that the season had come to an end for Saint Ignatius, the Wildcats were not hanging their heads. After a 2-2 tie at halftime, the tight defense of Dublin Jerome prevailed, driving the Celtics to a 6-3 victory in their state semifinal affair.

The Wildcats started off the game in a very similar way to Saturday’s 11-10 dramatic Regional Final victory over Hudson. After both teams began to just get a feel for the game throughout the first eight and a half minutes, it was an All American who came alive. Michigan bound Garrett Joseph ripped in a goal (3:30 in the 1st quarter) for the Wildcats to give them a 1-0 lead. After a nice stop by CJ Haag on Chris Haimbaugh’s shot with two minutes to go, star junior Mikey Bano found the back of the net to even the game. At the end of the opening quarter, it was 1-1. Bano is an All-Region Team member and he still has a senior year ahead of him for the Celtics.

Dublin Jerome would get the first word in the 2nd quarter, as Ian Brin bounced a shot through for a goal with 6:22 in the opening half. The Wildcats would answer though, as senior Danny Hennessy stepped up to the challenging Celtics and ripped a goal in with 2:56 in the 2nd quarter. Although it was a tie game at the half, the pace was in favor of the gritty Celtics. They held the majority of possession in the first half, as they kept looking to see what they could do to get the Wildcat defense to bite. Well, in the second half, they found a way to draw the Wildcats to an over-aggressive state, which led to some sloppiness.

The Celtics set the tone in the second half as Tanner Barco ripped a man-up goal into the back of the net with 9:09 in the 3rd quarter. Dublin Jerome took a 3-2 lead, but not for long. Mike Avdey answered the Celtics with a goal with 7:40 left in the 3rd. Who would have known that Avdey’s goal was the final in the season. “When you only give up six goals, you’re going to have a shot in almost any game. We could not find much leeway offensively, and that’s that,” said Coach McManamon.

Chris Haimbaugh scored with 5:25 in the 3rd quarter, as he then opened the 4th with a goal to give the Celtics a two-goal lead with 9:05 in the game. Mikey Bano put the exclamation point on for Dublin Jerome, as he scored with 7:36 in regulation.

Saint Ignatius ended up with a few shots down the stretch, but the Celtics’ defense was all over the place, which made the ‘Cats uncomfortable. Nothing came easy, and rightly so in a state semifinals.

Getting on the bus on the way home, I realized once again how special the seniors on this team were. Garrett Joseph, Danny Hennessy, and Mike Avdey scored the goals that kept Saint Ignatius in the game on Wednesday night. Defender Joe Cillo was nothing short of excellent, and he will greatly be missed for his hard work and passion. Goalie CJ Hagg walked off in tears, but his career in athletics at Wildcat High has been terrific. Mike Mulach contributed to the ‘Cats in big times and Jimmy Wilhelm came back from injury and added energy. Connor Kitko was very special for this 2013 team, as he made several big plays in the midfield and posed his length to defenses. John Leone posed challenges with his quickness and Nick Chapek was a stellar defender. Finally, Bryan Fisher, need we say more? What a testament of what it means to be dedicated to the good of athletics.

BREAKING: Rainy Thursday causes change in Final Four schedule

by John Fanta ‘13

Driving down to Dublin Jerome HS for Thursday’s workout for Coach Brad Ganor’s 26-6 Saint Ignatius Baseball team, rain was pounding the bus at a heavy pace. Huntington Park has been covered as the Wildcats have found out that their State Semifinal against 22-9 Gahanna Lincoln will be on Saturday at 1 pm. The other Division I Semifinal will precede the ‘Cats and Lions, as Aurora and Cincinnati Moeller play at 10 am on Saturday. The State Championship is now set for Sunday at 3 pm in Columbus.

Due to the weather, the Division III State Semifinals will be the only games on Thursday. The first semifinal was played in the morning, as Wheelersburg used clutch hitting and finishing plays to edge Youngstown Ursuline in eight innings, 2-0. The Badin/Bloom Carroll Semifinal is at 4 pm at Huntington. The State Final in Division III will be on Saturday at 4 pm. In Division II, Cadiz Harrison Central and Plain City Jonathan Alder play at 10 am on Friday now and Akron Archbishop Hoban will encounter the top team in Division II, Defiance, at 1 pm. The State Final in Division II will be on Saturday at 7 pm now, which was the original time for the Division I Final.

