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In One Ear, Out the Other: A Second Semester Senior

70 school days until graduation

Well, a day in the life of a second semester senior is unpleasant. Regardless of how awesome your classes are, the knowledge that you’re caged up and cannot taste the freedom known as college for a few more months makes the second semester rough to say the least. This emotion can best be described by detective Terry Hoitz in The Other Guys when he said, “I’m a peacock, you’ve got to let me fly!” That’s spot on for what the seniors are right now: caged peacocks yearning to unleash themselves into the adult young adult world. That being said, some excitement in our lives really makes our final days more bearable. To be exact, these past two days at St. Ignatius have offered the drama that could only be conjured up in the mind of ABC Family writers and MTV tweens. First, we were hit with a mysterious black out that imprisoned the fine Mr. Hodermarsky in a cell we call the elevator. That’s some meat to the story of my life! This not only lit up the inter-webs of Insta-Twit-Book, but it also gave seniors a signature memory to brag to people about (although when present seniors recall this occasion in years to come it will most certainly be over exaggerated. “Haunting voices came and I swear the lights were out for hours!”)

SIGNING DAY PROFILES: Mike LaManna

Mike LaManna
6’2″ 185 Pound Saint Ignatius Quarterback
Ashland University

He had been learning offensive coordinator Nick Restifo’s system right when he started slinging it for Saint Ignatius. When his coaches describe who Mike LaManna is, one of the descriptions they also use is that Mike is a “strong learner.” LaManna, who was a first year varsity starter, had learned so much, but was finally ready to prove that he had what it took for Saint Ignatius. LaManna led the Wildcats to an 11-2 2012 season, as Saint Ignatius reached the Region 1 Final in Division 1. LaManna was an Honorable Mention on the AP All-District team, as the Southpaw Slinger came up big for the Wildcats in 2012, especially in moments when he truly had to dig deep. LaManna really stepped up for the Wildcats in their Week 9 affair in Cincinnati against Saint Xavier. LaManna led Saint Ignatius back with 26 unanswered points, as he fought through the mental adversity to lead the Wildcat offense. LaManna finished the season with an effort that nobody can hang their head on. He put up 340 yards in the air as went 26-of 40 and threw five touchdowns. Although the Wildcats fell short of Mentor, 57-56, many who had any doubts of LaManna that night could all be silenced. LaManna calls Ashland “a great fit” a she is extremely interested in their new College of Business and Economics. Head coach Lee Owens will be in his tenth season at the helm for the Eagles next fall. Quarterbacks coach Tom Stacy look to continue to further Mike’s skills. Ashalnd finished 11-1 in 2012 as they went 10-0 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. They fell short in the Region 4 (Division II) Semifnals.

SIGNING DAY PROFILES: Matt Gawlik

Matt Gawlik
6’3″235 Pound Saint Ignatius Defensive End
Gannon University

An AP All-District football team honorable mention, Matt Gawlik stepped up for Saint Ignatius as a first year varsity starter. Quick off the ball, Matt worked throughout the 2012 offseason to get bigger and bigger to be ready to step up for the Wildcats in the fall. Gawlik came up big for Coach Chuck Kyle and the Wildcats. Always wearing a smile on his face, Matt made key play after key play for the Wildcats and maintained his health throughout the season. He fell in love with Gannon, as the school reminded him of a place that he loves in Saint Ignatius High School. Matt has always been a class act, and looks to continue his football career and days with a Catholic education at Gannon next fall. Head coach and defensive coordinator Brad Rzyczycki took over on May 3, 2012 at Gannon. He had previously served on the staff as the defensive coordinator, as the Golden Knights ranked first in red zone defense in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and they were in the top half in numerous categories as far as figures go in the conference. Coach Rzyczyzki also has his Ohio roots, as his hometown is Twinsburg Ohio. Gawlik is on his way to Pennsylvania show off his speed and quickness of the edge right from the get-go.

What should the phone policy look like? Tell us.

