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LaxCats are truly a band of brothers, bro

by John Selby ‘15

The 2013 Saint Ignatius Varsity Lacrosse team is a team of brothers. You can either take this statement figuratively or literally, and you would still be correct. Literally, the team is composed of three sets of brothers: the Mulach brothers, Pat ’15 plays Long Stick Middie and Mike’13 plays Middie; the Maruna brothers, Jacob ’14 plays Middie and Alex ’16 plays Middie/Defense; and the Avdey brothers, Mike ’13 plays Attack , Matt ’16 and Steve ’16 (twins) play Middie. Figuratively however, this team’s chemistry is special.

The relationship that any team develops throughout the course of season is a very important aspect of that team. It is what makes a team a TEAM. Good chemistry can really help the team through a tough time or it can help a team continue an outstanding season. In this team’s case, it is helping them continue one of their best season’s ever. As of May 23rd, the team is 14-1, with their only loss coming against one of the best teams in the state, the Hudson Explorers. Many of these wins having been dominating performances such as a 13-1 win over Shaker Heights, an 11-1 win over St. John’s Jesuit, a 13-4 over Saint Charles’ Prep, a 14-4 win over Westlake High School, and a 13-6 win over St. Edward. No doubt this team had question marks coming into the season. Three main leaders from last year’s team Brett Hornung ‘12, Max Rennillo ‘12, and Rustom Khouri ’12 all graduated, and the team would need new leaders. Well, they got them in C.J. Haag ‘13 (Goalie), Jake Maruna’14 (Middie), and Garrett Joseph’13 (Middie). These guys are accompanied by some excellent players like Mike Avdey ’13, Danny Hennessy ’13, and Joe Cillo ’13 who build an overall solid team on offense and on defense. Haag and Cillo lead the defense which Coach Pat McManamon ‘96 describes as, “a huge catalyst in games to get our offense going. Avdey and Hennessy lead the team in points, and Avdey has the highest shooting percentage on the team at 46%.

Coach McManamon certainly has a talented team on his hands. He believes one of the team’s main keys to success this year is their offensive balance as he describes, “No longer can teams just shut off one of our players; if they do, someone else is there to step right in and make them pay.” He is also very proud with the team’s mental toughness and fight. “We never give up in games and will keep fighting to the last whistle.”

This team for sure has a number of young and exciting players, but this is not the only aspect of the team which makes them great. The team’s chemistry is unmatched. “We love to joke around with each other at practice which keeps us loose but everyone knows when it’s time to be serious” says Pat Mulach ’15 (Long Stick Middie). Yes, the team literally is a team of brothers, and brothers fight. However, when asked about playing with his brother, Pat adds, “It helps for sure because of the sibling rivalry; neither one of us wants to get beat by the other.” While this is true, brothers are also there for each other and always have each others’ backs.

The 2013 Varsity Wildcat Lacrosse team certainly is special. They work extremely hard and practice TOGTHER six days a week, for they know that what they put in as a team now will benefit them as a team later. The potential for this team is very high as they continue their outstanding season and look to make a deep push into the playoffs. OHSLA postseason play kicks off with a May 25th game against the winner of Wadsworth and Brecksville.

“Peaking at the right moment” is the objective for Ignatius baseball

by John Fanta ‘13

Remember that team that started their regular season with two losses and had the depth and talent heading into the season to potentially go all the way? That same team is still around, except for one thing. The team with a couple of losses has turned into a squad with a .778 winning percentage. The 2013 Saint Ignatius baseball squad has shown that first impressions are not always accurate. This team has averaged just above seven runs a game in its 27 contests and has shown time and again that it does have potential to go all the way with its pitching depth and clutch moments.

Seeded 2nd in the OHSAA Baseball Strongsville Sectional/District in state tournament play, Coach Brad Ganor’s team continues to tune itself up with the postseason looming. The Wildcats have won 16 of 17 and have scheduled some additions to their regular season in order to get more baseball in and stay fresh. In the Brecksville District, the Wildcats’ biggest competitors are 1st-seeded Brecksville-Broadview Heights and 3rd-seeded Strongsville. “We will continue to take things at one game at a time. This team has been really special, but we want to do even more,” said senior second baseman and Illinois recruit Dan Rowbottom. The ‘Cats went 2-1 in Ohio Jesuit Tournament action with the big highlight being a 5-4 walkoff win over always-prestigious Walsh Jesuit in the OJT opener. Saint Ignatius had not won an OJT game in the past two seasons, as you would have to go back to May of 2010 to find a victory before this year’s tournament. Coach Brad Ganor’s team would not be denied was what is a great way to get ready for postseason play as well.

