Eddie Dwyer's Corner

  Saint Ignatius versus St. Edward varsity basketball preview – story was posted on 1/13/10 at 1:56 a.m.

 ‘Cats travel to St. Edward to face the top-ranked Eagles

 Another capacity crowd is expected

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Jan. 2010

 Every respectable area gym rat, football fan, baseball bird dog, hockey enthusiast and wrestling guru has heard it before.

 You know. It’s the matchup that needs no introduction or no hype.

 Well, after following and reporting on the Saint Ignatius-St. Edward rivalry for three decades, I will say what I have always said – if these schools were testing each other’s skills in checkers or chess during a snow storm at Public Square, 500 fans from each school would show up.

 It’s the Eagles and the ‘Cats, my friends, this time the round-ball version of one of the country’s most intense and unique high school rivalries.

 I say unique because most, if not all, of the kids from each team have known each other since their early grade-school days or CYO and AAU youth-league competitions. And many of the adults involved grew up together, currently work in the same field and have fanned the flames for years.

 Forget the “Holy War’’ reference that the media seems to have fallen in love with. Not only is it offensive to some people, but this old West Side Irishman can assure you there have been many football, basketball and hockey games between the Eagles and the Wildcats in which the only time you heard the word holy, it was followed by a well-known, unacceptable-for-print word.

 So here we go again.

 Coach Eric Flannery’s St. Edward Eagles (7-3), the top-ranked team in The Plain Dealer’s seven-county coverage area, will host Coach Sean O’Toole ’87 and his fifth-ranked Wildcats (7-0) on Friday in front of what is expected to be another sold-out audience at the Eagles Nest. The varsity encounter will follow a 6 p.m. junior-varsity game and Jumpin’ Jacob Corrigan ’10 and the rest of the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club will provide live audio coverage. Go to www.sibn.weebly.com for more information on the broadcast.

 Last season, Flannery and O’Toole, who have known each other since they were kids, split their two encounters. Saint Ignatius won at Sullivan Gymnasium, 45-41, and seven games later the Eagles garnered the split by winning at home, 48-46.

 In his first season as head coach at his alma mater, O’Toole guided his Wildcats to an 18-5 record and a district-final appearance in 2008-09. It was business as usual for Coach Flannery last winter, as St. Edward advanced to the Sweet 16 and came within an unfriendly rim at the Wolstein Center of upsetting talent-laden Warren Harding.

 There are other ties that bind when it comes to the St. Edward-St. Ignatius basketball rivalry. Donnie O’Toole, Coach O’Toole’s younger brother, is an assistant coach for the Eagles. The O’Toole family lived within a short walking block to St. Edward.

 Yes, there are few secrets when it comes to the Wildcats-Eagles basketball matchups.

 “They have great balance offensively,’’ said Coach O’Toole of a St. Edward team that features big game-tested players such as 6-foot-10 junior post and Louisville recruit James Price; 6-2 junior guard/wing Delbert Love; 6-8 senior post/forward Matt Stainbrook; 6-0 sophomore guard Myles Hamilton; 5-7 senior point guard Ryan Angers; 5-11 junior guard Kyle Pisco and 6-2 senior forward Mike Corcoran.

 “Their inside game is outstanding with Price and Stainbrook,’’ O’Toole continued. “And I think the most underrated kid in the area is Delbert Love. He can score in a million ways and is kind of one of those silent assassins. You don’t see him, and the next thing you know he hits three 3s (3-pointers) in a row and they’re on a 9-0 run. Eric’s been playing him since his freshman year, so he’s been through the battles.

 “With Love, Hamilton, Pisco and Angers, they have very good guard play.’’

 Coach O’Toole emphasized that the big thing when playing the Eagles is how well-coached they are, that they will throw everything at you.

 “You’re going to see everything from full-court man-to-man to half-court zone, and they’re going to trap in many different fashions. So you just want to make sure you always have great court awareness, are recognizing what they are in and attack it accordingly.’’

 O’Toole, a coach who knows and loves defense, described St. Edward as an outstanding, man-to-man pressure defensive team and said that Angers does as good a job as anyone in the area at creating tempo at both ends of the floor.

 “You have to take good shots against this team,’’ O’Toole said. “And I think it’s the best offensive-rebounding team I’ve seen. We’re excited. It’s going to be a great challenge for us, definitely our toughest test to date.’’

 Accepting the numerous challenges the Eagles present will be Saint Ignatius’ veteran nucleus of 6-5 junior forward Shonn Miller, who is averaging 15 points a game, 6-3 senior post Vito Sosic, a relentless worker inside, 6-2 senior wing Kyle Wise and the senior guard tandem of Tyler Hammond and Tom Parker. Six-foot-6 senior post Rich Austin, junior guards Charles Farris and Ryan Ivancic, 6-5 senior forward Mark Myers and sophomore guard Jack Tupa are at the top of the rotation.

 “This game will not make nor will break our season,’’ O’Toole added. “It’s another measurement. The last game we played was Central Catholic (a hard-earned, nine-point victory) and we are a better team because of that game. Some of the things Central Catholic threw at us we hadn’t seen. And as you get closer to the tournament you want to see everything, so nothing catches you off guard.

 “As for Friday, every kid’s dream is to play in front of a packed house and every kid’s dream is to play your rival. So let’s go play and have fun.’’

 -30-

 Saint Ignatius-Cleveland Central Catholic varsity basketball recap – story was posted on 1/11/10 at 12:12 a.m.

 Wildcats turn back the Ironmen in the Greater Cleveland Scholastic Play-by-Play Classic.

 Some timely defense and strong play down the stretch by Vito Sosic, Shonn Miller and Tyler Hammond help grind out a nine-point victory. Charles Farris and Rich Austin provide solid minutes off the bench.

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Jan. 2010

 Saint Ignatius coach Sean O’Toole ’87 wanted to make two things perfectly clear after his Wildcats got by defending Division III state champion Cleveland Central Catholic in Sunday night’s Greater Cleveland Scholastic Play-by-Play Classic at the Wolstein Center.