Updated 2/9/13 at 9:22 PM

Attention juniors, sophomores, and freshmen: Filling out this survey could help you and your classmates get greater access to technology on campus. Seniors, as students who have witnessed unprecedented growth of technology on campus over the past four years, we want your input, too.

As Saint Ignatius prepares for the 2013-2014 school year, the administration has decided to give students the chance to voice their opinions on a wide variety of issues relating to BYOT, especially the possibility of a restructured policy towards cellphones and portable digital technology. While there are no guarantees, any policy changes will make room for input on behalf of the student body. So what do you think should change? Follow this link to fill out the survey. 

After you fill out the form, use the comments thread below to share your views right away.

Here are some of the survey responses we have received so far….

Policy Core
What rules are most important? What should and shouldn’t be allowed? Where should you be allowed to use your phones and other devices?

  • “The main restriction should be a choice for that teacher to decide whether or not the student is or is not allowed to use technology. The other main point of restriction is use in the chapel where there should be attention to God not twitter.”
  • “free periods you should be allowed. You sould not be allowed to use them in class, and this should be more enforced. You should not have to register your phone and you should be allowed to play games and listen to music durring free periods as long as it does not desturb the surrounding students (use ear phones).”
  • “No gaming only devices allowed (PSP DS). Tablets, Smartphones, Laptops, and net books are OK.  No cellphones in classroom without teacher approval.”
  • “I believe that following the handbook, there should be a ban on cell phone usage within the classroom. If given such power, greater attention is drawn from the core reason we attend school, and is given to our technology. However, i think that what a student chooses to do outside the classroom should be his responsibility, it’s not harming anyone if he uses his cell phone but if he chooses not to use his free periods or any free time wisely, he’s teaching himself bad habits for his future, therefore harming none but himself.”
  • “I use my phone a lot to check my NetClassroom after I am anxious to know my score on a test, or even to check my email when Mrs. Pavlik sends out the daily announcements. I mean lets think a little. What is the point of sending out an e-mail for daily announcements if I can’t see it until I actually get to a computer? Even by then it will be too late. Also, some teachers don’t mind cell phone use in class for school-related purposes, unless stated otherwise. It is difficult to have to keep remembering which teachers care and which don’t. Also, if my schedule changes throughout the day, I sometimes find it hard just to contact my parents and tell them about these changes. To answer the questions, I think recreational games/notifying parents/checking grades or assignments are all fine. I think during homeroom and free periods are times when you can use your phone.”
  • “Phones have no place in the classroom. In the mall or in Rade, who cares how people choose to spend their time?”

Off Limits Zones
Should there be locations on campus where no persons (student or adult) should use any electronic device at any time of the day? If so, what locations do you suggest? How should this be enforced?

  • “I think the chapel is the most important place to keep off limits. Other than that, classes where classes are going on. And obviously no talking on the phone in the library.”
  • “No. Electronic devices should be allowed anywhere on camps “
  • “No texting while being taught. Have phone banks like Wimbo where we can put our phones in at the begining of class and take them out at the end.”
  • “No student use of personal technologies any where on campus during school! WE NEED TO BE STRICTER ON SCHOOL POLICIES. WE HAVE TURNED IGNATIUS INTO A BUNCH OF SLACKING, DISORDERED, AND SLOPPY PEOPLE. WE NEED ORDER!”
  • “No, let people use the devices they purchased themselves.”

Gray Areas
Is it ok to use your phone, laptop, or tablet for games, personal messages, Twitter, or Facebook during school hours? Do you use social networking for academic purposes? Should any of this be regulated?