Finally, the Division IV Semifinals, which were supposed to be on Friday in the first part of the day, are moved. Convoy Crestview and Newark Catholic play at 4 pm on Friday, while New Middletown Springfield and Defiance Tinora meet at 7 pm. The State Final will be on Sunday at noon, preceding the Division I Title Game.

 

After a season that saw great weather for teams around the state, Mother Nature is dropping this on us in the biggest weekend of the year. I guess that’s just what Ohio high school sports are about. Never a dull moment, never a dull moment. The SIBN will still have full coverage of Saint Ignatius Baseball on Saturday with pre-game beginning at 12:30 pm for the 1:00 first pitch. I will have the call with Miles McQuinn and Jeff McCormick. If the Wildcats advance, I am camped out with the ‘Cats all weekend.

Here is the SIBN’s “Across the Table” as we preview the upcoming weekend in Wildcat baseball in our first segment.

View here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBfFzjjblpk

It’s still Final Four weekend, as a little rain won’t ruin the celebrations in downtown Columbus.

 

Tonight, Saint Ignatius Baseball will go watch the other Division III State Semifinal between Badin and Bloom Carroll, and then they have a team dinner with Saint Ignatius President, Father Bill Murphy, SJ.

Lacrosse state semifinal preview

by John Fanta ‘13

Coming off one of the greatest wins in program history in their Regional Final, Coach Pat McManamon ’95 and his Saint Ignatius Wildcat Lacrosse Team are ready to take the trip down to the College of Wooster.

On Saturday, it was Mike Vitale’s four-goal afternoon, All American Joe Cillo’s stifling defense, and CJ Haag’s goal tending that edged Saint Ignatius to a Regional Championship victory in Hudson over the Explorers, 11-10. The Wildcats had huge performances in the clutch from All American Garrett Joseph, Jake Maruna, Mike Avdey, and his twin brothers, Matt and Steve.

The depth has definitely been present for this team, but I look at the fact that many of the guys on this Wildcat lacrosse team have seen big-game atmospheres heading into this State Semifinal against Dublin Jerome. CJ Haag, Bryan Fisher, Nick Chapek, Brian Hartnett, Mike Vitale, and Mike Siragusa all had some sort of experience back in the fall of 2011, when Saint Ignatius won its 11th state football championship. You can see the grit and toughness in the eyes of the Wildcats now. On top of that, Head Coach Pat McManamon knows what Wednesday’s night experience is like for a player, as does his staff. Back in 1995, the ‘Cats made it to the Final Four, and although they fell, Coach is looking to do more than ’95 now.

Defense Wins Championships…and it did for the Regional Title on Saturday

On Saturday, the Wildcats were a man down entering the final minute of the Regional Final against Hudson, but CJ Haag’s big choice to go after the ball behind the Wildcats’ goal ended up being the true teller of the afternoon. All American Joe Cillo stepped up with key defense late and the ‘Cats found a way. They’re going to need that same defense tonight.

Moving Vitale to attack has paid off for McManamon

He’ll be a key running back in the fall for Saint Ignatius football, but right now his speed is key on the lacrosse field. Mike Vitale has transitioned into attack mode and his four-goal performance shows that Coach Pat McManamon knows what he’s doing. Vitale poses such a unique test to defenses not just because of his natural speed, but because of his smart footwork.

Dublin Jerome Breakdown

Standing at 15-6 and sixth in the laxpower.com state poll, the Celtics live by their name. They are tough and physical defensively, as they come off a 9-2 rout over Olentangy Liberty in their Regional Championship. The offense is driven by junior midfielder Mikey Bano, who had five goals last Saturday. Lucas Brush is a stout defender, as he vacuumed up seven ground balls on Saturday. Goalie Austin Paalz had eight saves.

Ironically enough, CJ Haag only had saves for Saint Ignatius on Saturday, but every one was huge.

Wildcat Stats

Garrett Joseph leads the team with 33 goals, while Mike Avdey has 28, Mike Vitale has 27, Danny Hennessy has 26, and Jake Maruna has 25. Danny Hennessy leads the team in assists, with 25 on the season.

Quarter-by-Quarter

Saint Ignatius is outscoring their opponents, 50-16 in the 1st quarter, 43-22 in the 2nd, 56-26 in the 3rd, and 49-23 in the 4th. Wow, now that’s what you get out of the #4 team in the state.

