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Rain, rain, go away

By JACK SLEMENDA ‘21

The Hydro cats are currently cooking up an exciting, new project under the tutelage of Mr. Emancipator. They are cultivating what is called the “Rain Barrel Workshop,” in which they intend to sell their rain barrels to various St. Ignatius families. A rain barrel is a large jug that one would attach to his or her gutter system, accumulating the water in the rain barrel as opposed to letting excess water fall onto the ground. A rain barrel is an attractive option; for acquiring rain water for free allows you to save your water bill. The water collected in the barrel is multi-functioned, as it can be used to water a garden, wash your car, etc. However, one must remember that it should not be used for drinking.

Installing a rain barrel is beneficial for the environment. as it reduces the amount of flooding. Four inches of water is enough to overflow our sewer system, so, by using a rain barrel, we can prevent contaminated water from reaching our sewers. If this water reaches our sewers, the possibility exists that it can flow into Lake Erie, thus harming our ecosystem even further. The Hydro Cats hope to install painted rain barrels on the gutter systems of the Main Building, the Jesuit House, and the Arrupe House. In order to get involved with this project, please attend the Rain Barrel Workshop during the springtime. The date is to be announced in the near future by Mr. Emancipator.

Ignatius Hoops set for season with new set of core players

On Saturday Dec 2, Ignatius hoops will take the floor and begin their 2017-18 campaign. Coach Brian Becker ‘77, in his third season since his return as head coach, will lead the Wildcats in their season opener against John Hay at Cleveland Heights in the Great Lakes Classic. Heights will be hosting a slate of games throughout the weekend between top ranked teams including Garfield Heights, Beachwood, Cornerstone Christian, Cleveland Central Catholic, and Kenston all which Ignatius will face later on in the season. Tip-off is set for 2:30 on Saturday.

The court will look significantly different this year for the Wildcats who graduated all five starters last year and included two extremely vital big men Austin Yarian and Matt Davet. Two sets of big shoes to fill in for this years post players. Hubbard and Kevin Davet, younger brother of Matt, are two juniors that you will see in the post this year along with returning senior Dom Dinunzio. Both Hubbard and Davet joined the roster for the playoffs last season to gain experience.

This season will bring a higher level of athleticism compared to past few seasons. Rather than working through big men with Davet and Yarian last season, the Wildcats will work through a speedier and smaller roster. Along with this athleticism comes the ability to incorporate a full court press and push a faster pace press-break.

Senior forwards Josh Ozanne and Jon Barnes, along with senior point guard Neeko Melendez, are all returning players who have stood out in pre-season scrimmages against Medina and Brunswick. Senior Luke Wiskes, who is coming back from an offseason ankle injury, finally started to look more like himself in the team’s last scrimmage. To add to the already stable senior leadership, forwards Dominc Dinuzio and Aymin Bahur also return to the roster.

The addition of sophomore guards Chase Toppin and Tevin Jackson will help the Wildcat’s with their up tempo pace of play. Both Topin and Jackson joined the varsity roster last season as freshman for the playoffs and both proved them themselves on the floor.

Junior guard Lukas Bielek, who has shown his ability from long range, and junior forward Lores Valenzuela round out the speedy Saint Ignatius roster.

A challenging regular season schedule will put the pressure on the Wildcats right off the bat. Following their season opener against John Hay this Saturday, they will have back to back games against division IV powerhouses Lutheran East and Cornerstone Christian Academy, both which will be at Sullivan gym. Lutheran East won the state title for division IV last season and is now division III. The Wildcats will then face division I powerhouses Cleveland Heights and Solon. Annual New Year’s Eve game with Saint Vincent Saint Mary will be held in Akron this year with the Wildcat’s first matchup with rivals St. Eds being January 20th at Sullivan Gym.

The Wildcats will take the floor against John Hay at 2:30 on December 2 at Cleveland Heights High school. Follow along on twitter @sihssports and watch game coverage from SIBN.

Pre Season CYO Power Rankings

By CHRIS LARSEN ‘18

The CYO season is alive and well. Tune in to see where your favorite team ranks.