  • “I honestly think it is ok for people to use electronic devices for personal messages, games, and social media sites. What’s the harm in doing so? I do not see any. I also do use social networking for academic purposes more than you might think. I do think it should be regulated because students may post inappropriate material that may hurt the integrity of this school.”
  • “Yes, it is perfectly okay, it should even be encouraged to play games or do leisure activities on your devices during school. All of us students are high schoolers, we don’t want to learn for 7 straight hours, even with free periods and lunch, we like to relax and have a little fun. For English last year, Mr. Strauss had us set up a twitter account for a project and it was really fun and interactive. I, as well as the whole class, I’m sure, thoroughly enjoyed it. “
  • “This should be allowed because it would force students into real life situations like time management skills used in everyday like those in college. These can be challenges that a college studen can face so I feel that St. Ignatius could best prepare us for them if the students were allowed.”
  • “I don’t know if it is truly necessary to to send personal messages, tweets, or be on Facebook during the day. If there can be a true academic purpose tied into the social media sites then perhaps that is something to look in to, but personal messaging on any domain should be regulated.”

Etiquette
What rules of “phone etiquette” should students be expected to follow on campus?

  • “Don’t text or take pictures of teachers. Always keep phone on silent when in class. Don’t do anything on your phone at school that you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see.”
  • “As far as etiquette goes, I don’t think a phone should be visible when speaking with an adult on campus, whether it be a teacher, administrator, faculty member, or guest/alumnus. It’s just plain rude and inconsiderate. Sneaking a look at your phone while class is in session is a bit rude as well, to fellow classmates and the teacher. Otherwise, I think technology should be freely used on campus.”
  • “Use phones moderately and not all the time. Don’t use all of your free period on Twitter when work could get done. In the lunchroom don’t keep your eyes on your phone the whole period when with others; rather, engage in conversation or do work.”
  • “No pictures of students or even teachers on social networks without the consent of the person/people in the picture.”
  • “Don’t be playing a game when the teacher is talking. Don’t make it phone centered place, stil communicate with others.”
  • “None whatsoever, except applicable legal statutes.”

SIGNING DAY PROFILES: Mike Cray

Mike Cray
6’1″ 260 Pound Saint Ignatius Offensive Lineman and Captain
Walsh University

Recognized as the Most Valuable Offensive Lineman in 2012, Mike Cray looks to continue his football career in North Canton. Cray, who was on the 2011 sate champion Wildcats and contributed in many ways at guard, was selected as a 2012 Captain for Saint Ignatius and was one of the key leaders for another strong Wildcat football team that reached the Regional Final. When talking with his offensive line coach, Adam Rini, the first thing he says about Mike is “Consistency.” Cray has always been stout for defensive fronts to get by as he knows and often reviews the fundamentals of the game and waches much film. Cray made the All-District first team and was selected to the AP All-Ohio third team. Mike, who loves the Pre-Dental and Sciences Wing at Walsh University, plans to take his leadership that he learned on Wasmer Field to the Cavaliers. Just recently, on December 21st, 2012, Ted Karras (48-23 at Marian University) was named the head football coach at Walsh University. Long time coach Jim Dennison has retired, so the Cavaliers will have a new coach for the first time in 18 seasons.  Mike will play his home games at a familiar place, the one and only Fawcett Stadium.

Power outage shakes up end of day

Students make their way through the darkness to pack up after 9th period.

February 4th started out as a normal Monday.  Perhaps a bit more sluggish because of the Superbowl, yet still more or run of the mill until the power suddenly went near the end of 8th period.   The power outage affected homes and businesses from W. 30th all the way down to W. 99th  Street, a distance of 3.5 miles.  The cause of the outage is unknown.

Some 9th period classes were able to push forward, but others scrapped their lessons for the day.  Among those affected was Mr. Hogan’s class in the basement of the chapel. Their classroom–with no windows to let in natural light–was pitch-black, and class was clearly unable to resume.  As a result Mr. Hogan was forced to release his 9th period class early.

Other teachers were able to proceed.   Mr. Howard–whose famous whiteboard notes need no power–and Mr. Fujimoto both carried on, although both teachers had scuttle planned videos.  “We have enough hot air in us to last one class,” Mr. Fujimoto said. “If [the power were out] a whole day, that would be a different story.”