 

So, Wednesday night at 7:30, the massive week in Wildcat athletics begins. The game will be on with live video on the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network. Tune in for all the action beginning at 7 in Wooster.

It’s not up for debate–forensics has another solid year

As the 86th OHSSL finals in Canfield, Ohio on March 1-2, 2013 came to a close the results were fantastic.  There were 65 schools and more than 700 contestants competing in three debate categories and nine speaking and acting events.

Kadeem Yorke ’13 finished in 3rd place Prose Interpretation while Andrew Beddow ’14 and Privthi Pendekanti ’14 were semi-finalists in Policy Debate after advancing another Saint Ignatius team.

The 2013 Policy Debate champions are Kevin Pucci ’14 and Sean Lavelle ’14 finished with a record of 9-1.  This is Kevin’s second, back-to-back state championship and 5th for Saint Ignatius.  Kevin and Sean will represent Saint Ignatius and the North Coast district at the National Forensic League finals in Birmingham, Alabama the June 17-21, 2013.  Kevin and his former partner, Cameron Colella ’12, competed in this event last year and finished 14th in the nation.  Saint Ignatius also received 2nd place team award for overall performance at the finals and 10th place sweepstake award.

This year the school, on behalf of Rory O’Mally, a Dramatic Interpretation state champion in 1999, sponsored the Humorous Interpretation awards.  Rory has been quite active in television and theater and has been nominated for a Tony for his performance in The Book of Mormon.

Previously the policy debate teams attended the 46th Annual Homewood-Flossmoor Viking Classic Invitational on February 22-24, 2013 was a Policy Debate Semifinals Tournament of Champions bid.  There were 56 teams in attendance from multiple states.  The 8th seed octo-finalists Kevin Pucci and Sean Lavelle finished with a 5-2 record.  Just missing the bracket was the team of Andrew Beddow and Privthi Pendekanti with a 3-3 record.  Kevin also received 21st speaker, Sean 19th from a field of 112.

policyfinals (2)
These policy finalist pose with their hardware. From left to right, Andrew Beddow, Privthi Pendekanti, Sean Lavelle, and Kevin Pucci.

In early February, Saint Ignatius was host to the NorthCoast district of the National Forensic League qualifying competition with more than 200 competitors in nine events from twenty-four schools in attendance for the two-day event. Kevin Pucci ’14 and Sean Lavelle ’14 became district champions in Policy Debate being undefeated and will represent the NorthCoast district at the National Forensic League finals. The 3rd alternate in policy debate is the team of Andrew Beddow ’14 and Privithi Pendekanti ’15 had only two losses.  Also achieving alternate status in their events was Kadeem Yorke ’13 in Dramatic Interpretation and Adam Calogeras ’14 in Orginal Oratory.

The National Forensic League National Speech & Debate Tournament marks the capstone of high school speech and debate activities for nearly 120,000 students around the country. To attend, students must place among the top competitors at one of 109 District Tournaments. Qualifiers compete for more than $200,000 in college scholarships in a variety of speech, debate, and performance events. Final rounds are judged by blue ribbon panels including CEOs, former Cabinet members, stage and screen celebrities, sponsors, and acclaimed community members.

Closer to home, GlenOak High School was host to the OHSSL state qualifying policy debate tournament on December 7-8, 2012.  There were twenty-eight teams from 15 schools from across the state in attendance.  Kevin Pucci ’14 and Sean Lavelle ’14 (5-1), Andrew Beddow ’14 and Privthi Pendekanti ’15 (4-2) and Daniel Counihan ’13 and Bronson Hausmann ’14 (3-3) all advanced to the quarterfinal rounds and secured a place at the state finals.

Lincoln West High School hosted the Cleveland area forensics teams on November 10, 2012.  Prithvi Pendekanti and Sean Lavelle received a 1st place in Policy Debate, Kadeem Yorke 2nd in Prose/Poetry, Adam Calogeras 2nd in Original, and Vincent Hwang 6th in Original Oratory.