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10St. Bridget (Arroyo)

This season, the Chargers will live and die by the three ball. However, they mostly live and very rarely die. With sharpshooters Billy Arroyo, Vinnie Riley, Will Shepard, Luke Ols, Dominic Stavole, and Bryce Lane, this team can, and will, shoot the absolute lights out of the gym at any given moment. Backed up by glass-cleaners Shaarav Ghose, Thomas Scheu, Nick Marsick, and Josh Ramirez (6’4”), this team has all the qualities of a winning program.

With a stellar season last year, an 8-0 season ended by a shocking upset in the city tournament at the hands of Saint Ignatius by a single point, this team has definitely proven their worth. Billy Arroyo was quoted saying that the Chargers are a “much better team than last year. Teams will underrate us, but we will shoot the lights out on them. We should be top 3 easy. Doubt us if you want.” Some bold statements by Billy, but the Bridget Boys have the capability them up.

9St. Angela (Cannon)

This team of all juniors has a great balance of size and skill. They possess a strong backcourt in Jack Cannon, Owen Murphy, and Ethan Biacsi as well as a set of quality guards in Owen Adler, Aidan Rechin, Jeremy Sassano, Parker Reiss, George Zkiab, Aidan Walsh, and Tim Cannon. This squad comes from a winning pedigree together, as they were undefeated both their freshman and sophomore years and were city runners-up last season.

When asked for an interview, the boys simply said: “Don’t Sleep on Us.” Well folks, if I were in your shoes, I would take their advice. Don’t sleep on the Bruins this year, or face the consequences.

8St.Rita (Heathcote)

The St. Rita Falcons are led by a very solid core, consisting of George “Beef” Heathcote, Charlie “Cha Bovs” Bova, and the absolutely legendary Alex “BigAL” Misencik (thanks for all your help in AP Physics Al). This team is locked and loaded for their last season on the big stage. With “an endless supply” of Walsh Jesuit and Solon sharpshooters, expect to hear plenty of “Cha’s” after yet another deep three right in the defender’s eye.

Coming off a defeat in the City Semifinal last year, this team has been itching to get back on the court and finish out their career on top. According to Heathcote and Bova, the Falcons are the “best team on the east side by far”, and “will accept nothing less than city champs.” They are “willing to body any west side team if they have the guts to come to our side of town.”

7St. Charles Borromeo (Ciupa)

The “Parma Wildcats” are a team that can get hot very quickly. Led by CYO MVP candidate and former Ignatius basketball player John Tenerowicz, St. Charles has the potential to wreak serious havoc on the CYO trail this winter. Even with the offensive output of Tenerowicz, the ‘Cats will steal lean heavily on fellow Ignatius basketball player Nick Tenaglia, “The Shiftiest PG in CYO”, and Max “moooooooooook” Mook.

Tenaglia offered an excellent analysis in an Exclusive Eye interview: “We have the most dominant scorer in John Tenerowicz, who last year dropped 42 in a game. We have the shiftiest point guard in all of CYO, who cannot be guarded. We have the best rebounder in the game in Will Ciupa, and the deadliest shooter in the game in Nathan Callihan, who has mastered the art of the jumpshot, and, yeah, I guess we got Mook, too.” Once this team gets going, it truly is poetry in motion. Be on the lookout for buckets if you have this team on your schedule.

6St. Brendan (FitzGerald)

The Patriots are another team on this list that is extremely dangerous once they ease into the game. With athleticism across the board in Logan Joyce, Mike Fitzgerald, Bill “Y’all mind if I praise God?” Beegan, Max “Smooth” Bryden, Connor “Money talks” Yant, and Patrick “Bo Bippity” Campbell. This is a solid squad that should bring some noise this season.

Taking inspiration from political theorist Karl Marx, their team motto this year is “Workers of the world unite; you have nothing to lose but your chains.” Coach Fitz has also been working tirelessly on their new secret plays: Pound Cake 56 and Iso Dekes. Watch out for the Brennie Boyz this year!!

5St. Mary of the Falls (Rohr)

The three-headed monster, consisting of Alex Rohr, Andrew “Shout Out” Clark, and Ryan Mark, are together again for one last shot at a title. One of the most fundamentally-sound in the entire state, this team has a chemistry that is rarely seen at this level. Clark is an unstoppable force, as he can step out to shoot a three or body smaller guards down in the low post.