 “We did not underestimate them,’’ said Coach O’Toole, following Saint Ignatius’ 48-39 victory. “I don’t care what their record is. They have two Division I kids and a lot of other athletes.

 “And obviously we’re a team that when we struggle to get it to the rim, we struggle to score.’’

 The Wildcats’ struggles in the early going were pretty much self-inflicted, as the Ironmen (1-7) took advantage of turnovers and led, 7-4, with 3 minutes, 23 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

 Sparked by a 3-pointer by senior point guard Tyler Hammond and a second-effort basket along the baseline by junior guard Charles Farris, Saint Ignatius (7-0) closed out the quarter on a 10-2 run and held a five-point lead entering the second stanza.

 With the Wildcats continuing to turn the ball over, Central Catholic, which has played a who’s who in the area schedule, cut the deficit to 15-13 on a tip-in by one of the two major-college prospects Coach O’Toole referred to – 6-foot-4 senior guard/forward Chall Montgomery.

 Saint Ignatius responded to Montgomery’s athletic basket by coming up with a three-point play by senior post Vito Sosic off an assist by Farris. The Ironmen closed to one point late in the first half, but the Wildcats, behind a free throw by 6-6 senior post Rich Austin and a buzzer-beating 3-pointer along the baseline by Hammond, took a 25-20 lead into their locker room at halftime.

 “Anytime you’re at a new venue you’re not going to shoot it as good as you would at home,’’ said O’Toole, whose team was ranked fifth in last week’s Plain Dealer Top 25 seven-county poll. “We didn’t shoot it too well, so you have to rely on your defense. And thirty-nine points isn’t bad. Charles (Farris) gave us some good energy off the bench.’’

 Saint Ignatius, which travels to Saint Edward on Friday night, rode a layup by senior guard Tom Parker, courtesy of Hammond’s steal and assist, two free throws by Sosic and a layup by senior wing Kyle Wise to 31-20 lead early in the third quarter. Wise’s basket was the result of a hustle deflection by Sosic and a picture-perfect assist by Parker.

 However, just when the Wildcats appeared to be putting Mr. Momentum on their shoulders, the Ironmen, led by the other half of their 1-2 punch – 6-8 junior forward Anton Grady – closed to seven points entering the final eight minutes. A 3-pointer by 6-5 junior forward Shonn Miller and a second-effort basket by Austin enabled the ‘Cats to cling to the 38-31 lead after 24 minutes.

 Central Catholic, which is under the direction of former Ironmen basketball standout Kevin Noch, trailed, 40-37, after Montgomery scored on a rim-rattling slam in transition and Grady followed with a leaning one-hander down the lane.

 Sosic responded with two clutch free throws with 3:12 remaining to be played, only to watch Grady’s putback make it a three-point game again.

 The 6-3 Sosic, who leaves it all on the floor, answered with a determined drive and, after a crucial defensive rebound by Miller, Saint Ignatius sealed the deal on a breakaway layup by Sosic off a near length-of-the-court pass from Hammond and a two-handed slam along the baseline by Miller that was the result of another Hammond dish. Despite battling cramps throughout the second half, Hammond ran the offense flawlessly at crunch time.

 Coach O’Toole, who emphasized that the tightness of the game did not allow him to fulfill his goal of giving his entire roster a chance to play on Cleveland State’s home floor, got 15 points from Miller and 13 crucial points from Sosic. Miller entered the game averaging 15 points.

 Grady, who led all scorers with 16 points, was chosen as CCC’s most valuable performer for the game and Sosic, whose relentless determination around the basket and clutch free-throw shooting helped show the way, garnered MVP honors for the Wildcats. Both players were presented with nifty-looking trophies.

 “Just like every game, Shonn and I work well together,’’ said Sosic, who was flattered by his MVP selection. “It’s what we call ‘buddy ball.’’’

 ‘CATS’ JAYVEES ROLL A SEVEN: Congratulations go out to the Wildcats’ junior-varsity team, which also improved to 7-0 by dominating Central Catholic’s jayvees on Saturday night.

 In a stretch that dates back to the 2008-09 season, Coach Kevin Neitzel ’90 has now watched his JV program win 16 consecutive games.

 -30-

 'CATS' ICERS BATTLE TO A 2-2 TIE AGAINST PADUA AND DOMINATE LAKE CATHOLIC (JAN. 8-9, 2010)

 Despite outshooting Padua by a comfortable margin, the Saint Ignatius varsity ice hockey team, ranked No. 1 in the coaches' state poll, had to settle for a 2-2 tie against the third-ranked Bruins at IceLand USA on Friday night. Kevin Joseph and Paddy Spellacy provided the goals for the 'Cats. 

 Saint Ignatius garnered its 15th victory in 22 games this season by defeating the Lake Catholic Cougars, 6-0, on Saturday night at the Brooklyn Ice Rink. Senior forward Jacob Riemenschneider led the offense with two goals and junior goalie Josh Potts totaled 25 saves.

 MOTHER NATURE ZONES OUT SAINT IGNATIUS-PERRYSBURG BASKETBALL GAMES (1/08/10).

 Due to the threat of heavy snow later this (Friday) evening, the Perrysburg at Saint Ignatius junior-varsity and varsity basketball games have been postponed. Perrysburg is located in Wood County in Northwest Ohio. No makeup date has been determined.

 The Wildcats' next varsity game is scheduled for Sunday against Cleveland Central Catholic at the Wolstein Center. The 6:45 p.m. matchup is part of the Greater Cleveland Scholastic Play-by-Play Classic.

 GIVING BACK

 Former Saint Ignatius football and baseball standout Brian Hoyer ’04 makes a more-than-generous donation to the Wildcats’ baseball program.

 The backup to New England Patriots All-Pro quarterback Tom Brady, Hoyer is preparing for Sunday’s NFL playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Patriots.

