By John Fanta ’13

AMHERST – “In baseball, every team gets challenged at some point of the season. I think of this as our challenge. Yes, it’s not the ideal time. Of course you want to start the season well, but we’re 0-2,” said Saint Ignatius Baseball Coach Brad Ganor. The Wildcats’ pitching stuggled as 5-0 Amherst took aim and fired through Saint Ignatius, 10-3.

There is absolutely no panic mode whatsoever, as this team with a lot of talent and depth has the attitude but just is looking for the winning formula. After a scoreless top half of the first inning for the Wildcats, Amherst had men at 1^st and 2^nd with one out against Saint Ignatius pitcher Kyle Pluta. Amherst senior stud Griffin Weir (who is heading to Stanford in the fall) walked to make the bases loaded. A 2 RBI double by the Comets and another single led to the Comets to have a comfortable 3-0 lead. An RBI groundout gave Amherst a 4-0 lead after an inning. It was the second straight game in which the Wildcats were down 4-0 after an inning.

Amherst tacked an additional run on in the second to make it 5-0. In the top of the 5^th, Amherst led 6-0 when the Wildcats’ Quillen Austria came to the plate. He hit a fly ball to right field that was dropped. Two Wildcats came in as the bases were loaded to make it 6-3. Shane Skuhrovec came to bat and bounced a dribbler perfectly down the third base line, which brought another run in to make it 6-3. That would be the closest that the Wildcats would get. Kyle Pluta was the starting pitcher, and after a 29-pitch first inning, the Tiffin-bound pitcher could never find his rhythm. In terms of the big highlight in the rest of the game, Amherst’s Griffin Weir drilled a double off the center field wall to make it 10-3 Comets. The Wildcats could not find any other offense, as they lost their second straight game in tough fashion.

The Wildcats will leave from West 30^th and Lorain on Friday to take off for V.A. Memorial Stadium in Chillicothe for two games on Friday at the “1^st Pitch Classic.” At 1 pm, the ‘Cats take on Bishop Watterson, a team full of tradition out of Division II, and at 4:30 pm, Coach Ganor’s team meets a juggernaut in Grove City. Watterson won on Tuesday over Teays Valley, 8-5, and fell Thursday to Hilliard Darby, 15-6. Grove City came up short in extra innings on Thursday, 9-7, to Thomas Worthington, as they seek to bounce back on Friday. For the schedule of the “1^st Pitch Classic,” go to http://www.chillicothepaints.com. On Saturday, the Wildcats take the show on the road to Dublin Jerome, as they’ll stay overnight for two games with Jerome (11 AM and 1:30 PM).

 

 

SIBN: All games this weekend are on the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network. I will get underway at 12:45 pm for the full afternoon on the diamond in Chillicothe. On Saturday, I have full coverage from Dublin beginning at 10:45 am. On Friday, my special guest is Father Bill Murphy, SJ, president of Saint Ignatius HS. Follow the games @SIHSSports and @JohnFanta13 in twitter.

TV: Time Warner Cable will have tape delayed coverage of Ignatius Baseball on Friday, April 5. On Channel 1311 at 7 and again at 9:30 pm. Check your local listings.

JV and Freshman Weekly Update: Coach Tim Clark’s JV team has won three in a row, as they have toppled Ashland (12-0),  Amherst (5-1), and Brunswick (6-1). The Freshman squad is 1-0 coming off of an Opening Day win over Amherst, 9-4.

 

 

I’ll see you on the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network, as the Wildcats look for their first win over the season. What a jam-packed weekend.

 

Haven’t viewed the 2013 Season Preview yet with Coach Ganor? Here it is:

By John Fanta ’13

ASHLAND, OH  The Arrows of Ashland pointed in the winning direction right from the start of Saint Ignatius’ 2013 season opener. In their 6-5 win over the ‘Cats, Ashland earned their 1,000^th program victory in history.