With 90% of the team having a soccer background, this team is equipped to play at a high pace at any given moment. Ending the season with a disappointing loss in the city finals, this squad is determined to complete their senior season with a second CYO city championship. Expect big things from the ‘Bolts this year.

4St. Ignatius (Hartman)

This team is a sleeper that should not be overlooked. The Wildcats currently have one D1 commit and have four others who are actively being pursued. The athleticism is present through the likes of Jett Elad, Jack Allington, Matt Geraci, and Michael Holdsworth, a Nebraska Baseball Commit. They also boast a good amount of size, as Sean Wracher, Conor Hartman, Leo Eyink, Grant Abbott, and Seamus Cooney make up a loaded backcourt.

This team definitely has the ability to “stomp through the mud” and compete for a championship during the postseason. They are said to have the most clout in CYO, and are not afraid to bring it to the table this season.

3St. Ignatius (McMahan)

The “Pretty Boyz”, the reigning St. Pat’s and St. Ann’s tourney champs, will be a dangerous team this season. They have the size in Aidan Wells (6’5), Zach McMahan (6’1), and Caden Campolieti (6’1), and the athleticism in starting varsity running back Jahadge Floyd. Fellow football players Mike Sarko and Chris Velotta are solid two-way options as well. However, the biggest pickup the Boyz made in the off-season was gaining former Ignatius basketball player Patrick Russell. A fantastic player at the JV stage, Pat will bring a level of skill to this team that will make them extremely difficult to bring down.

They have the confidence of a perennial winner too, with McMahan saying, “We are the best team in CYO. No one can beat us, including Corte’s team.” Calling out the 2017-2018 favorite? Now that’s bold. There’s gotta be something to this team to call out a proven winner, and I think we will see it on display this season.

2St. Chris (Hunt)

Another team with a great pedigree and chemistry, the Knights come in at number 2 this season. Even though they lose Larsen to the Trinity College lacrosse program, the Knights still managed to win free agency by swinging marquee pickups, such as Wilson Young, Ryan McLain, and Liam Fallon, in the off-season. McLain and Young, who were former Ignatius basketball players, were some of the most sought-after free agents over the summer. By securing these players, the Knights add to their already dangerous backcourt.

Fellow former Ignatius basketball players Matt Hunt, Young Pham, Justin Adler, and Nathaniel Goodman all can shoot the 3 ball, making them a matchup nightmare for any CYO defense. The pickup of the not-so gentle giant Cullen Viancourt and “Clamps God” Liam Fallon, a solid stretch 4, will add some height to the inside to replace Larsen, and will make this team balanced and dangerous. With 7/9 of the players being D1 commits*, a deep run in the playoffs would come as no surprise.

1St. Ignatius (Corte)

One of the best teams in the state last year as all juniors, it comes as no surprise that this group of seasoned seniors comes in at #1 this year. Other than their defeat in the state tournament, they only have one recorded regular season or non-state tournament loss in 2 years. Filled to the brim with former varsity athletes in Luke Mooney, Sam Snyder, Jack Jamieson, Billy Corte, Dan Alexander, Tom Grosel Connor Kennedy, Evan Massouh, Can Toppings (not a typo),and Kyle Hall, this team is big, fast, physical, and can shoot the absolute lights out of the gym. Reigning CYO MVP Tom Grosel looks to repeat his dominant junior campaign, as he is considered to be among the most dominant guards in the state.

Luke Mooney ‘18 sums it up perfectly in an exclusive interview: “The Wildcats were the only all Junior team to make the State Championship tournament in the 2016-2017 season. The only thing that we intend to correct from last year is the one loss we had. That will not happen again. We intend to have a perfect senior season. We lack in nothing, from size to speed and everything in between with two bruisers in the paint above 300 and guards with sub 4.6 40 yard dash times. Most teams in sports have their fair share of strengths and weaknesses… we only have strengths. We’re here to take it over.”

There you have it folks. As of right now, it’s the Wildcats city championship to lose.