 Story was posted on 1/07/10 at 7:30 p.m.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Brian Hoyer ’04 certainly has a lot on his mind this week as the former Wildcat two-sport standout and Michigan State football mainstay could be called on at any time to relieve New England Patriots All-Pro signal-caller Tom Brady.

 Brady, the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year, is listed as probable for Sunday’s playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. However, with Brady battling rib, shoulder and finger injuries, and a Ravens defense that takes no prisoners, Hoyer has to be ready to answer the call, should it come.

 A home game for the Patriots, Sunday’s 1 p.m. matchup will be televised by CBS.

 Despite facing all of the demands and challenges that go hand in hand with a rookie season in the NFL, Hoyer found the time to remember his high school.

 Hoyer, who is sponsored by Reebok, decided to give something back to Saint Ignatius. And no, the recipient wasn’t the Wildcats’ football team.

 What some of Saint Ignatius’ faithful might not recall is that Hoyer was both an outstanding quarterback for the Wildcats and a baseball player whose pitching, fielding and hitting drew the interest of Major League scouts.

 And it is those memories from his high school and sandlot days that motivated Hoyer to make a significant donation to coach Brad Ganor and the Wildcats’ baseball program.

 “Bat bags, bats, baseballs, catcher’s equipment, it is just fantastic,’’ said Coach Ganor, who guided his program to a school-record third consecutive Division I state final four appearance in June of 2009.

 “Brian wanted to give back. He has never forgotten where he came from. He is such a centered young man, and that is a credit to his parents, Axel and Julie.’’

 Hoyer recently told Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston that baseball was definitely his first love. He also recalled how he was the winning pitcher as a sophomore in the 2002 big-school state championship game, the Wildcats’ only state baseball crown, and 9-1 during his senior year, when Saint Ignatius advanced to the state semifinals.

 What he probably didn’t mention was the throw he made on a line from the center-field fence in Bohlken Park to home plate in a game against St. Edward. It was one of the greatest throws this corner has ever seen on any level, a play that had scouts buzzing and a play that former St. Edward baseball coach John Whelan still talks about.

 As he has said more than once, Hoyer really didn’t start playing football seriously until he enrolled at Saint Ignatius. And it was the guidance and influence of Wildcats head coach Chuck Kyle ’69 and veteran offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Nick Restifo that lured Brian into a love affair with the gridiron.

 After a successful career as the quarterback for the Michigan State Spartans, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Hoyer signed a free-agent contract with the Patriots in April. He won the back-up spot to Brady over four other candidates and has experienced a “dream come true’’ this fall and winter.

 In last week’s regular-season finale loss to the Houston Texans, Hoyer came in and completed 8 of his 12 passes for 71 yards. On the season, he is 19 of 27 for 142 yards. He also has rushed for 25 yards on 10 carries and has a rushing touchdown.

 “And I check those football numbers religiously every week, just like I do with our kids playing college or professional baseball,’’ said Ganor, who has compiled 119 victories in his five seasons as the Wildcats’ head coach. “We’re extremely proud of Brian. He has stayed true to his roots.’’

 -30-

 Saint Ignatius varsity basketball weekly preview – the story was posted on 1/04/10 at 9:15 p.m. 

 Following an emotional victory over St. Joe’s Prep, the Wildcats are preparing for Friday night’s home game against Perrysburg and Sunday evening’s encounter with Cleveland Central Catholic in the Scholastic Play by Play Classic at the Wolstein Center.

 ‘Cats will have to be on top of their game at both ends of the court.

 NOTE: YOU CAN READ ABOUT THE ‘CATS’ GAME DEDICATION TO THE LATE DICK ZUNT ’50 IN A STORY THAT WAS POSTED ON 1/02/10. IT APPEARS RIGHT BELOW THIS WEEK’S PREVIEW.

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Jan. 2010

 After returning from Saturday’s Cancer Research Classic in Wheeling, West Virginia, the Saint Ignatius Wildcats realized they had little time to savor their dramatic and emotional victory over St. Joe’s Prep of Philadelphia.

 While the ‘Cats stand 6-0, they and their coach, Sean O’Toole ’87, know what lies ahead and how significant it will be.

 Facing a post-holiday stretch of games that will go a long way in building the confidence so crucial to the postseason run of late February and March, Saint Ignatius has no choice but to take it one at a time.

 The Wildcats, whose MO is, and always will be, their endless commitment to defense, will need to continue that traditional effort and sustain an offense that is averaging just over 68 points a game when they host Perrysburg on Friday night. The varsity game will follow a 6 p.m. junior-varsity matchup and you can be sure the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club will find the open man when its crafty crew brings you the video and audio from Sullivan Gymnasium. Go to www.sibn.weebly.com for information on this weekend’s broadcasts.

 It would not be a stretch to say that Perrysburg could be the toughest opponent the Wildcats will face to date.

 Featuring six lettermen from a team that finished 17-4 last season, including a 12-2 mark in the Northern Lakes League, the Yellow Jackets are off to a 9-1 start this winter. The lone setback came at home to Toledo Whitmer last week, 60-57, a game that saw Perrysburg let it slip away in the fourth quarter.

 The Yellow Jackets bounced back by handing a tradition-rich Ottawa-Glandorf program its first loss of the season, 72-53, and Saturday night they traveled to Oregon Clay in Lucas County and defeated the Eagles, 74-49. Ottawa-Glandorf was the Division II state champion in 2004 and brought home the Division III crown in 2008.

 “They are coached extremely well and are very hard-nosed and disciplined in their execution,’’ said Coach O’Toole of Perrysburg. “But along with being well structured and having the ability to run numerous sets (in the half court), they are willing to get out and run. Defensively, they will use a match-up zone and trap out of it.

 “This is a team that can win by scoring high and low.’’

 Leading the Yellow Jackets’ veterans is 6-foot-5 senior post/forward Charlie Hughes, a Division I All-Ohio Honorable Mention last season after averaging more than 19 points and pulling down more than seven rebounds a game. Hughes, who tossed in 20 points at Clay, is described by Coach O’Toole as being very athletic and a “monster on the boards.’’