The Wildcats started slowly, as Matt Lynch’13 made his first ever varsity start, and on opening day the nerves were active throughout all of the Wildcats. Lynch, who brings the heat when he tows the rubber, had never actually started a game but was a reliever as a junior. He gave up four runs in the first, as Ashland right fielder Jake Allton hammered a lead off triple into right field, and scored on a Lynch wild pitch. Ashland’s Vogel stole second and came home off David Van Hove’s RBI single. Van Hove went to second due to an error. Lynch walked a third straight as a run came home for Ashland, which made it 3-0. Ashland’s Nick Zurcher bounced into a fielder’s choice at second, and the Arrows took a 4-0 lead.

Lynch threw a 41-pitch inning and just had trouble getting a complete rhythm going. Shane Skuhrovec came on in relief in the bottom of the third and threw solidly. Ashland’s Jake Allton bounced an RBI groundout to make it 5-0 Ashland in the bottom of the 4^th. Saint Ignatius tried to create opportunities, but could not get anything going.

In the top of the 4^th, Saint Ignatius shortstop Tyler Finkler led off the inning with a double into right center field that rolled to the wall.  Despite the big double, Saint Ignatius went scoreless in the 4^th and was still down, 5-0. In the top of the 5^th, Cole Nieto drew a lead0off walk for the Wildcats, and Pat Gulick grounded into a fielder’s choice to second. Quillen Austria stepped up for the Wildcats and stole second and third. Trailing 5-0, Conor Hennessey reached on an infield single, which brought home Austria to make it 5-1, Ashland. Tyler Finkler and Dan Rowbottom both found the outfield with two RBI singles to make it 5-3 heading into the bottom of the 5^th.

After going in order in the bottom half of the 5^th, the pressure shifted to Ashland’s bullpen. Back-up catcher Kevin Hagen pinch hit and delivered for the ‘Cats. He rocked a double into left. Cole Nieto pinch ran and scored off two errors by Ashland to make it 5-4. Pat Gulick found himself at 3^rd after all of the errors, and Conor Hennessey roped an RBI single into right field. Heading to the bottom of the 6^th, it was a whole new ballgame as the comeback was complete to make it 5-5. Wildcat junior reliever Nick Fabian gave up two singles with two outs in the bottom of the 6^th and then threw a pitch that he regrets. He lost a breaking ball that went wild and rolled to the deep backstop in Ashland, and that brought home the go-ahead and eventual winning run for the Arrows. Saint Ignatius could not do anything in the top half of the seventh and fell to 0-1 on the season.

 

From my Point of View

Jitters: Matt Lynch has never been in the role he was in on Monday, as he was a reliever all of last year.  He made his first varsity start on opening day. Any opening day brings the jitters. The start brought even more. Hats off to Shane Skuhrovec and Nick Fabian, who both relieved pretty solidly, and to Matt Lynch who hung in there despite a tough first inning.

Long Season: It’s a season with 30+ games (weather providing). There’s nothing more to take from this defeat than to get back at it Wednesday. The Wildcats are on the road at Amherst HS for a 4:30 pm first pitch, as I will have updates just like I will for every game. Go to @SIHSSports and @JohnFanta13 for those.

A Trip Awaits: On Friday and Saturday, the Wildcats will play four games in two days.

Friday in Chillicothe: vs. Bishop Watterson at 1 pm

Friday in Chillicothe vs. Grove City at 5 pm

Saturday at Dublin Jerome with a doubleheader at 11 am and 1:30 pm

All games are on the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network. Tweet me your questions all this weekend, as it is just me on the air so I will do my best to help you out. E-mail me at [email protected]. My color partner on Friday is President Fr. Bill Murphy, SJ. It should be a wonderful time with the president of West 30^th and Lorain on the SIBN Friday.

JV Team Goes to 1-0: New Coach Tim Clark earned his first win at Saint Ignatius. The Wildcats roared by the Arrows, 12-0.

 

by John Fanta ’13

The Wildcat runners were missing some of their mainstays, but they still used their grit to a fourth place finish at the always-competitive Brunswick Elite Meet. In his 40^th season as the head track coach at West 30^th and Lorain, Coach Chuck Kyle led the Wildcats out to a solid day.

Highlights of the Day: Joe Arquillo finished in 1^st in the 3200 meter run, as the senior would not lay an egg this Easter weekend. Arquillo rolled his way to a strong finish that was well-ahead of the rest of the field. Freshman Tim Trentel put up a great day in the 3200, as he took 3^rd. In the 800-meter, freshman Luke Wagner ran in 2:03, which was his best all-time finish.