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BEST OF THE REST
St. Chris (Snyder)
Gesu
St. Mark
St. Mary Mentor
St. Raphael
St. Angela Merici

CYO MVP RACE

  1. Tom Grosel
  2. John Tenerowicz
  3. Matt Hunt
  4. Patrick Russell
  5. Andrew Clark

Top-ranked Football Cats’ season ended early in pursuit of 12th state championship

Jahadge “Bo” Floyd ‘19 runs the ball against St. Xavier. Photo Credit: Al Fuchs ‘79 and the Saint Ignatius Communications Department

BY PATRICK FRANCIS ‘19

What a season for the football team this year! Yes, it is sad how the season unfortunately ended earlier than the Football Cats expected, losing to the Mentor Cardinals in the Regional Final game. Besides that, though, there is so much the Saint Ignatius football team, as well as the students who supported the team, should be thankful for. This season was full of hard work, determination, victories, and memories that will last a lifetime.

The Wildcats had a heartbreaking game against Mentor, a tough team with very talented players, on November 17 at Bedford Bearcat Stadium. The game was close, with a final score of 23-21, as Mentor took the lead in the fourth quarter. Throughout the game, the Wildcats did an exceptional job, making the game a great one to watch. Sadly, this game was the last one of the season for the Wildcats. But looking back over the year, there were so many great examples of how the Saint Ignatius football team led by example, showing students the value of hard work, determination, and not giving up.

Starting official practices in early August (not including off-season training and lifting), the football team put in hours upon hours of hard work to become the powerhouse team that they were this season. With intense practices everyday, film on the weekends, and constant improvement on and off the field, the football team was really one of the most prepared teams in Northeast Ohio, mentally and physically.

Looking at the stats of the football team’s past season, this season was the 28th time the Saint Ignatius High School football team has been in the OHSAA Division I football playoffs. The record for the team this year was 11 wins and 2 losses, one to Moeller and one to Mentor this past weekend.

The Wildcats had some awesome and memorable games, including defeating long-time rival St. Edward in the last game of the regular season at the Eagles’ home field. The Wildcats’ football team also defeated the state champions from last year, St. Xavier, in a intense game at Byers Field, 28-14. These, as well as many other games, showed how the Saint Ignatius football team’s hardwork and determination really did pay off.

The Football Cats also had great collection of seniors who led the team, showing leadership and how to work hard. Senior kicker Matthew Trickett had an exceptional season, scoring many points that changed many games this season. Senior Darian Kinnard also had a great season, receiving an invitation to play in the US Army All-American Bowl. Sam Snyder, a senior wide receiver, also had a great season that had a major contribution to the football team’s great success. All of the great seniors on the team led as a great example to the other players in lower grades, performing well on and off the field all season.

Looking into 2018, the Wildcats will have some unfinished business. Current sophomore running back Jack Welsh had an exceptional season on varsity, totalling 85 yards in the Mentor game. Junior running back Jahadge Floyd also will help lead the team next year on the offensive side.

Though the season ended not as planned, the Saint Ignatius Football Team had an exceptional year, defeating many tough teams as well as growing closer as brothers through the four months on and off the field during the season. Thank you to all the hardwork put in by the coaches, players, parents, and students who all had a major role in why the Saint Ignatius High School football team is what it is today.

Matt Trickett’s outstanding senior season

Trickett kicking off against Euclid High School. Photo Credit: Al Fuchs ‘79 and the Saint Ignatius Communications Department

BY BRAD ANDERSON ‘18

The top scorer in this year’s Wildcat football season wasn’t a WR, RB, or QB. It was the kicker. Senior Matt Trickett had a breakout year that could put him down as one of the best kickers to ever come through Saint Ignatius. Starting out his high school career, he wasn’t known for being a kicker, he had to prove himself.

“Coach just asked who can kick, I raised my hand and the rest was history,” Trickett said.

That cannon of a leg wasn’t always there. Trickett grew up playing two sports every fall – soccer and football. Trickett was a standout performer as a sophomore, becoming the only player to make it to the varsity soccer team. For the next two years, Trickett went back and forth from practices, all while improving his foot’s power and accuracy.

At the beginning of senior year, however, Matt Trickett made a tough decision to only play football his senior year. By this time, he was already having success coming off a successful junior year. In the summer leading into his senior year, Trickett wanted to prove to everyone he was one of the most elite kickers in the country. He went to training camp after training camp and continued nearly everyday to work on his craft. He attended the Kohl’s professional camps, in which he earned himself the ranking of No. 43 kicker in the nation.