 Running Perrysburg’s attack is 6-0 senior point guard Brian Boyce, a savvy player who is looked upon by opponents as an extension of the coaching staff. Boyce put up some interesting numbers last winter, when he averaged both 9.3 assists and 9.3 rebounds. He is the son of Yellow Jackets 10-year head coach Dave Boyce, who has a career record of 161-45.

 It should be an interesting matchup in the backcourt, as Saint Ignatius senior point guard Tyler Hammond has an impressive assist-to-turnover ratio of nearly seven to one.

 As is the case most seasons, Perrysburg has been displaying a balanced offense.

 Matt Marquette, a 6-2 senior guard, led the way against Ottawa-Glandorf by knocking down 17 points. Hughes dropped in 12 points and 6-2 senior forward Andrew Holliger contributed 11. Holliger supported Hughes’ 20 points against Clay with a 15-point effort.

 For those of you who enjoy dipping in history, Perrysburg’s list of notable alumni includes former NFL coach Jerry Glanville, Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland and historian and writer Douglas Brinkley.

 After a rare Saturday night off, the Wildcats will make the short trip over the Hope Memorial Bridge to the Wolstein Center for a 6:45 p.m. Sunday matchup with defending Division III state champion Cleveland Central Catholic. The game is part of the Greater Cleveland Scholastic Play by Play Classic. For you old-timers like me, the Hope Memorial Bridge used to be known as the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge before being renamed in the honor of the family of Bob Hope. The Hopes were Cleveland stonemasons.

 But that’s enough history.

 As for the present, Coach O’Toole isn’t being fooled by Central Catholic’s rough start against a who's who schedule that has included St. Vincent-St. Mary, St. Edward, Villa Angela-St. Joseph, Benedictine, Archbishop Hoban and East Tech.

 “They have great athletes who will drive the ball at you,’’ O’Toole said of Coach Kevin Noch’s team. “They will go strong to the offensive boards and will try to turn you over with pressure. And they can also play a tight zone.

 “With their athleticism, the big floor (at the Wolstein Center) will be a factor.’’

 O’Toole has nothing but the highest regard for the Ironmen and their 1-2 punch of 6-8 junior post/wing Anton Grady and 6-3 senior guard Chall Montgomery. He refers to Grady and Montgomery as “two bona fide Division I recruits,’’ and points out that CCC’s supporting cast will only benefit from the early season grind. Montgomery scored 26 points in last week’s one-point loss to East Tech.

 Another thing that Coach O’Toole and his players are well aware of is that the Ironmen having been pointing to this game since November of 2008, when they won a spirited buzzer-beating preseason matchup at Sullivan Gym.

 The Wildcats will be looking for more exceptional play from their major-college recruit, 6-5 junior forward Shonn Miller. Miller enters this weekend’s action with 90 points and 60 rebounds.

 Pointing to the work and conditioning his trainer, Delvon Blanton, has put him through, Miller totaled 42 points and 28 rebounds in his last two games combined. Blanton is the father of former Saint Edward All-American and current Michigan State mainstay, Delvon Roe.

 Following this weekend, Saint Ignatius' challenging stretch will continue with the first of two games against talent-laden St. Edward, this one at the Eagles Nest on Jan. 15, a trip to Gannon University for a game with Erie Cathedral Prep on Jan. 22, and the annual tilt with Cincinnati power St. Xavier on Jan. 23 in Sullivan Gym. The Wildcats will close out the month with a Jan. 29 home game against Shaker Heights and a Jan. 30 road matchup with Division I state-championship contender Warren Harding.  

 -30-

 Saint Ignatius-St. Joseph’s Prep varsity basketball recap – story was posted on 1/02/10.

 THE WILDCATS COME ON STRONG DOWN THE STRETCH AND GROUND THE HAWKS FROM ST. JOE’S PREP, 43-42, IN THE CANCER RESEARCH CLASSIC.

 COACH O’TOOLE, HIS STAFF AND PLAYERS DEDICATE THE GAME TO SAINT IGNATIUS HALL OF FAMER AND PLAIN DEALER AWARD-WINNING REPORTER DICK ZUNT ’50, WHO LOST A COURAGEOUS BATTLE TO CANCER ON SATURDAY MORNING.

 “LET’S WIN ONE FOR THE ZIPPER.’’

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Wheeling, West Virginia – Just moments before his team took the floor to face Philadelphia Jesuit-school power St. Joe’s Prep in Saturday afternoon’s Cancer Research Classic, Saint Ignatius head basketball coach Sean O’Toole ’87 addressed his Wildcats in a very personal and emotional manner.

 “We lost a great, great friend this morning, a man who loved Saint Ignatius,’’ O’Toole said. “He’s looking over us now, so let’s make him proud before he goes on to better things.

 “All of you have probably heard the (Knute Rockne) quote, ‘Let’s win one for the Gipper.’ Well, let them laugh, but let’s go out there today and win one for the Zipper.’’

 Dick “Zip’’ Zunt, who for five decades spent much of his life filling the scrapbooks of area high school athletes, had a special deadline to fulfill Saturday morning as he was called by God to finally rest in peace.

 My longtime friend and mentor, Dick staged a courageous battle with cancer before passing away at the Hospice of the Western Reserve. He was with his family and loved ones at the time of his death.

 Dick had a storied and successful career at The Plain Dealer, one that saw him earn induction into The Press Club Hall of Fame and the Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association Hall of Fame, and become the recipient of the Golden Deeds Award from the Greater Cleveland Football, Basketball and Baseball Coaches Associations. While the man who hired Dick, the late Mr. Hal Lebovitz, wrote a famous column, “Please don’t ever cut a boy,’’ Dick Zunt lived by the motto, don’t ever hurt a kid. 

  The love Dick had for his family and his profession was endless, and he also carried a very special pride and passion when it came to Saint Ignatius and its teachers, coaches, athletes and administration. I will never forget the look on his face when he was informed he was going to be inducted into the Wildcats’ Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991.