And the first state OHSSL qualifying policy debate tournament began at John Carroll University in October. There were 24 teams from ten schools and two states in attendance and at the end of the tournament Kevin Pucci ’14 and Andrew Beddow ’14 advanced to the semi finals while Sean Lavelle ’14 and Prithvi Pendekanti ’15 advanced to the finals.  Bronson Hausmann ’14 and Daniel Counihan had a 3-2 record but did not advance to the trophy rounds. In addition, Daniel Counihan ’13 received 10th speaker award, Prithvi 8th speaker, Sean 5th speaker and Kevin Pucci 3rd place speaker.

And so another year in competitive forensics comes to a close with students preparing for summer debate and speech camps readying themselves for the Fall season to begin.

Saint Ignatius baseball rolls to a regional title victory to advance to the final four

Saint Ignatius Baseball celebrates a Regional Championship after their rout of Toledo Saint Francis. It's Final Four time.

by John Fanta ’13

PARMA – After play was stopped on Friday in the OHSAA Baseball Tournament’s Cleveland Regional Championship, Coach Brad Ganor had words for his team on the bus. Case Western Reserve University’s Nobby’s Ballpark was a wreck, as the game would be moved to Sunday at noon, at Tri-C West in Parma. Play was stopped after the top of the 1st inning, as Nick Fabian had given Saint Ignatius a 1-0 lead over Toledo Saint Francis with an RBI single. Ganor stood up and said to his team, “Gentlemen, with all of the arranging of trying to make up this game, I want you to know that Toledo Saint Francis just woke up a beast. That beast is the Wildcats. We will be ready to go on Sunday.”

Well, he was more than correct.

“It was one of the most perfect baseball games that I’ve seen a team play,” said reporter Eddie Dwyer. Saint Ignatius pounded Saint Francis for a trip to this weekend’s Final Four play, 14-0, in a five-inning, run-rule game. Coach Brad Ganor and the ‘Cats joyously celebrated at the pitcher’s mound, as the Wildcat Baseball program had clinched their first Final Four berth since 2009. They will take on 22-9 Gahanna Lincoln at 7 pm on Friday at Huntington Park.

Nick Margevicius threw an absolute gem as well, with an excellent defense helping him out. He threw five complete innings and delivered a shutout for his ninth win of the year, but it was the bats that stole the day. After throwing a beautiful 1st inning, the Wildcats came ready to hit in the top of the 2nd.  When the day was over, 14 runs on 16 hits would be the work done at the plate.

Quillen Austria started off “right on Q,” as they call him, with a single and a stolen base. The junior was brought in to score by Illinois recruit and graduating senior, Dan Rowbottom, who ripped a one-out RBI single to bring in Quillen. It was only 2-0, and after a scoreless 2nd thrown by Margevicius, the barrage would begin. With one out, Nick Fabian drew a four-pitch walk, then scored on an RBI triple by Miami of Ohio recruit, Nick Longo. Cole Nieto ripped a comebacker to the mound to bring in another, and Quillen Austria tagged a double down the third-base line to get another run in. Joe Khoury hit an RBI infield single to bring another in, then Dan Rowbottom hammered an RBI triple to right that just missed at being a homer. A squeeze bunt by Tyler Finkler and a huge 2-run triple to left by Nick Fabian made it 11-0, in favor of the ‘Cats.

They tacked on another as Fabian scored on a sac fly, as that made it a 10-run inning. Then, the cherry on top came in the 4th, as Alex Panstares hammered a triple and scored on a sac fly. A singly by Dan Rowbottom and an RBI double by Tyler Finkler had finished the monsoons of runs. Saint Francis, who was picked by many to get out of the Cleveland Region, could only drop their jaws during all of this.

On top of everything, it was only a little after 1:30 when the Saint Ignatius seniors got out of Parma comfortably in time for the Class of 2013 Commencement Exercises at the State Theatre.

Coach Brad Ganor’s team will depart for Columbus on Thursday morning, as they will play a scrimmage there to prepare for Friday’s Final Four contest with Gahanna Lincoln. The team will stay at a hotel on Thursday, and then go through some organized activities on Friday.

Friday’s game at Huntington Park will be broadcast on the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network.

TUESDAY: Come to West Park Panini’s, where the SIBN runs down the week in sports.

Saint Ignatius, you will have some history made in June, no matter what!