”I contribute a lot of my recent success to the people that I have been training with all summer and during the offseason,” said Trickett. “If you want to be the best, you have to train with the best and that is what I spent my summer doing. This season is so special to me because it will be my last in high school. Knowing all the guys around me the past 4 years, and the defeat and loss of our seniors, they led us and inspired us on and off the field to work hard and be better.”

However skilled Trickett may be, many people believe the best thing he is doing on the field is help fighting cancer. Every time Matt Trickett scored in a game, he helped to fight pediatric cancer. Fans made donations and for every point Trickett scored, their donation increases.

“I know some kids with cancer, and it’s really sad to see,” Trickett told WKYC in an interview.

“To be on the field and to be the voice for them, and to give them something to cherish, that’s extremely motivating.”

A season spent raising money to beat cancer could only be complimented with a school record 59-yard field goal.

“For the most part, it was like any other kick,” Trickett said. “We have been practicing long field goals in practice so we knew what we had to do. I knew I had to get off a good kick but I wasn’t worried about that. Everyone individually did their job and I got a great hit off and with a breeze at my back and a great hit like that. I knew it was going in. It took awhile for it to set in, though.

“At first, all I wanted to do was just stare at the ball in amazement but once everyone started cheering I was getting mobbed with hugs, high fives, and congratulations. Other than all that happiness, it was just like any other kick.”

That kick earned Matt national recognition. He was put up for the Kohl’s Kicker of the Week and the Ignatius Student Athlete of the Week. During that same game, Trickett averaged 47 yards on his punts.

“My initial reaction to winning Kohls kicker of the week was definitely very proud. I was proud that I was able to accomplish this success and also proud of all the people around me, supporting me and voting for me because they believe in me,” he said. “Everyone pitched in and voted for me and congratulated me on this accomplishment. That is definitely what made is so special.”

Matt Trickett finished his career with a loss against the Mentor Cardinals. He leaves behind two state championships, a school record, and thousands of dollars raised for pediatric cancer research.

“I want to thank the G-Unit past and present, Sean Wracher, Nick Szubski, and all the people who came out to train and compete with me during the summer,” Trickett said. “Having competitive people around to push you to go beyond your limits is key.”

His senior performance without a doubt has put him in the conversation as one of the best kickers in Saint Ignatius history.

Young Soccer Cats make it to State final four

BY BRAD ANDERSON ‘18

When first tossing on their warm ups for this years upcoming season, the Saint Ignatius Soccer team wore a crest topped with eight stars. Those eights stars, representing each of the State Championships won in the last fifteen years, set a precedent in soccer around the state and the nation. Saint Ignatius expects excellence. The school expected no different from this set of men.

Composed of fourteen sophomores, six juniors, and three seniors, they were one of the youngest Ignatius teams in years. This led many to doubt their skills. More doubters started to appear when the Wildcats lost early in the season during Jesuit Cup to St. Xavier 4-2. This was the first loss in 61 games, the longest streak in the program’s history. The Cats came back with a 7-game unbeaten streak of their own. Their most impressive win of this streak came at the hands of Lake Catholic, winning 9-0. As the Wildcats’ season wore on, the team got stronger and more experienced. A few tough games such as the draw against University School and lost to Dublin Coffman 5-2 tested the team’s toughness.

The Cats finished the regular season 15-4-3, earning themselves the top spot in the Parma District bracket. The Cats saw good contributions from the entire squad, and a late season change to the starting formation made junior Bryce Horton the breakout striker of the season. His most special goal scored in double overtime against University School, sending the Soccer Cats into the state final four. Bryce added pace and strength that made him a headache for defenders.

Matthew McLaughlin and his ability to control the ball made him the man to beat on nearly every kick from spot. Corners, free kicks long and far, direct and indirect, Matt was the man for the job. His most impressive goal was a curled in corner into the top right without a touch from anyone else. Working with Matt in the middle, senior Kevin Shearer started to shine late in the season with his ability to win headers and body players off the ball. Nicknamed the “villain” for how much he irritated his opponents, he was a tough man to handle in the middle. Assistant coach Dan Crew described him as “the find of the season.” Shearer started off the season with small minutes then worked his way to a consistent starter.