Although the nine-game winning streak may seem like something meaningful for Saint Ignatius baseball, the sense around the team members is that a regular season streak is not where they want to have memories from the most. The Wildcats began postseason play with an 8-0 Sectional Final win over Berea. Their next playoff contest will be a District Semifinal matchup Thursday against Midpark in Strongsville. “We don’t want to be peaking right now. When June 8th (OHSAA Baseball Division I State Championship Game) hits, that’s when we want to be playing our best baseball,” said Coach Brad Ganor on the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network last month. The Wildcats have the potential to do memorable things, with a senior trio at the top of their line-up. Dan Rowbottom, Tyler Finkler, and Conor Hennessey make up one of the toughest starts to a batting order that a pitcher has to face. From one to nine, this line-up is stacked, as Nick Fabian (Plain Dealer Player of the Week in the first week of May) is the clean-up hitter, left fielder, and even a reliable arm on the rubber for the ‘Cats to go to when they need him. He can do almost anything, which is what I like to call a five-tool player. Junior right fielder Nick Longo, senior third baseman Cole Nieto, and sophomore catcher Alex Panstares have all been big contributors near the bottom of the order, while Kevin Hagen, Pat Gulick, number nine hitter Joe Khoury, and Quillen Austria (Mr. Makes-Things-Happen) have been guys at the bottom of the line-up that are absolutely not your typical players to be placed there. Depth is everywhere on this Saint Ignatius team, so energy is present on a daily basis and there is enough competition going on within practice for roles, which makes it tougher (yet more positive) for Coach Brad Ganor as he decides who can make the big plays.

From the pitching end of things, senior ace and Ashland recruit Tom Rolle has had another strong year, which Coach Ganor needs him to continue as he leads the way. Southpaw Nick Margevicius, righty Nick Fabian, and fire-baller Matt Lynch have all made starts, and that’s certainly not all. Tiffin recruit Kyle Pluta has been relied upon for crucial innings, as well as Shane Skuhrovec. A guy who has filled his role as the closer of the team very nicely is MJ Nara. Originally a guy playing for the stellar junior varsity team led by Coach Tim Clark, Nara has really made himself into a varsity pitcher, with big save after save for the blue and gold.

In the grand scheme of things, the game of baseball never ceases to amaze us. Every time you walk into a ballpark, you truly don’t know what you’re going to come across throughout the game. Predictions are nice, but baseball throws twists and turns. That’s just the way the game is, and that’s why it is a major sport. The Saint Ignatius baseball team has the ability to go all the way, but the players must brace for the ride of the OHSAA tournament. This team certainly has the talent and depth, but now it’s time to make it happen!

The SIBN has full coverage of Saint Ignatius baseball. Go to Ignatius.edu/sibn for our schedule to find more out. Go to Ignatius.edu/baseball for the latest news about the ‘Cats on the diamond.

At Dan’s Desk: BYOD, new phone policy, Senior Service, and more

by Dominic Gideon ‘14 & Jack Eckman ‘15

At the beginning of this school year, after inheriting the power of principal from current theology teacher Mr. Peter Corrigan, Mr. Bradesca was overflowing with exciting, innovative ideas to improve the school. From the new salad bar to the finals dress down to the new summer reading program, Mr. Bradesca’s presence has most certainly been felt throughout the year. Looking back, he definitely hasn’t disappointed, and next year looks equally optimistic.

What he has in the works currently is the new technology policy (BYOD) to be implemented next school year, as well as a modernized cell phone policy. With technology manifesting so many areas of a young person’s life, the school is taking much needed steps to have the classroom keep up with the current technology. “You are going to see more teachers using technology now that they know that students are allowed and encouraged to bring them into class,” Mr. Bradesca said. “And as Mr. Jarc gets more and more advanced with Haiku being interactive with mobile devices, we will see more and more use of devices on campus.”

Mobile devices, which have been previously banned from use during the school day, are going to be much less restricted next year. With the outdated handbook guidelines, the rules are widely disregarded and certainly need reform. “I don’t think the way to go is to say ‘no’ you can’t have it. Because in all honesty, you guys already have them,” said Bradesca. “So if you already have them, lets make them useful as opposed to contraband being held in seclusion or secret.” That’s why the school is working on making certain areas phone friendly, like the library, and some areas phone prohibited, such as the hallways between classes.