Coach Ganor spoke with John Fanta ’13 after baseball’s commanding win over Toledo Saint Francis in the Cleveland Regional Final

The days run low, but the memories last forever

By John Fanta ‘13

Listening to Tom Hamilton, Jimmy Donovan, and Joe Tait every night in my childhood, I loved what they did. I wanted to be them. I would even turn them down and look back at the TV. I’d start to call the game, pretending to be them. I didn’t know what that would end up translating into in my life, but I really liked it early on, so much so that I told family that being a broadcaster was what I wanted to do with my life.

I showed up on a hot afternoon in the end of July of 2009 looking for a new chapter to begin in my life. I took to Kyle Field to play freshman football. Meeting new people and getting to know the coaches, I had no idea what was going to happen to me four years later. Playing freshman football was an exciting experience, but I was still trying to find my niche. I did not feel like I was fully observing the grasp of being open to growth until I walked into Athletic Director Mr. Rory Fitzpatrick’s office and said, “Mr. Fitzpatrick, is it true that there’s a Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network and Sports Info Department?”

From that day forward, my life had turned to a new passion. I walked into SIBN and SSID moderator Mr. Jeff McCormick’s office in Advancement and immediately went into conversation. We talked for an hour and a half. We touched on Saint Ignatius athletics, Cleveland sports, and about a possibility of me being in the club. I had my audition scheduled, so I kept the hopes that I could become a part of something that I had always loved, but I thought that every fairytale does not always happen in this real world.

Already a member of Chorus and Student Senate, I was looking to really make a full plate for myself (and as a freshman). I tried out for the SIBN, and was told that I would not be receiving any major role, but that I could be cameraman and JV basketball halftime analyst. At the time, that got me hopeful because I was the first freshman member ever in the then two-year old club. Midway through the JV basketball season, the JV color analyst role for basketball opened up. As my Dad has always said, “It starts with commitment.” I had seen where commitment pays off, as my passion got me that role on the SIBN. I finished off the season with some JV basketball play-by-play and I stayed involved in the operations of the club. That spring, I did a few baseball games in a season of rough weather and rainouts. I still had not done all that much though as a broadcaster and writer at Saint Ignatius.

In the fall of my sophomore year, I played for Coach Ryan Franzinger and the Wildcat JV football team. I was an offensive lineman, but let’s face it, I spent more time talking to Eddie Dwyer than I did play. I had the other passion in the back of my head, and that was to get on the air. We talked when Tim McVey ran 70 yards, and we talked when Mike LaManna found Rocky Zingale for a touchdown. I was still trying to find a real bond, as my role in the SIBN did increase with a role in the middle of my JV season. I was asked to do the Saint Ignatius – Lancaster varsity football contest with senior Mike Watts. Although nervous, I took on the color role and went from there. That was my big break, and although it was not my greatest material, I was still putting my foot in the door. In the winter, I stuck to JV basketball and then called another baseball season that did not offer many broadcast opportunities.

Two years into the club, I was not making a ton of improvements, but seniors did rule over me, until I started to not give the door a tap, but give it a bang!

In my conference with 301-game winner Coach Kyle, we talked about my football career. He may have very well saved me that day. He turned to me and said, “If broadcasting is there, and that is your passion, go for it.” I knew I would have to compete for the job, but I took the shot. After not getting many opportunities to make a name in any way, I went after the football play-by-play role. At the Canton football jamboree that Saint Ignatius and McKinley play every year, we had our test on the air to see who could be the voice of the ‘Cats the following week for the 2011 Week 1 encounter with Cody (Michigan). Walking out of Fawcett Stadium that night, I did not know if we would be back there in the winter or if I would be in the booth.

The following week, Jeff McCormick called me into his office, turned to me and said, “You got the job.” Immediately, I ran out of his office and jumped for joy. To think that I was going to be the voice of the one of the great high school football programs in all the country was unreal. I talked to my family, the coaches, and media. Just as I grew, the 2011 team grew too. Getting people walking up to me and interest in my thoughts on the team was aweing. I was dazzled by the thought that I was calling Coach Chuck Kyle and the ‘Cats, after I was a Byers Field regular in my early childhood. That 2011 team gave me some unbelievable material, as the countless week-after-week magical moments had my voice getting heard more and more all over the world because Saint Ignatius football was making a run, and people wanted to get to follow on the SIBN. And on December 3rd of 2011, on a brisk night in Canton, I stepped back into Fawcett Stadium to finish the job. With the Wildcats on the field, I called a state championship game to the best of my abilities and delivered the best content I possibly could. Tears of joy flowed through me on that December night, as one of the greatest achievements of my life was happening live on the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network, and I was the one with the duties of delivering play by play. Everything has taken off from there, and I don’t know where the ride has gone. That season inspired me and offered a bigger role in the club, as I stepped up somewhere in all sports and got better and better.