 Saturday afternoon in Wheeling Jesuit University’s Alma Grace McDonough Center, I felt “Zip’’ was right along side me one last time, as I watched Coach O’Toole’s team pull out a 43-42 victory over St. Joe’s Prep and its legendary coach, Bill “Speedy’’ Morris (well over 800 career victories).

 Yes, the Wildcats gave Dick one to take with him.

 Trailing, 12-7, after the first eight minutes, Saint Ignatius got into its flow at both ends of the court and moved to a 22-17 lead by halftime. Fueling the second-quarter drive were multitalented 6-foot-5 junior forward Shonn Miller, who scored off an authoritative two-handed slam and a layup off a steal and an assist by senior point guard Tyler Hammond, 6-6 senior post Rich Austin, who scored six points off some strong work down low, and senior forward Mark Myers, who buried a 3-pointer from the top of the arc.

 “I think of my role as just bringing energy off the bench,’’ said Austin, who hit all three of his shots from the field, grabbed two rebounds and blocked a shot in eight minutes of action. “I have to go out there and play my game, get everybody involved, get everybody going and help us win as a team and enjoy it together.’’

 Just when the Wildcats (6-0) appeared to have the momentum, Coach Morris’ team slowed the tempo to a style more fitting to the Hawks’ patient half-court approach.

 As one savvy gym rat from New York pointed out, the Hawks (7-2) wanted the game contested at 40 miles per hour, not 70 mph.

 With guard Joe Nardi, he of the stop and pop, scoring 10 of his game-high 18 points, St. Joe’s Prep rallied to take a 31-28 lead late in the third quarter.

 It was at that point, however, that Saint Ignatius found a way to fulfill its promise to “the Zipper.’’

 Putting together an 11-0 run, the Wildcats took a 39-31 lead with 3 minutes, 38 seconds remaining to be played. The burst included a highlight-reel play by senior guard Tom Parker, an effort that saw Parker make a steal near midcourt, control the ball along the sideline and fire a picture-perfect, behind-the-back pass to junior guard Ryan Ivancic for a breakaway layup and a 32-31 lead.

 Miller, who was chosen by the tournament officials as the game’s MVP for his double-double effort of 14 points and 14 rebounds, accounted for the other nine points in the run. He drew a roar of approval from the largely neutral crowd by coming with another strong-to-the-basket slam, converted a three-point play off a smooth layup, hit two free throws and dropped in a soft baseline jumper off an assist from Hammond. Hammond totaled eight assists and four steals.

 St. Joe’s Prep got back in the game behind 3-pointers by Nardi and freshman guard Steve Vasturia, shots that cut the deficit to 41-39 and forced Coach O’Toole to call a timeout with 1:07 to go.

 Following the timeout, Saint Ignatius turned back the Hawks on a free throw by Miller, a quick defensive switch to the ball by Miller that forced a traveling call, and a free throw by Hammond. A four-point lead ended up being a one-point victory after the Prep’s Gene Williams hit a 3-pointer at the final buzzer.

 “We knew we were going to have to adjust on the fly and the kids made the adjustments, which is a good sign,’’ said Coach O’Toole. “Obviously the scoring was down, but holding them to 42, we’ll take it.

 “There were some things we have to sharpen up. We have to finish from the line (7-for-17 on free throws) and I thought we just had some uncharacteristic turnovers when we had the lead. And we will correct those.

 “But Shonn Miller came up big at the rim, Rich Austin gave us great minutes and Mark Myers hit a big (3-pointer). And we were playing against a veteran team and a storied coach.’’

 In the end, the ‘Cats said goodbye to one of Saint Ignatius’ best with a victory in his honor, as their coach had ask them to do.

 And maybe, just maybe, senior wing Kyle Wise was right when, responding to this corner’s congratulations on the win, he turned to me and said: “Mr. Dwyer, I really think Mr. Zunt helped us get through it tonight.’’

 NOTE: THE WAKE FOR DICK ZUNT WILL BE TUESDAY AT CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME, 4420 ROCKY RIVER DRIVE AT PURITAS. THE CALLING HOURS ARE 2 P.M. TO 4 P.M., AND 6 P.M. TO 9 P.M. THE FUNERAL MASS IS WEDNESDAY AT 10 A.M. AT ST. PATRICK CHURCH IN WEST PARK. ST. PATRICK IS LOCATED ACROSS THE STREET FROM CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME. MEMORIAL DONATIONS CAN BE SENT TO SAINT IGNATIUS HIGH SCHOOL.

 -30-

 WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA (1/02/10) - WILDCATS TURN BACK ST. JOE'S PREP OF PHILADELPHIA, 43-42, IN SATURDAY'S CANCER RESEARCH CLASSIC AT WHEELING JESUIT UNIVERSITY.

 PLAYERS AND COACHES DEDICATE THE GAME TO HALL OF FAMER DICK ZUNT '50, WHO PASSED AWAY SATURDAY MORNING (SEE BELOW). A COMPLETE GAME STORY WILL FOLLOW LATER.

  MAY HE REST IN PEACE (1/02/10)

  We ask that the entire Saint Ignatius community keep the family and friends of Dick Zunt '50 in its prayers, as Dick passed away this morning after a courageous battle with cancer. 

  A member of the Wildcats' Athletic Hall of Fame and an award-winning high school sports reporter for The Plain Dealer for more than five decades, Dick dedicated his life to his family and the area's youth. He was loved and admired by everyone he came in contact with, including those colleagues fortunate enough to work along side of him.

  He was my dear friend and mentor, someone who not only made me a better reporter, but a better person as well.

  Again, please keep Dick's loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.

  - Eddie.

  University of Detroit Jesuit High School versus Saint Ignatius varsity basketball recap-story was posted on Dec. 31 at 1:52 a.m.

 AS SCRIPTED

 WILDCATS' UNSELFISH TALENT, DEPTH AND DEFENSIVE ENERGY WERE MORE THAN THE CUBS COULD DEAL WITH

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Dec. 2009, Jan. 2010

 Following Wednesday night’s victory over the University of Detroit Jesuit, Saint Ignatius head basketball coach Sean O’Toole ’87 told his players it was, without a doubt, their best overall performance of the young season.