While the technology policies will be implemented immediately next school year, Mr. Bradesca, has some longer term plans in mind, one of which is adding service to each school year, not just for sophomores. “One of the things we have gotten from the past five years or so from the senior exit interviews is that guys are consistently telling us they wish they did more service,” Mr. Bradesca said. Yet the possibility of some sort of four year required service is not likely. It is, however, much more possible for future seniors

Mr. Bradesca sees that by the time most students become seniors, they fully understand the value and joy of service; and so that’s why he is more focused on getting end of the year service projects for the seniors. This will be different than the senior year internships that many high schools do; this will be a student crafted service project to ensure that the senior gets as much enjoyment and learning out of the experience as he can.

This project ties very well into what the school tries to stress throughout a student’s high school career, and it will help seniors to be able to apply those lessons in the real world through these service projects. “It’s like what Fr. Welsh says in his quote on the mall, ‘What does God want of me?’” Mr. Bradesca explained. “Its not just to go out and make money: What am I going to do for the greater glory of God? It’s a way of finding out what am I interested in and how is that going to serve God?”

Among the things he’s done this year and the plans he has for next year, Mr. Bradesca takes pride and satisfaction with his communication and visibility among student and faculty. From having “principal lunches” to simply getting out of his office, Mr. Bradesca has been able to lessen the disconnect between principal and the people he is serving. “Visibility brings with it the opportunity for discussion and for communication,” he said, explaining his stress on communication.

To improve on his already solid communication, next year principal Bradesca will compose newsletters to staff, students, parents, and the community. This will further keep everyone aware of what’s going on around the school as well as informed about the principal’s many ideas and initiatives.

Fujimoto declares retirement…. again

by Sam Royer ‘15

“It’s time.” This is how Mr. Fujimoto ’66 explains his end to a twenty-four year run as director of twenty-eight plays and musicals here at Saint Ignatius. “Even though I have received so much learning and I have loved it so much, there’s a time when you realize it’s time to move on,” Mr. Fujimoto says. In recent years, Fujimoto has asked veteran teachers when they knew it was time to stop doing something and they all have told him that he would just know. “Now I know.”
When Fujimoto first started working with the Harlequins, he had just ended his stint as Assistant Director of Entertainment at King’s Island Amusement Park. Mr. Thomas, a fan of one of Fujimoto’s plays at the park, immediately asked Fuj to assist him in directing a production. Fujimoto now admits that in retrospect, he had no idea helping with one play would turn into an entire career.

This spring, Fujimoto directed his final production, “The Wizard of Oz,” which he says felt like a tribute to his parents. “For me personally, ‘Wizard of Oz’ was a family experience. That was one day that was sacrosanct. Everybody had to be there watching it,” he says. “I was inspired in a sense to do this by going to the Christmas concerts at Severance Hall. I would look at kids who were six years old and grandparents who were in their eighties and everyone knew ‘Silent Night.’” He soon realized that “The Wizard of Oz” was similar to that. “No matter what age you are, you know the songs and you know the story.” Fujimoto feels this is a story of every good thing we should aspire to be in our society.

His final production also gave Mr. Fujimoto the opportunity to introduce theater to children, whether it was kids in the audience who hadn’t seen a live show before or the faculty children who played the munchkins. It gave them the opportunity to get on stage in a real show, and perhaps stimulated them for later years to get into theater.

Mr. Fujimoto has many fond memories of his time as a director, ranging from his first production “Jesus Christ Superstar” (featuring Mr. Jarc), to the controversial performance of “The Laramie Project,” which included well attended discussion groups following each performance. Of that particular play, Fujimoto feels he made the most of a difference at Ignatius. “When I approached Father Kesicki, he said ‘well we just can’t make this into a play, we need to make this a centerpiece of education.’ I’ve been very proud of every performance, but this was just a little bit special.”

Overall, his favorite memory is of the people. Whether they were successful in entertainment or in their own work, Fujimoto looks at each of his students in the same way. “One of the great things about theater is it really doesn’t matter who you are. Theater accepts you. And you’re all part of the show, it doesn’t matter if you’re the star, it doesn’t matter if you’re the third tree on the left. You’re all part of the show, and you’re all accepted the same,” he says.