A rush comes through me every time I go on the air, which is a sign of my passion. Calling Tim McVey’s seven touchdowns in a half against North Royalton to break the record for touchdowns by a player in a game, single-season record, and so many more records is only one of many memories that I have loved to share. Being on the air for a basketball sweep of St. Edward in the 2012-2013 season, a great amount of soccer games, which are truly inspiring to watch because of our great coaches, are just a couple other few. Being the voice of Wildcat baseball, a color commentator for Wildcat hockey, and an analyst for Wildcat lacrosse have all been special. Updating the website and my Twitter page have been very important. But throughout all the moments, what gets me every time is two words. “Thank you” is what I hear almost every time I walk out of a place after a broadcast. On Senior night for the Wildcat basketball team, tears drew down my eyes when I heard those chants. It was a moment of unbelievable brothership coming from a packed student section. I could not handle the appreciation from guys that I admired for their athletic efforts. Whether it’s a parent, athlete, or fan, those two words “Thank you” inspire me. When I see that people take pleasure in listening to my words, I truly believe that that is God’s way of saying that he has given me a gift.

You see, I don’t do it for me. I love what I do and I want to keep doing it until I die, but that is not the point. You are the point. The Saint Ignatius community has been there for me at every step of the way in my long ride. The PEOPLE are who make the difference, not the broadcasts. It’s our first-class coaches and athletes, who truly appreciate me. That’s what I have come to love these past four years.

I walked into a scholarship interview last month and I talked to five media members around Cleveland about what I do at Saint Ignatius. They asked me if I had ever dealt with a difficult player or coach there, and I honestly told them that Saint Ignatius does not produce that. That’s not how we operate. They were looking for my low’s, and I told them about some of my toughness to get up the ladder. I did not receive that scholarship, but that didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. What I experienced when I drove to do Ohio Jesuit Tournament baseball coverage later that day, the first thing players said to me after their walk-off win was “How did it go?”

I conclude with this. Every night I’ve spent up on the air and our school athletic pages, I’ve done it for you because of moments like that one. It has been something that I have had to do, it is something that I have had the privilege and honor to perform. Every time I get on the air in my future endeavors, the blue and gold will always be in my heart. I do not have enough words to describe what this ride has been like. As the end draws near, I say “Thank You” to each and every one of you. You have shown me respect unlike anyone else ever has and I will never forget that. Never take an opportunity for granted, because it could be the greatest of your life. Every time I put on that microphone, I always think to myself, “I could call an unbelievable moment tonight, or I could call a game that doesn’t have that much life to it. But, if one thing is for sure, I’ll give the same amount of effort either way because I love what I do, and I love being a Wildcat.”

The ride is slowing, but my memories will always be in my heart. You and I have seen so many achievements, and I feel as if even better days will come. That’s the art of a place that never shuts down, 1911 West 30th and Lorain, a place that has become a second family. And as the ride closes down, know that I’ll always remember the nights on the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network we spent watching the moment after moment. And I wouldn’t have it any other way…

Lacrosse holds off Hudson in an OHSLA Elite 8 instant classic

by John Fanta ‘13

HUDSON – On an overcast, humid afternoon, Coach Pat McManamon was looking to put Saint Ignatius Lacrosse back to a place that they had not been in since 1995, when Coach McManamon was a junior at Wildcat High. But, staring him in the face was the team who handed the Wildcats their only loss of the season, Hudson (April 24, 17-11 final score). As beautiful Memorial Stadium filled up, the intensity rose. Playing in a tough atmosphere, Saint Ignatius set the tone early, and finished with a defensive stand to edge the Explorers, 11-10, and advance to a State Semifinal match-up on Wednesday at the College of Wooster against Dublin Jerome.