The Importance of Goals: Sometimes it’s not always about who comes out on top, but where you stand. Yes, the Wildcats took fourth, but at this stage of the season, it’s important to note that the team put up a quality day in terms of where they hold themselves.

Congrats to the Comets: Solon HS took 1st place in the Brunswick Elite Meet, as they began their season with a big showing on Saturday.

Difficulties with the Holiday: The primary reason for the Wildcats’ absences, along with the other teams, is the fact that the Brunswick Elite Meet is held on Holy Saturday morning, a time that families like to take for themselves. It’s a great meet, but something needs to change with where it is positioned, because the competition is not the same with absences.

The Plus Side: Younger guys can get a taste of high school track. The guys who work their tails off and do stay home get a shot to run, so there’s a positive there.

Considering the circumstances, the Wildcats were without stud freshman sprinter James Norris, and senior leaders Tim McVey (no slow-poke) and shotput and discus mainstay Kevin Kavalec. Next Saturday, the Wildcats will be at the Wildcat Premier Meet at Hilliard Davidson HS. The gun has been fired, and the runners are off. The Saint Ignatius track and field season is underway!

Results from the Brunswick Elite Meet are from Eddie Dwyer’s Corner. (Ignatius.edu/eddiescorner)

This year’s line up included boys and girls squads from Brunswick, Buckeye, Medina, Normandy, Solon, St. Edward, St. Ignatius and Strongsville. 

 

by James Zajaczkowski ’15

With spring supposedly on the way, the Tennis Cats will be back at it again, looking to improve off a successful 2012 season finishing the regular season at 14-2. They will begin their 2013 campaign by taking the court Friday April 5^th against Hawken. Led by varsity head coach Jon Barker, the Wildcats are full of potential and have a diverse roster that should make for an exciting spring. Talent from both underclassmen and experienced upperclassmen will hopefully propel the Wildcats towards another season filled with wins and improvement.

Headlining the varsity A group will be Nathan Griffin ’15, hoping to make a return down to Columbus for the state tournament. After an impressive run to the state quarterfinals as a freshman last year, he will be looking to lead the team to even greater feats. Additionally, the team includes all kinds of other talent. The veteran seniors in Nick Siciliano ’15 (last year’s most improved player),

Bobby Kirchner ’15, and Sean Frebes ‘15 will provide the team with a strong backbone. Also going to be counted on for key contributions will be juniors Christian Zuber ’14 and Yaw Boakye ’14 as well as sophomore Karl Fehn ’15. Definite roles have yet to be given so we could see even more names depending on who is able to step up. This is quite a talented group that has a tough schedule ahead of them this spring.

Soon after they open, the ‘Cats will travel south for a big matchup with Lexington High School on April 8^th. They will also welcome a difficult challenge against Saint Xavier whom they will meet at Lakewood Tennis Club in Lexington about halfway between Cleveland and their home in Cincinnati on April 13^th. Other notable local matchups include Copley (April 18th), Walsh Jesuit (April 24th), and Hudson (May 7^th). They will wrap up the regular season the day after on May 8^th versus Western Reserve Academy. Hopefully we’ll be seeing the Tennis ‘Cats move farther into May—possibly June–and make advancements in the state tournament. You can follow their progress on the school’s website. The entire Wildcat schedule is listed below.

 