The Wildcats held a strong defense all season, holding their opponents to 23 regular season goals and 4 playoff goals. The back was led by senior captain Alex Rohr, an anchor in the middle of the defense. With his long legs and high soccer IQ, he was the backbone of the Wildcat team. His abilities earned him a spot on the All-Ohio team. One of the best qualities of this young team was its depth. Impact substitutions like Henry Curtis, Theo Kudlo, Everett Shorey, and Daniel Kalic added sparks to the team when needed. Switches came often and gave Wildcats’ starters breathers.

The Wildcats started their playoff run in perfection, as Valley Forge fell to the Cats 11-0 in the second round. This surged the Cats forward through many other easy games, most notably a 2-0 win over the Lakewood Rangers on a cold night at the same time as the St. Edward football game. Eventually the Wildcats were met with a skilled University School team during the Regional Final and were really tested for the first time in the playoffs. The Wildcats held the majority of the possession but couldn’t break through the defense. Finally, Horton’s late heroics sent the Wildcats fans screaming. A goal off of a Matt McLaughlin’s cross made Horton the player of the game. Only the Medina Bees stood in the way of the Wildcats’ fifth consecutive state final. Unfortunately, the scoreboard didn’t reflect the hard-fought match as the wildcats season ended a game early losing to the Bees 2-0.

A team that many counted out early, the Cats fought and battled through diversity, injuries, and losses to be the part of the final four of the state. As most schools would be up in triumph for a top four finish, the Wildcats were disappointed with the lost. They held their chins high as the walked off the field one last time together that cold November night. With only three players not returning next year, head coach Mike McLaughlin ‘85 plans to take this young team higher and pursue that 9th star next year.

Saint Ignatius welcomes Bishop Nelson Perez, newly installed bishop of Cleveland

“There he stood in Sullivan Gym, at the altar with a huge, student-made icon banner draped behind him, surrounded by dignified, respectful Ignatius men in blue blazers.” (pictured above) Photo Credit: Mr. Al Fuchs ‘79 and Saint Ignatius Communications Department

By FERENC SOMOGYI ‘21

“Be close to the Eucharist. Celebrate the Eucharist. Go to Mass… and let the presence of God’s word and the presence of Christ and the Eucharist speak to your heart.”

This was Bishop Nelson Perez’s advice to all Catholics, especially Catholic high schoolers, imparted during an interview for The EYE on Wednesday, November 1, when Bishop Perez visited Saint Ignatius for breakfast, a school tour, and the Mass of the Solemnity of All Saints.

The new Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland visited Saint Ignatius as part of his effort to go around to all the Catholic schools in the area and to form connections with the people of Cleveland.

In addition to being close to the Eucharist, Bishop Perez encouraged Saint Ignatius students to stand strong by their values. In the future, Bishop Perez noted, today’s youth will be the future of the Church. Its development and destiny lie in their hands.

Bishop Perez’s profound messages began in the morning at eight o’clock during a breakfast with a small group of students representing Student Senate, C.A.T., and the Multicultural Student Union.

“It’s like a mini United Nations here!” Bishop Perez exclaimed as the students took turns telling him about themselves. Represented were nationalities ranging from Hungarian to Lebanese. Bishop Perez, in fact, is the son of Cuban immigrants.

“[Cuban culture] is a very Catholic culture. It has helped me appreciate diversity,” Bishop Perez said regarding his heritage. When asked about being Cleveland’s first diocesan Hispanic bishop, however, Bishop Perez said that “I’m a priest for all. I am no different, but because of my heritage I am able to serve a significant area of the Catholic Church.”

Bishop Perez later mentioned during his interview with The EYE that he plans to serve all of Cleveland’s Catholic nationalities “by being present to them and at the same time making sure that they can be who they are… to celebrate their faith through their culture, because… faith is enshrined in our culture.”

During the breakfast, Perez and the students also touched on important matters including today’s radical subjectivism, listening for God’s calling, and the reality that Pope Francis regularly uses the microwave, too.

“He’s not an it, he’s a human being,” the bishop said. Bishop Perez had the opportunity to live in Rome with Pope Francis for a week. Perez has also met Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II, who the bishop said literally emanated light.