The first few minutes of the game were used by both teams as moments for each team to get a feel for the Regional Final atmosphere, but then a junior, who also uses his skills on the football field, stepped up. With 6:29 in the 1st quarter, Jake Maruna ripped one into the back of the net to put the Wildcats on the board. It would not take long for the Explorers to answer in a first half that saw a lot of defense. Attacker Bo Lori, who came into the game with 71 goals on his season, tacked up a goal for Hudson to knot the game up with 4:44 in the 1st. Lori is heading to Lehigh University in the fall of 2014, as he is only a junior. Defense led most of the first half, as CJ Haag came up with big save after big save.

After a quarter, it was a tie game at 1-1. Then, the Wildcats’ offensive star of the game came alive and broke the 2nd-quarter ice. Mike Vitale ripped a shot that hit into the nylon to put Saint Ignatius ahead. But not even two minutes later, Mike Mougey sneaked one past CJ Haag to tie it up again at 2-2. The final three minutes of the 1st half offered opportunities, as Hudson was knocking on the door, but neither team could salvage any more offense. Adjustment time came at the half, as the game molded itself into a completely different feel. The tough defense of Hudson had been prevailing, but Saint Ignatius posed an offensive challenge to the Explorers with their speed and mentality. The same man who kept setting the tone all day, Mike Vitale, showed that his speed as a running back can help in lacrosse, as he was assisted by senior Danny Hennessy to put the ‘Cats on top, 3-2 with 10:12 in the 3rd quarter.

Separation began to take place as confidence was in favor of the Wildcats. “Offensively, we were trying to make Hudson work for every takeaway they could get. We wanted to just keep shooting. As I always think, you can never take a shot for granted,” said Senior All-American Joe Cillo of the Wildcats.

With 7:38 in the 3rd quarter remaining, Mike Avdey kept the production going with a big goal to put Saint Ignatius ahead by two. And then, with 4:19 to go, Mike was actually outdone. Out of all people, it was one of his twin brothers, Steve, who fired the goal of the game with his lefty swing to put Saint Ignatius on top, 5-2 with 4:19 in the 3rd.

In a game that saw answers though, it would only take just over a minute for things to change. Zach Vehar scored two consecutive goals as the Explorers cut their deficit to 5-4 with 3:16 in the 3rd. All-American Garrett Joseph scored with 3:08 in the 3rd to answer Vehar, though, as Saint Ignatius led 6-4 after three entertaining quarters.

The 4th would not disappoint.

Adam Coberly (Hudson) and Jake Maruna (Saint Ignatius) traded goals to start, but then Bo Lori and Zach Vehar came alive again. The two hit on goals to tie the game at 7-7, with just over 10 minutes in regulation. Once again, Mike Vitale would break the ice. With 8:08 to go in the game, Saint Ignatius led 8-7 behind another goal from the quick-paced Vitale.

His goal led to Danny Hennessy’s big shot into the back of the net to give Saint Ignatius a 9-7 lead over Hudson with 5:42 left. After Hudson’s Zach Nye scored for Hudson, Vitale kept on trudging ahead. He added his 4th goal of the day with 3:58 to go in the game, as then Mike Avdey followed with another with 2:38 to go. Hudson was against the wall, as the Explorers trailed 11-8. Then, the very lively Hudson faithful stood up and got rowdy. Zach Vehar put in a goal, as Hudson cut the deficit to 11-9 with 2:18 left. Then, guess what? Vehar continued to try to be Vitale as he put on another goal with 2:01 left in the game.

It was 11-10, and with two minutes remaining, Memorial Stadium turned into the sound of fans on the edges of their seats, just sitting and watching until the final second goes. Down a man, Saint Ignatius would have to finish regulation with the power of their tight-knit, undermanned “D” and their senior goalie, CJ Haag. The seconds ran down, tick-by-tick, and then the ball flew into the air and blue and gold shirts fled onto the 50-yard line. Saint Ignatius has clinched their first state semifinal berth since 1995. “It is such an unbelievable moment for the program.  Wow. We’re going to the Final Four, and it’s surreal right now, but I could not think of a better way to end senior year,” said Cillo. “Wahoo!” was all Mike Vitale was chanting. The ‘Cats are roaring to their state semifinal showdown with Dublin Jerome (who topped Olentangy, 9-2, on Saturday) on Wednesday at 7 pm.

What a wild one, and a big congrats goes to Pat McManamon’s program. They will have a June to remember.

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About The Eye

The Eye is the student-led publication of Saint Ignatius High School.

Editors-in-Chief: Kelly Coleman '23, Young Kim '23 & Aidan Oliss '23