Since the time he first began directing, Fujimoto has noticed the kids have become a lot busier. With smart phones going off with texts and tweets every minute of the day, he doesn’t see a lot of kids knowing how to relax. He says, “There’s this obsession like ‘if I don’t check my phone every two minutes, I’m going to miss something or somebody’s going to be mad at me for not responding immediately!’” He remembers a time in class when he asked his students if any of them had ever just taken a book and sat under a tree in a park. Ultimately, no one raised their hand.

At the end of the day, Fujimoto doesn’t think it’s the kids that have changed as much as he thinks he has. “I have more experience and I don’t get as frustrated,” he admits. When he first started out, Fuj recalls hearing a song and closing his eyes and seeing the song staged as a musical number. For the last couple of years, he’s closed his eyes and not seen musical numbers. “In Wizard of Oz, there was so much to worry about, but I didn’t. You trust that it’ll be fine. I hate to say this but I think I matured. I think I grew up. It’s the difference between the rookie and the veteran. The veteran might not have the same energy skills as the rookie, but the veteran knows what to worry about and what not to worry about.”

Next year, Father Ross and Mrs. Stires will take over the Harlequins, and Mr. Fujimoto knows he’s leaving the theater in good hands. He doesn’t have one note of regret, he and wishes the very best to everyone else. “This is it, I’ve done the very best I can do.” And that, he certainly has.

Most Anticipated Films of Summer 2013

by Brad Merk ‘14

Enjoying the summer is relative to one’s personal preferences. Some of us enjoy tanning on the beach or a West Park sidewalk. Others might like to visit unique places which are completely foreign to us, like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It is also inevitable that some students may try and recreate the events of Spring Breakers.

Whatever your niche will be for the summer, it is very likely you will go to the movies and see the big new Hollywood blockbusters, or maybe even an indie film (which this summer is filled with). If you’re not planning on going to the movies this summer then you will be missing out because this year provides some phenomenal films for us to spend our time with.
Here is my list for the most anticipated movies of the summer of 2013:

*Movies before May 18th are not included. I know Iron Man 3 exists.

The Hangover Part 3
Release: May 23rd

The gang is back to end the trilogy of one of the most insane comedy storylines ever created. After a pitstop in Thailand in the less than stellar second installment, The Hangover Part 3 is back in Vegas as Phil, Stu, Doug, and Alan get into terrible trouble with Leslie Chow (Ken Jeong) and Marshall (John Goodman!). Not much has actually been told about the plot of this concluding chapter, but let’s all hope that is a good thing.

Man of Steel
Release: June 14th

Superman is not a very popular superhero nowadays with other fun characters featured in The Avengers running around. Director Zach Snyder is hoping to change that with his movie, Man of Steel. Produced by Christopher Nolan, this new vision of the classic Superman story is said to pack more of a punch and have a gritty, realist look, that many Dark Knight fans are bound to appreciate.

This is the End
Release: June 12th

What if all of our favorite comedians were having a house party when the end of the world begins? This is essentially the simple premise of This is the End, which features famous comedians such as Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, and Craig Robinson, and many others playing themselves in what will surely be a huge hit. Cameos from Michael Cera, Rihanna, and the amazing Emma Watson are bound to make this film a crowd pleaser in June.

World War Z
Release: June 21st

World War Z, based off of the amazing book by Max Brooks, has been in a development frenzy for years, but this summer it will finally be released. Loosely based off of the book, this film features Brad Pitt as an United Nation employee trying to stop the spread of a zombie pandemic. While it doesn’t seem very loyal to the books original vision (book was a series of oral interviews), the movie is bound to have some exhilarating sequences of fast-paced zombie action.

Only God Forgives
Release: July 19th

You have probably not heard of this movie, but that is alright. It is the perfect opportunity for you to get excited. Directed by Nicholas Winding Refn, the director of Drive, this indie darling features Ryan Gosling as the running of a Thai boxing club who is forced by his mother to find the killer of his brother and avenge his death. Certain to feature some gruesome fight scenes, this is going to be a small film that everyone should try and see.

Others: After Earth, The Lone Ranger, Elysium, Pacific Rim, The Bling Ring, Frances Ha, Kick A** 2, The Wolverine, Fast and the Furious 6, White House Down, The Worlds End, White House Down, The Kings of Summer

Cell phone use on campus to have greater freedoms next year

by Bill Huesken ’14

Technology policy at Saint Ignatius High School will be more relaxed next year, according to the principal, Mr. Daniel Bradesca.