 And while no one in attendance at Sullivan Gymnasium could disagree with last season’s Northeast Lakes District Division I co-Coach of the Year, Wildcats gifted junior forward Shonn Miller believes it is just the start of what he and his teammates are capable of.

 “You can always get better,’’ said the humble and soft-spoken Miller, moments after Saint Ignatius controlled every facet of the game and wore down Detroit Jesuit, 88-57. “The best is yet to come.’’

 The 6-foot-5 Miller, who might be one of the most underrated players in Ohio, hit Detroit Jesuit with his best early and often.

 Scoring off fluid moves down low, hitting his rain-maker 3-pointer and rebounding with a passion, Miller put up career highs of 28 points and 14 rebounds. Nineteen of those points and 11 of those soaring carom corrals came during the first 16 minutes.

 Saint Ignatius, which improved to 5-0, put together impressive displays of unselfish basketball and relentless, baseline-to-baseline defense against a Detroit Jesuit team that, although young, features at least three major-college prospects.

 “Draw up the script, that’s it,’’ Coach O’Toole said. “We were able to attack pressure, play fast, get the ball down the floor and score at the rim. If you can draw up a vision of what you want to happen, that’s what we wanted. Good things happen when you get the ball at the rim.’’

 Things started to happen for the Wildcats midway through the opening quarter.

 After Miller and Detroit Jesuit’s multitalented sophomore wing Cameron Fowler sang points to the tune of a 10-10 tie, Saint Ignatius put together a run that was a sign of things to come.

 Sparked by Miller’s second 3-pointer, the Wildcats ran off 11 unanswered points and led 21-10 after savvy senior point guard Tyler Hammond hit a jumper in transition with 2 minutes, 23 seconds remaining in the first quarter. In between Miller’s 3-pointer and Hammond’s quick release off the dribble, Saint Ignatius scored on a soft one-hander down low by Miller, a driving layup by junior guard Charles Farris off an inbounds play and a basket by Miller off an assist from Farris.

 Behind Miller’s work off the offensive glass, the strong inside play of senior post Vito Sosic, some all-out defensive hustle by senior guard Tom Parker and senior wing Kyle Wise, and solid play off the bench by junior guard Ryan Ivancic and senior post Rich Austin, the Wildcats ran, rebounded and defended their way to a 46-24 lead by halftime.

 The second-quarter highlights featured a three-point play by Ivancic off a determined dribble drive, a 3-pointer by Ivancic, a smooth turnaround jumper by the 6-6 Austin and a driving one-hander by Wise that resulted from an exceptional defensive-hustle play Sosic.

 A competitor who plays much bigger than 6-3, Sosic also had a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. His two free throws and a jumper from the top of the key by Hammond closed out Saint Ignatius’ scoring in the first half.

 “I can’t stress enough what a great job our assistant coaches do,’’ said Coach O’Toole. “They are the guys that are getting these kids out there running and playing at the speed we’re playing at. We’re scoring more than 70 points a game, and my teams have never done that. These guys (the assistant coaches) have me convinced that we have the guards and the other personnel to do it.’’

 The Wildcats, who finished with 13 players in the scoring column, left no doubt in the third quarter as they treated their faithful to a closing-out act that included a 3-pointer by Hammond, an authoritative move down the lane by Sosic, a layup in transition by Parker, two free throws by Ivancic, a layup by Sosic off a Hammond dime, and Miller’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer.

 Fowler, who came up with an impressive slam dunk in the third quarter, joined Detroit Jesuit’s other super sophomore – 6-6 Chris Jenkins – as the Cubs’ double-figure scorers. Coach Pat Donnelly’s team is 2-4 against a demanding schedule.

 Saint Ignatius will travel to Wheeling Jesuit University for Saturday’s 2 p.m. (varsity only) game against Philadelphia power, St. Joe’s Prep (7-1). The game is part of the Cancer Research Classic.

 St. Joe’s Prep, “The Jesuit High School of Philadelphia,’’ is coached by the City of Brotherly Love's living legend, Bill “Speedy’’ Morris (more than 800 career victories).

 ‘CATS’ JUNIOR VARSITY IMPROVES TO 6-0

 After defeating Buffalo Canisius earlier this week, the Saint Ignatius junior-varsity team rode a strong fourth quarter to a 61-54 victory over Detroit Jesuit’s jayvees.

 Sophomore guard Max Connors scored off a steal and an assist by sophomore guard Mike Svetina and, after sophomore post Blake Thomas converted a steal and an assist by sophomore forward James Sheehan into a layup, the Wildcats led, 35-30.

 Saint Ignatius clung to a two-point advantage thanks to some strong play around the basket by sophomore forward Pat Davet, but Detroit Jesuit tied the score entering the fourth quarter and moved to a 43-41 lead early in the final stanza.

 At that point, Coach Kevin Neitzel ’90 watched his Wildcats pick up their intensity at both ends of the court.

 Following a driving layup along the baseline by Sheehan, a layup in transition by Connors and a three-point play by Thomas off another assist from Svetina, Saint Ignatius led, 50-44, at the three-minute mark.

 Detroit Jesuit made one more run and closed to 54-52 with 29 seconds remaining, only to watch the Wildcats seal the deal behind some clutch free-throw shooting by Connors and Svetina

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 THIS WEEK’S VARSITY BASKETBALL PREVIEW – STORY WAS POSTED ON 12/28/09 AT 8:55 P.M.

 WILDCATS TO FACE AN ALL-JESUIT VENUE

 DETROIT JESUIT COMES CALLING ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THE ‘CATS TRAVEL TO WHEELING JESUIT UNIVERSITY FOR A SATURDAY MATINEE AGAINST PHILADELPHIA’S LIVING LEGEND

 PAT HINKEL TO RECEIVE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Dec. 2009

 After dominant performances against Massillon and John Adams, and two stern tests from Canton McKinley and Findlay, the 4-0 Saint Ignatius Wildcats are gearing up for games against two out-of-state programs.