The lack of power created other problems, as well.   The lack of working elevators forced  Ignatians on crutches to use the stairs to navigate campus, causing one student to trip while doing so.  English teacher Mr. Hodermarsky was stuck in the old main building elevator for 25 minutes in total darkness.

Forgetting his cell phone, Mr. Hodermarsky had no light to see or the ability to dial for help, but he eventually found the emergency call button and waited for Director of Plant Services Mr. Peter Hendler to rescue him.  Despite being in this nerve-wracking situation, he stayed calm.    “I teach [Edgar Allen] Poe, so I’m very accustomed to reading about these claustrophobic environments. I’d ironically just got done reading the ‘Cask of Amontillado,’ where–as you know–the character, Fortunado, is walled in at the end of the story,” Hodermarsky said. “Poe got me through it.”

 

Hear Mr. Hodermarsky’s interview with Eye moderator Mr. Pecot below

Saint Ignatius Remains #3 in Plain Dealer Top 25, #8 in State

With a re-match against St. Edward at the Eagle’s Nest on Friday approaching, the Wildcats stayed at #3 in the Plain Dealer Top 25. The seven-county poll had some movement in the Top 5, as Villa Angela-Saint Joseph increased their ranking to #4 in the poll and Shaker Heights went back to #5. The top three remained the same though, as Mentor topped the poll with St. Edward at #2. Both near the top, the Wildcats and Eagles tip off in Lakewood at 7:30 pm with JV action at 6 pm on Friday. The Varsity Wildcats clipped the Eagles their firt time out, 58-56.

Tickets go on sale to students for the rivalry match-up on Tuesday morning at 7:30 am. The tickets are on sale for $7 and can be purchased in the Saint Ignatius Senior Lounge.

 

Here is what the poll looks like. High school hoops season continues heating up, as the Wildcats will surely come refreshed after having the weekend off due to inclement weather on Friday and Saturday.

Top 10 in PD Poll

1. Mentor (14-3)

2. St. Edward (15-4)

3. Saint Ignatius (12-3)

4. Villa Angela-St. Joseph (13-2)

5. Shaker Heights (11-5)

6. Garfield Heights (12-3)

7. St. Vincent-St. Mary (9-7)

8. Cleveland Heights (12-3)

9. Central Catholic (10-5)

10. Richmond Heights (13-2)

Saint Ignatius stands at #8 in this week’s Associated Press State Poll. Mentor remained 6th.

Blackout on Campus

Power knocked out at Saint Ignatius

Monday was going pretty normally as the last hour of the day had arrived, and then at 2:05 ET, the power was knocked out at Saint Ignatius High School. All of campus has been knocked off as school administrators are exploring what has gone wrong right now.

More is coming, but right now the only info we know is that the power is out at West 30th and Lorain, so 9th period will go on without lights.

UPDATE: Power was restored as of 3:39 PM.

SIGNING DAY PROFILES: Dave Katusha

Dave Katusha
6’2″ 265 pound Saint Ignatius Defensive Lineman
Air Force Academy

A man who came on the scene as a first-year varsity starter in 2012, Dave Katusha quickly became one of the most powerful nose tackles to handle in all of the country. As an absolute wrecking ball, Dave was a force that each offensive line had to prepare for greatly. He took up two to even three offensive lineman, as he plunged the middle of the field up all season, along with his fellow defensive lineman Kevin Kavalec and Dave Katusha.  Katusha was relentless all year long, and although he wasn’t heard of a ton in the Wildcat defense, he made the impact and was a huge reason for tacklers to step up because of the amount of space he took up in the middle.  Katusha was named an AP All-District second teamer as well. He loved the Air Force Academy at first sight. The Falcons come off a 6-7 season, as Dave will be playing for Troy Calhoun, who has been at Air Force for six seasons.  Calhoun was the 2007 Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year. Katusha will be under defensive line coach Ron Burton (10 seasons). On the Air Force website, Air Force states that “Burton has developed some of the school’s best defensive linemen.”

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