For the 2013-2014 school year, students will be permitted to have one device to use for educational purposes on the school’s BYOT system. The device could be a smart phone, an iPad or other tablet, or a laptop. Students will not be allowed to talk on phones; they can only use them for academic pursuits. Teachers will still be able to ask students to put devices away.

Not all details of the plan have been decided yet; the complete policy will be sent to parents this summer.

While the school will not be able to monitor everything students do with their technology, students will get in trouble if they are caught misusing it. Mr. Bradesca hopes that students will not take their new privileges too far. “We’re extending freedom to students and expecting responsibility,” he said.

Some students have been hoping for designated zones where they could text freely and otherwise use their phones next year, but Mr. Bradesca said no such zones are planned.

“We talked about possible cell-phone areas, but nothing really came of it,” he said. Cell phones will not be permitted in the chapel or in locker rooms, he added.

Saint Ignatius Band Achieves a I at State OMEA

by Brad Horton ’15

For only the second time in the history of the Saint Ignatius Band, it has received a 1 at the State OMEA Competition. This competition has two levels: state and district. A band can only go on to the state level after recieveing a 2 or higher at district level. The grading system goes from 1-5 with 1 being the best score and 5 being the worst score.

Each band must prepare three pieces to play before a panel of judges, and then the band must “sight-read” a piece after only looking at it and going over it for a total of eight minutes. The location of the event changes each year, but this year it was at North Royalton High School.

The Saint Ignatius Band played “On the Square March,” “Appilachian Morning,” and “Pathways.” Band Director Mr. Roth said, “the band did well, but there is always room for improvement.” He also emphasized the fact that this is not a compeitiion, but an evaluation of the band itself. “It’s about how well we do,” Mr. Roth said.

The band has worked for months on these pieces and they usually perform very well at this event. However, this is a very special year for the band being able to get a 1 in both district and state levels. Go see a band concert and support one of the best high school bands in the state.

Changes to the email network reflect recent misuse of the system

by Alastair Pearson ‘14

As a result of decisions by the administration, a number of changes went into effect last week aimed at restructuring the student email interface. Specifically, the previous option to send “all-student,” “all-network,” “all-faculty,” or “all-class” emails has been removed, as well as student-to-student chatting on Google Drive. According to Mr. Bradesca, the new policies reflect a basic reality of digital communication: “Email is not a hangout or a blog. It’s meant for public communication – for example, if the president of the chess club wants to send an email to the student body, he should be able to do that.”

However, there are certainly instances in which the administration believes students should not be privileged to contact the entire Ignatius community. Mr. Bradesca, interviewed the day after a now-notorious email by freshman Charley Heintel that sparked a seemingly endless chain of replies, cited that correspondence as “a perfect example of what we’re talking about.” The principal stressed the importance of keeping dialogue on-topic and limiting all-student conversation to communication actually relevant to the entire student body. Otherwise, he says, “You end up clogging up people’s inboxes with dozens of emails that are really intended for small groups, that aren’t pertinent.”

In fact, Mr. Bradesca revealed, the changes have not been restricted to the student body. “The same kind of thing has been done with teachers. Now only a certain number of teachers and administrators can contact the entire network.” The process for deciding who can contact the entire network follows a line of logic that Mr. Bradesca believes is in accordance with the fundamental basis of our society. “The editor of the Eye or a student council member should be able to send emails to the entire student body. This is how a democratic society should function. Elected representatives can easily communicate with their constituents, and students can reply specifically back to their leaders.”

Finally, the principal stressed that the new policies are fluid and will reflect student input. “Sure, the possibility for change is always in play as we become further along in this process.” Mr. Bradesca had warm praise for a particularly eloquent email by junior Benjamin Seeley, which proposed a new way of viewing the email issue: “the solution to the issue at hand is really quite simple: to set up an online forum for students, dedicated to wholesome discussion, constructive commentary, unbridled expression, and–yes–innocuously juvenile behavior.” Mr Bradesca affirmed that after reading Seeley’s suggestion, “I was impressed. He raises some very good points. It’s just a matter of finding the best solution.”

At this point, neither the changes to the Google Drive chat or the all-students email option are set in stone. The administration is committed to finding a middle ground that satisfies all parties while creating a more productive, appropriate email framework.