 Wednesday night in Sullivan Gymnasium, the University of Detroit Jesuit takes on the Wildcats in what can be described as an intriguing encounter. The varsity game will follow a 6 p.m. junior-varsity tilt and describing the action will be senior Jacob Corrigan and the rest of the round-ball savvy Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/st-ignatius-basketball).

 As part of Wednesday night's festivities, Pat Hinkel '09 will receive the 2008-09 John J. Wirtz Athlete of the Year Award. Coach Chuck Kyle '69 will make the presentation. The award is named in honor of the Wildcats' late coaching legend.

 Pat, who is now attending Miami (Ohio) and is a member of the RedHawks' football program, competed in football, basketball and track for the Wildcats. In the fall of 2008, his play as an All-Ohio safety and touchdown-producing tailback helped lead Saint Ignatius to a record 10th Division I state championship. In the winter of 2009, his hustle and endless passion for defense played major roles in the Wildcats' 18-5 district-final season and sixth-place ranking in the area's seven-county basketball poll.

 On Saturday, Coach Sean O’Toole ’87 will lead his Wildcats against St. Joseph’s Prep, “The Jesuit High School of Philadelphia.’’ The tip off will be at 2:05 p.m. at Wheeling Jesuit University and the game is part of the Cancer Research Classic.

 St. Joe’s Prep is coached by the legendary Bill “Speedy’’ Morris. When it comes to basketball in the City of Brotherly Love, Coach Morris is nothing less than a household name.

 Selected for induction into the prestigious Philadelphia Big Five Hall of Fame, Morris is one of the most renowned high school coaches in the nation. He had championship teams at Roman Catholic, Penn Charter and the Prep and is the winningest coach at St. Joe’s Prep. While at Roman Catholic, he was 347-82 with six league titles.

 Morris, who has well over 800 career victories (including high school and college), had a very successful tenure on the college level at La Salle. He coached the women’s and men’s teams at La Salle and brought his winning philosophy to both programs. In 1984 he was hired as the first full-time coach of La Salle’s women’s team and in 1986 he took over the men’s program, marking the first time that any college coach had gone from coaching women to men.

 As for Detroit Jesuit, the Cubs (2-3) recently came up short to Toledo St. Francis de Sales and its 6-foot-11 force, Storm Stanley, 75-69. Detroit Jesuit came back from a 16-point deficit to tie the game with less than a minute remaining, but six free throws by St. Francis de Sales spelled the difference. The St. Francis Knights were the big-school state champion in 1983.

 Chris Jenkins scored a career-high 26 points for the Cubs, Cameron Fowler tossed in 14 points and seven other players reached the scoring column for Detroit Jesuit, including Brandon Lewis, who helped spark the comeback with two 3-pointers and two clutch free throws.

 St. Joe’s Prep, a member of the Philadelphia Catholic League Red Division, stood 6-1 after Monday afternoon’s 62-42 victory over Marple Newton in the Jameer Nelson/Pete Nelson Scholastic Play by Play Classic at Widener University. For inquiring minds, Marple Newton High School is located on Media Line Road in Newton Square, Pa.

 Back in the early fall, Coach O’Toole, while discussing his 2009-10 schedule, described St. Joe’s Prep as being very similar to his Wildcats – a team that likes to pressure defensively, push it when it's there, show patience and attack the rim offensively.

 The Hawks can also hurt their opponent from 3-point land, as Marple Newton discovered on Monday. Senior guard Joe Nardi, who was chosen as the game’s MVP for his 23-point, seven-rebound performance, buried seven 3-pointers. His cohort, senior center Connor McIntyre, scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and sophomore guard Gene Williams had six assists. St. Joe’s Prep was 12-of-28 from beyond the arc.

 During Sunday’s second round of the Play by Play Classic, St. Joe’s Prep defeated Wissahickon, 57-44. Williams led all scorers with 19 points and senior guard Sean Brophy contributed 16 points.

 As you can see by the numbers put up against Wissahickon (Ambler, Pa.) and Marple Newton, the Hawks have a very versatile and balanced lineup.

 Following Saturday’s game against St. Joe’s Prep, the Wildcats will host Perrysburg on Jan. 8th, will play a rare Sunday night game against defending Division III state champion Cleveland Central Catholic on Jan. 10, and will travel to St. Edward on Jan. 15 for the first of the annual home-and-home series with the area’s top-ranked Eagles.

 The Cleveland Central Catholic game is part of the Cleveland Scholastic Play by Play Classic at the Wolstein Center and is scheduled for 6:45 p.m.

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 A PREVIEW ON SAINT IGNATIUS' UPCOMING BASKETBALL GAMES AGAINST DETROIT JESUIT AND ST. JOE'S PREP OF PHILADELPHIA WILL BE POSTED ON MONDAY EVENING. THE 'CATS WILL PLAY DETROIT JESUIT WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN SULLIVAN GYM AND THEN TAKE TO THE ROAD TO FACE ST. JOE'S PREP ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON AT WHEELING JESUIT UNIVERSITY.

 WILDCATS' ICERS DEFEAT THE EAGLES AT THE Q (12/26/09) AND EDGE GILMOUR IN THE OPENING ROUND OF THE SAINT IGNATIUS HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT (12/27/09).

  Congratulations go out to the Saint Ignatius varsity hockey team, which after being placed atop the state poll, outskated and outplayed the St. Edward Eagles, 4-0, early Saturday evening in Quicken Loans Arena. The 'Cats improved to 10-2.

 Leading the attack was senior John Jeziorowski with two goals. Sophomore Paddy Spellacy and senior Nolan Schade also had lamplighters. St. Edward managed just 11 shots on goal and sophomore Matt Kovesdy rejected all of those.