2013 Varsity A Tennis Schedule

Date	Opponent	Location	Time	Results
4/5	Hawken	Hawken	3:30 PM
4/6	St. Edward Tournament	Paramount Tennis Club	8:00 AM
4/8	Lexington	Lexington HS	4:30 PM
4/10	Westlake	Westlake HS	4:00 PM
4/13	Saint Xavier	Lakewood Tennis Club (Lexington)	10:00 AM
4/16	Solon HS	Solon HS	4:00 PM
4/17	Avon Lake	Magnificat	4:00 PM
4/18	Copley	Magnificat	4:15 PM
4/20	Rocky River Tournament	Tri-City Park	8:00 AM
4/20	Relay for Life Event	Wasmer Field	6 P.M.-6 A.M.
4/23	Mayfield	Magnificat	4:00 PM
4/24	Walsh Jesuit	Magnificat	4:15 PM
4/25	St. Edward	Magnificat	4:00 PM
4/26	Uniontown Lake	Uniontown Lake HS	4:15 PM
4/27	Medina Doubles Tournament	Medina HS	8:00 AM
4/29	Orange HS	TBA	4:00 PM
5/1	North Canton Hoover	North Canton Hoover HS	4:30 PM
5/2	University School	Magnificat	4:00 PM
5/6	Jackson	Massillon Jackson HS	4:15 PM
5/7	Hudson	Magnificat	4:00 PM
5/8	Western Reserve	Western Reserve Academy	4:00 PM
week of 5/13	Sectionals Tournament	TBA	TBA
week of 5/20	Districts Tournament	TBA	TBA
5/31 – 6/2	State Tournament	TBA	TBA

by John Fanta ’13

HUNTING VALLEY | It was 38 degrees on Thursday night at University School, but with no moisture in the air, the Saint Ignatius lacrosse team opened up their season with a road test at University School. The Wildcat Lacrosse team earned a tight win over the Preppers. The Preppers fought from an early deficit, but Saint Ignatius’ quick start out of the box was enough to lift the ‘Cats. The winn is a good way to begin the Spring of 2013.

Danny Hennessey got the scoring underway for the Wildcats on the attack, as he netted a goal with 8:50 in the first quarter. Saint Ignatius would tack on two more goals to take a 3-0 command at the end of the first. Captain and midfielder Garrett Joseph got the Wildcats going offensively in the second quarter, as he made it 4-0 with 11:30 in the half to go. The Preppers got on the board with 9:06 in the second quarter, but Garrett Joseph tacked on another goal to increase the Wildcats’ lead back to four, as it was 5-1 with 7:33 in the second quarter. With 6:25 in the second quarter. The Wildcats made it 6-1. Another senior, Mike Avdey, stuck one into the back of the net to make it 7-2 with 3:22 in the second quarter, as University School had scored seconds earlier.

At the halfway point, Saint Ignatius led University School 7-2. Danny Hennessey put in his second goal of the day after the Preppers netted one in the early point of the third quarter. It was 8-3 Saint Ignatius with 9:56 in the third quarter.

But, the tides would change for the rest of the third quarter. The Preppers put up three unanswered goals to make it 8-6 at the end of the third. With 11:19 to go in the game, University School was within a a goal of the ‘Cats, as they only trailed 8-7. The fans were treated to a great finish, as chances followed for both teams to make something happen. With 1:09 to go, a sophomore stepped up for a team with not only veterans, but depth. Garrett Joseph tacked on a key insurance goal. University School called a timeout, but the game was in control for the Wildcats.

Saint Ignatius finished it off in the last minute to move to 1-0. The Wildcats will have a break before playing on Saturday, April 6, in Seneca Valley, Pennsylvania. They will battle Hill Academy (Canada) and Seneca Valley next Saturday. For now, Pat McManamon and his team have a 1-0 to smile about heading into Easter weekend.

by John Fanta ‘13

With veteran leadership and a lot of and developed chemistry, the Wildcat Lacrosse team is very confident for a big season in the spring of 2013. Coach Patrick McManamon ’96 is very excited for his team to begin action after finishing 10-4 last season, as there is a special depth and physicality at the defensive end for the Wildcats. It was the fourth-best year in the program’s history last year, and the Wildcats want to build even bigger this season.

Talking to captain Garrett Joseph ‘13 about the season, there are a lot of high hopes. “We take on a tough schedule, but there is great chemistry with this team and our toughness starts at the defensive end. We made it to the Sweet 16 last year (and lost to Massillon Jackson, 6-5), but it’s time to take the next step. I am confident in the fact that our ultimate goal is very realistic. We are aiming for a state title, and that is something that we will not take our minds off of until all of our efforts are given,” Joseph said.