Seven more senior athletes make college decisions official in Spring Signing Day

The stage is set at the Breen Center for the National Signing Day for high school athletes.

by John Fanta ’13

After the regularly scheduled Signing Day in February every year, there are always athletes everywhere at the high school level who still have not signed and are contemplating. Saint Ignatius High School hosted a special Signing Day on Wednesday, May 15, for those Wildcat athletes who have decided to further their educations and careers towards the future. The Breen Center for the Performing Arts hosted the event, as seven Ignatius men signed the dotted line to make their choice of school official.

Congrats to the following men on their decisions. What a pleasure it has been to cover them.

Vince Bartram
Cross Country
West Point Academy

An Academic All-Ohio Award winner and state cross country qualifier, Vince Bartram has been an effective Saint Ignatius runner as a three-year letter holder. Vince also uses his talents as a relay runner for the Wildcat Track and Field team, as he has delivered big performances for Coaches Mike Gallagher and Chuck Kyle in the fall and spring. As a high performer in the classroom, Bartram is the definition of a “mutitasker,” as he has learned to balance his time at West 30th and Lorain. Penn State bound star high school runner and teammate Jack Miller said of Vince, “He has been a great friend of mine and has been so integral for the cross country and track and field programs. West Point will definitely be a great match.” Bartram’s hardwork ethic is what drives him to the academy. as he fell in love with West Point in his visit.

What he brings to the table is not only athletic achievments, but a big heart as well. Congrats to Vince and his family on this wonderful achievement. Considered a member of the 2012 “Cat Pack,” which was the prime group for Saint Ignatius cross country this past fall, Vince brings a lot of experience to West Point. What an achiever of excellence for the greater glory of God.

William (Jagger) Bruck
Baseball
Wheeling Jesuit

Growing up as a student at Gesu, Jagger Bruck made the decision to continue his education at Saint Ignatius. He will further his education with the Jesuit ideals of life in mind when he takes his talents to West Virginia to Wheeling Jesuit. Bruck, who is a catcher and a two-year varsity player for Saint Ignatius, has been a kid that has improved the morale of the team with his great attitude. One of Bruck’s standout hits of the season was a two-run single against Massillon Jackson. Although the Wildcats took a tough loss that afternoon, Bruck still displayed great toughness. Jagger will be playing in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference this at Wheeling Jesuit and looks to represent the blue and gold at the next level, but with the same Jesuit base. Congrats to an outstanding man on and off the field.

Tyler Finkler
Baseball
Ohio University

One of the most consistent players Coach Ganor has had at Saint Ignatius, Tyler Finkler has filled the role as a captain exceptionally well for Saint Ignatius. His glove has been huge behind the Wildcat pitching staff, as his consistency at the plate has been a spectacle to watch. Tyler’s brother, Cory, is now playing at Toledo. The Finkler family has a rivalry now as Tyler heads to a fellow Mid-American Conference School, Ohio University. Finkler will go to play for Coach Rob Smith as he visited the school on Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Smith is in his first year as the head coach at Ohio, and he looks to do big things in the future for the Bobcats. Ohio is a 15-time MAC Champion and as made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances. On top of those achievements, the program has produced 129 MLB signees. Finkler is the everyday shortstop with the Wildcats and is the type of guy who never lets his team down. A sharp glove and bat is heading to Athens, as the Bobcats welcome in Tyler Finkler.

Andrew Reichard
Crew
Syracuse University

Andrew Reichard has been a major contributor to the Rowing Team since his Freshman Year. His Freshman Year, his boat took 1st place in the Novice 4 at The Midwest Scholastic Championship and 2nd at Nationals in Freshman 8.As a sophomore, his boat took first place in the Junior Varsity 8 at Midwest and 2nd place at Nationals. As a Junior, John’s boat took 2nd place in the Petite Finals of the Varsity Race at Nationals. The Midwest Scholastic Championship Regatta is a competition among all High School Teams in an 11 State Region that includes Ohio. The National Championship is a Regatta that represents 500 High School Teams from all over the United States and includes teams from Washington State, California, Texas, Florida, New York, Massachusetts and everywhere in between. Andrew’s most impressive accomplishment is the leadership role that he took during his Senior Year. Andrew stepped up as the undisputed Captain of the Rowing Team. He organized winter practices during the offseason and convinced nearly all of the underclassmen to attend. He took responsibility for managing a culture of hard work in and dignity in Saint Ignatius Cre. Coach Pat Connor calls Andrew an absolute class act and an all-around good man for others. Andrew’s grade point average has been very strong while at Saint Ignatius. He looks to continue his leadership in the water and try to bring that attitude to the Orange of Syracuse in New York. Congrats to a great man, leader, and rower.