After the breakfast, Father Guiao took Bishop Perez on a tour of Saint Ignatius. The bishop explored important parts of the campus like St. Mary’s Chapel and the Marian Mall but also dropped in on a few classes.

The most awing part of Bishop Perez’s visit was later in the day at the Mass of the Solemnity of All Saints, which the bishop himself celebrated. There he stood at the alter in Sullivan Gym with a huge, student made icon banner draped behind him, surrounded by dignified, respectful Ignatius men in blue blazers. It was a spectacular sight.

The Mass was inspiring in many ways, especially Bishop Perez’s homily. Together with the students, Perez explored what it means to be a saint and that one doesn’t have to be canonized by the Church to be holy.

“I always thought that saints were a different breed, but I came to understand their stories and learned that their hearts were enflamed with the love of Jesus. I learned that we are all called to be saints,” the bishop said.

Bishop Perez left the students of Saint Ignatius with this message: to be forefront in the Church and to be active, but to never forget to show gratitude to those who got them where they are.
“Live life fully and leave a mark. You must decide the future.”

After Mass, Bishop Perez departed Saint Ignatius to address the next part of his busy schedule. His visit was monumental and meaningful for our school, and we hope to invite him back as often as we can.

Record year for Diplocats at VAMUN

On November 17, forty-four St. Ignatius diplomats traveled to Charlottesville, Virginia to compete in the 37th Model United Nations Conference at the University of Virginia.  They competed with over 1000 students gathered from around the world in a weekend of intense debate and crisis simulation.  Set on a national stage during one of the most politically divisive times in our nation’s history and in a city which recently witnessed ugly nationalist demonstrations, our students explored ways to creatively and rigorously respond to the the problems of our world.   

This Model UN conference offered over 31 different simulation committees featuring various General Assembly’s responses to international refugee crises as well as other more specialized crisis committees and various historical scenarios. 

The Ignatius team performed very well with nine members receiving awards and recognition.

  • Senior Gabe Oliss for Best Delegate
  • Junior Patrick Condon for Outstanding Delegate
  • Senior Peter Nichols for Honorable Mention
  • Junior Dillion Gallagher for Honorable Mention
  • Junior Martin Hiti for Honorable Mention
  • Junior Greg Kondas for Honorable Mention
  • Sophomore Cerri Yormick for Honorable Mention
  • Sophomore Drew Polito for Verbal Recognition
  • Freshman Sanat Subhash for Verbal Recognition

All delegates shared an experience which helped to build their character and develop skills for making positive change in our world. The Diplocat’s next conference will be at Earlham College on January 26th where they look to continue the success they saw during VAMUN.

Teacher War: Arguments ensue over which department would win a fight

By CHRIS BISHOP ‘18

It was another great 8th period in Mr. Corrigan’s AP European History class. He was lecturing to his students about the 30 Years War. Although it was two weeks ago, I remember nothing because all I could think about was a war within Saint Ignatius. If each department were to have a battle to the death, who would win? I quickly posed my question to the class because I needed all the analysis I could get. Everyone, at once, shouted out great points: “Mr. Wolf is super fast!” “Mr. Cicetti played college football!” and my personal favorite, “Mr. Kobe could end everyone if he truly wanted to.”

After everyone got their initial thoughts out into the air, we settled down and started to discuss department by department, who would win in a bare bones street fight. Let us start with the Health & Physical Education Department. While Mr. Eynon has the strength of ten men, the entire department as a whole is simply outnumbered. With only six members, they would simply be overmatched by a larger department. I would like to note that they have the most strength man for man, and Mr. Gaughan could surprise a lot of people. However, it is not looking good for them.

Secondly, the Fine Arts Department. This also comes down to the number of people they have. They would simply be overmatched by a larger math or history department. Mr. Steward would probably take care of a few teaches, but he could only do so much. Mr. Jarc could modify his drone into a weapon no one would want to face. Mrs. Kyle has a kiln in her room. What scares me is the advanced warfare they bring to the table. However, there are too few of them to make a big impact.