Seniors Joe Cillo, Brian Hartnett, and Billy Grebenc make up the main corps defensively for the ‘Cats, but there are many more-than-capable Wildcats who can assist. The Wildcats gave up 5.3 goals per game last season, as they allowed the fifth-lowest goals in Ohio amongst every lacrosse team. Sophomore Pat Mulach was the most improved defender for the Wildcats at the team banquet last year, as he has a definite bright future. Nick Chapek and John Bodnar will both be in on the action defensively, as they can also be found in the fall on the football field. Also, Michael Siragusa poses big challenge to get by as the lengthy, physical wide receiver on the football field will be holding his lacrosse stick this spring for the blue and gold. It’s a rumbling, stifling group of stoppers that will be tough for teams to face offensively. Captain CJ Hagg is in goal for the Wildcats, as Hagg looks to bring his aggressive style on the football field into action for the Wildcat lax squad this spring.

Transitioning to the attack, Saint Ignatius’ veteran presence and up-and-coming players are right in the thick of it. Danny Hennessey and Mike Avdey will take the main reigns for the Wildcats this spring, while junior Luke Bill picks up a big-time varsity role. Coach McManamon has been trying to implement a new, more aggressive type of style that Dan Hennessey says has been interesting to get to know. “Our coaching staff is trying new things and changing things up. It’s all in preparation for a deep run in the Ohio High School Lacrosse Association playoffs,” Dan stated.

In the midfield, Garrett Joseph, Jake Maruna, and multi-sport athlete Bryan Fisher look to contain the middle and be the leaders that they have been up until this point. Joseph and Maruna are captains, and Bryan Fisher is a big man on campus in the student senate and is quite a leader on the athletic field at Saint Ignatius.

Before going to the schedule, as I turned away from the Wildcat lacrosse team before writing my story, sophomore Pat Mulach stated, “We plan to do big things this year. Big things.” It’s a team that is very positive, and carries a special mojo about them. Get ready top watch a fun group of guys for Saint Ignatius this spring.

Saint Ignatius Opens the Season Against University School on Thursday March 28 at 5 pm. Then the Wildcats head to Seneca Valley, Pennsylvania for two early season tests. The home opener is against Western Reserve Academy on April 10. On April 23, the Wildcats face a hefty road test at Hudson, who always challenges the ‘Cats. On May 4, the Wildcat lax squad welcomes St. Charles Prep (Columbus); then on May 8, an intriguing Westlake team pays a visit to Wasmer Field. To conclude the regular season on May 18, Saint Ignatius and St. Edward square off on Wasmer Field.

Follow me for updates on Wildcat lacrosse @JohnFanta13 and @SIHSSports throughout the season on Saint Ignatius lacrosse. The official home of Saint Ignatius lacrosse is the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network. John Selby ’15, Mike Berry ’15, Sean Reynolds ’13, and I have Wildcat lax for you all spring. 

 

FULL SCHEDULE

03/28/2013	@ University School	US	5:00 p.m.
04/06/2013	Hill Academy (Canada)	Seneca Valley, PA	10:00 a.m.
04/06/2013	@ Seneca Valley, PA	Seneca Valley, PA	2:00 p.m.
04/10/2013	Western Reserve Academy	Wasmer Field	7:30 p.m.
04/13/2013	North Allegheny, PA	Wasmer Field	1:00 p.m.
04/17/2013	@ North Canton Hoover	Hoover HS	7:30 p.m.
04/20/2013	@ Solon	Solon HS	1:00 p.m.
04/23/2013	@ Hudson	Hudson HS	7:00 p.m.
04/25/2013	@ Shaker Heights	Shaker Heights HS	7:00 p.m.
04/27/2013	@ St. John’s Jesuit	St. John’s HS	1:00 p.m.
05/01/2013	@ Jackson	Jackson HS	7:00 p.m.
05/04/2013	St. Charles Prep	Wasmer Field	1:00 p.m.
05/08/2013	Westlake High School	Wasmer Field	5:30 p.m.
05/15/2013	Medina High School	Wasmer Field	7:30 p.m.
05/18/2013	St. Edward’s High School	Wasmer Field	7:00 p.m.
05/23/2013	OHSLA Playoffs – Play-in Game
05/25/2013	OHSLA First Round of Playoffs
05/29/2013	OHSLA Second Round of Playoffs
06/01/2013	OHSLA Regional Finals
06/05/2013	OHSLA Semi-Finals
06/08/2013	OHSLA State Championship