Francisco Santiago
Basketball
Wheeling Jesuit

AP All-Northeast Lakes District Basketball Player of the Year, first teamer on the All-Ohio Division I team, and member of the Plain Dealer Elite Team, Francisco Santiago averaged 15.4 points and 4.6 assists, leading 5th-year Coach Sean O’Toole to a District Championship appearance in a very strong season for the Wildcats. He, along with Derek Sloan, received a co-Most Valuable Player Award at the season banquet and was selected to play in the Ohio North-South Basketball All-Star Game. “Cisco,” as his teammates call him, finished with 14 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds in that All-Star affair. He was the #1 man in terms of leadership for the Wildcats and composed the scoring in so many big ways this season. His toughness in key situations led the Wildcats to special moments, such as a season sweep of the St. Edward Eagles. The determination of Francisco on the court could very well-likely go a long way at Wheeling Jesuit, who went 19-10 on this past season.

Derek Sloan
Basketball
Cleveland State University

AP Northeast Lakes District first teamer, special mention player on the All-Ohio squad, and special mention in the Plain Dealer All-Star selection, Derek Sloan is staying in Cleveland to be a Viking for Gary Waters and Cleveland State. Sloan received a co-Most Valuable Player Award, averaged a team-best 16 points per game, racked down 145 rebounds on the season, and came up with 37 blocks and 20 steals. Along with his counterpart Santiago, Derek won a Captains Award as well for the Wildcats and also played in the Ohio North-South All-Star game. For the first time in 23 seasons, Cleveland State went back to the NCAA Tournament in 2008-2009. Gary Waters led the Vikings to a first round win over Wake Forest. He has been recognized as a real game-changer for the university’s program and has liked the idea of getting local kids from around the area. He goes with the Saint Ignatius man, Derek Sloan. Derek’s ability to move the ball to the hoop has lots of potential. Derek looks to do big things as he represents Coach O’Toole and the ‘Cats

Tommy Zeigler
Wrestling
Kent State University

Saint Ignatius’ four-time letter winner and three-time state placer, Tommy Zeigler, is going to be in the Mid-American Conference with the Kent State Golden Flashes. Tommy was selected to the Plain Dealer All-Star Wrestling Team this year as a special mention. He was the MVP of the team at the banquet and some highlights include finishing second at the Solon Comet Classic and the Brecksville Holiday Tournament. Zeigler went on to take first in the sectional tournament, second at the Mentor “Meat Grinder” district and third in the state tournament at 126 pounds. The biggest high for Tom was his 1-0 victory at the state tournament over St. Edward’s Chance Driscoll. It was regarded as a highlight at the tournament, as Tom found a way to prevail. Coach Mark Sullivan looks for Tom to represent the Wildcat wrestling program at the next level in strong fashion as he goes to wrestle for head coach Jim Andrassy as a Golden Flash. Good luck to a great man on and off the mats.

Saint Ignatius volleyball stays at #4 in state poll

by John Fanta ’13

The weekly Ohio Boys Volleyball Coaches Association has released their poll for the state of Ohio, and Coach Casey Marcelo’s team stays at #4 in the state. The Wildcats play their Regional Final match against Hudson at Medina High School on Saturday at 10 am. Coming off a 14-4 regular season, Saint Ignatius looks to make a postseason run as the top seed in the North Region.

Here is the poll:

Division I

1. Archbishop Moeller – Total Points: 162 (9)

2. Hilliard Darby – Total Points: 160 (8)

3. Beavercreek – Total Points: 120

4. St. Ignatius – Total Points: 103

5. Elder – Total Points: 101

6. Northmont – Total Points: 75

7. St. Edward – Total Points: 69

8. Oak Hills – Total Points: 50

9. Lakota West – Total Points: 25

10. St. Xavier – Total Points: 20

Gahanna Lincoln – Total Points: 12

Lakota East – Total Points: 12

LaSalle – Total Points: 12

Westerville North – Total Points: 4

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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