Third, the Theology Department. Don’t let the title fool you, these teachers are not afraid to throw down. Mr. McLaughlin would surprise everyone with his athletic abilities. Personally, I would rather be thrown in a cage with a tiger than with Mr. Corrigan. In the off-season the theology acquired Mr. Fior from Campus Ministry. A huge pickup that cannot go unnoticed. Mr. Betz was also acquired at the deadline. The department has some great strengths, but we must looked the Injured Reserve List. Mr. Prokop is out with a foot injury, which is huge. Fr. Shelton also teaches in languages, so who knows where his loyalties would lie. The Theology Department has some bruisers, but they need to be 100% in order to achieve total victory.

Next up, the Languages Department. I am scared to death by the Latin teachers, they know so much Roman warfare that who knows what they have up their sleeves. They also have a ballista, which is very threatening. Sr. Torres can not be underestimated. The problem with languages is communication between them. Would Latin, Mandarin, Greek, Spanish, and French teachers be able to speak the same language? The sad thing is, I don’t believe so.

Placing bronze comes the Science Department. While they have all the tools necessary to succeed, I cannot see them pulling through in a street fight. I could picture Mr. Decarlo building some sort of laser to destroy the competition, and Mr. McGinness seems like the guy who knows a lot about alchemy, so do not drink anything he gives you. Mr. Wolf is an athlete unlike any other, however, the department is missing the x-factor necessary to get them the W.

I must reward the mathematics department with the runner-up trophy. You may be shocked by this, but they have athletes such as Mr. Gallaway, Mr. Rowell, and Mr. Crew. But, the big ticket here is Mr. Kobe. If he is able to get his hands on a bow and arrow, that is all she wrote for every other teacher. If this were an individual tournament, Mr. Kobe would easily win. Don’t let the equations fool you, it all adds up that the Math Department finishes second.

Taking home the cup is the History Department. This is undeniable; they are the Golden State Warriors of teacher fights. I cannot spot a weak link in this lineup. Mr. Cicetti played college football, Mr. Sullivan wins marathons, Mr. Hess’s jawline is so fine that Mike Tyson could punch him and break his own hand, Mr. Wimbiscus is, well Mr. Wimbiscus. Let us not forget Mr. Dan Corrigan is a Navy Seal. There is so much expertise that the history department is unmatched by any other department.

Each department has its highlights and lowlights, except for history. They are incredibly well rounded. While this would be extremely interesting to watch, I do not believe this will ever happen at Saint Ignatius.

This episode of PodCats poses the question to various faculty members who sound off on their predictions. 

Kyle and McLaughlin Fields dedicated and ready for use

Fr. Guiao blesses the field as a large crowd watches the dedication of the field. Photo Credit: Mr. Al Fuchs ‘79

By CHRIS BISHOP ‘18

The weather conditions were less than ideal for such a glorious, long-awaited event. Athletes from each sport poured into the tent, repping their jerseys for each respected team. They were closely followed by other faculty, donors, and the families of Mr. McLaughlin and Mr. Kyle. Everyone shared the common expression of jubilance. The wait was over; Kyle and McLaughlin Fields were now officially opened to the students of Saint Ignatius and the citizens of Cleveland.

Mr. Rory Fitzpatrick ‘88 kicked off the ceremony by describing how the process of turfing the fields has gone back over 30 years. That vision is finally completed in 2017. Over 250 yards of turf were installed, he stated, giving everyone a safe facility to practice on. Mr. Fitzpatrick also made the claim that these fields are not just to develop teams into state champions, but they are also for developing students into men for others. Mr. John Gill ‘97 followed on the podium and announced the importance of the fields not just for Ignatius students, but for the Arrupe programs and citizens of Ohio City who were already having pick-up soccer games on the field. Finally, Rev. Raymond P. Guiao, S.J. ‘82 read from Peter’s letter to the Corinthians, a fitting story about athletes giving grace to God. The fields were then blessed with holy water, as Fr. Guiao claimed that the water currently falling from heaven onto the field was the holiest.

Saint Ignatius Athletics now have a new home. Kyle and McLaughlin Fields provide students with glorious turf practice facilities. The fields will also help the neighborhood of Ohio City by being open to residents and hosting events, such as The Ohio City Games. These fields will aid in producing great athlete after great athlete, but, more importantly, they will help students in their journey to become a Man for Others.

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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