  The Wildcats (11-2) continued their winning ways on Sunday by defeating the Lancers from Gilmour Academy, 3-2, in overtime in the Saint Ignatius Holiday Tournament at the Brooklyn Ice Rink. Sophomore Michael Abood and seniors Michael Wells and Asa Frebes solved the Lancers' defense.

 Monday's tournament schedule has the 'Cats facing Sylvania Northview at 9 a.m. and Culver Academy at 7 p.m.

 'CATS' ICERS RIDE MOMENTUM OF US VICTORY INTO SATURDAY'S SHOWDOWN WITH SAINT EDWARD AT THE Q (12/24/09).

 Saint Ignatius' varsity hockey team, which is coming off an impressive victory over University School, will take on longtime rival St. Edward on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in Quicken Loans Arena.

 The last time the Wildcats and the Eagles met on the ice, St. Edward prevailed in six overtimes, 3-2, in an Elite-Eight tournament game last March at Brooklyn's Coyne Recreation Center.

 In Wednesday's 2-1 Red North League triumph over University School at The Pond, three sophomores came to the fore. Paddy Spellacy and Michael Abood supplied the goals, and goalie Matt Kovesdy stopped 25 of 26 shots as Saint Ignatius improved to 9-2.

 FINDLAY-SAINT IGNATIUS VARSITY BASKETBALL RECAP

 Story was posted on 12/23 at 12:25 a.m.

 Wildcats close out strong in turning back the well-schooled Trojans

 A 12-2 spurt in the final five minutes spells the difference 

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Dec. 2009

 Just moments after his Wildcats pulled away from Findlay in Sullivan Gymnasium on Tuesday night, Saint Ignatius coach Sean O’Toole ’87 never blinked in describing the Trojans from Hancock County.

 “A team that in my opinion will be as well-coached as anyone we play,’’ O’Toole said. “And that’s the purpose of having them on the schedule.’’

 Findlay, under direction of savvy veteran Jim Rucki, went toe-to-toe with the Wildcats before Saint Ignatius came on in the final 5 minutes, 16 seconds and turned back the Trojans, 53-41, in non-league basketball headliner.

 The Wildcats, ranked fourth in The Plain Dealer’s Top 25 seven-county poll, improved to 4-0. Findlay, which has won three consecutive Buckeye Conference championships, slipped to 4-2.

 “You name it, they do it,’’ said O’Toole of the Trojans’ offensive attack. “They back cut, they shoot threes, they pick and roll and they use their post – every facet. You get better from a game like this.’’

 The Trojans, who feature some scrappy guards and two impressive frontcourt players in 6-foot-7 junior Brock Ammons and 6-10, 225-pound sophomore C.J. Gettys, rode Ammons’ nine points to a 15-15 tie after the first eight minutes.

 After a 3-pointer by senior wing Kyle Wise put Saint Ignatius in front, 20-19, with 3:47 to go in the first half, Findlay responded with two free throws by senior guard Clay Paul. On the strength of a 3-pointer and a free throw by junior guard Grant Birchmeier, the Trojans clung to a 25-23 lead at halftime.

 The Wildcats, who will be back in action on Dec. 30, when they host Detroit Jesuit, regained the lead early in the third quarter on a follow by junior forward Shonn Miller and a driving layup by senior post Vito Sosic.

 Findlay tied the score on an inside move by Gettys, but Saint Ignatius picked up its game at both ends of the court and went on a 9-1 run that featured a clever driving one-hander by senior point guard Tyler Hammond, a basket by Miller off a Hammond assist, a 3-pointer by senior guard Tom Parker and a steal and a layup by Parker.

 Following a timeout with 2:55 left in the third quarter, Rucki’s Trojans closed to 36-32 entering the final eight minutes.

 Saint Ignatius made it a six-point game as Parker scored off an assist from Hammond. Rucki, who has 309 career victories, watched his team cut the deficit to one point on a 3-pointer by Ammons and a soft turnaround jumper down low by Gettys.

 The Wildcats stretched their lead to four points on Wise’s second 3-pointer, but Gettys scored inside again and Findlay trailed, 41-39, with 5:16 to go. Gettys and Ammons each scored 14 points to lead the Trojans.

 It was at that point the seasoned Hammond, Parker and Miller, players Coach O’Toole relies on down the stretch, sparked the decisive surge.

 With Parker scoring off an authoritative drive, Miller taking a Hammond assist and hitting a soft jumper off the glass, and Hammond driving down the lane for a highlight-reel one-handed floater, Saint Ignatius began to pull away at 47-39 with 2:01 remaining.

 The Trojans made one last statement with a one-handed slam down the lane by Ammons, only to watch Miller and Hammond settle the issue at the foul line.

 Miller led all scorers with 18 points. Parker finished with 13 points and Hammond had five assists, dimes that were right on the money.

 “We were fortunate to win,’’ Coach O’Toole said. “Findlay played very well and had us on the ropes. We will take it though.

 “It’s a win that we have to sit down, evaluate and improve upon. No doubt, there is a lot we have to grasp from this game. They put a test on us.’’

 JAYVEES STAND 4-0

 The Wildcats’ junior-varsity team remained unbeaten by handing Findlay’s jayvees their first loss in six games, 37-29.

 A driving one-hander down the lane by sophomore guard Mike Svetina and a strong drive in transition by Svetina helped the Wildcats push a two-point halftime lead to 25-15 entering the fourth quarter.

 After Svetina’s two free throws made it a 12-point game with 6:31 remaining, the Trojans caught fire and cut the deficit to 31-26 on a 3-pointer by Daniel Peak.

 The night belonged to Saint Ignatius, however, as the Wildcats regained control on a free throw by Svetina, an offensive rebound and a putback by freshman forward Derek Sloan, and two free throws by sophomore forward Brett Hornung. 

  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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 FINDLAY-SAINT IGNATIUS VARSITY BASKETBALL PREVIEW

 Story was posted on 12/21/09 at 4:15 p.m.

 The disciplined and well-schooled Trojans pay a visit to Sullivan Gymnasium tomorrow (Tuesday) night. 

 ‘Cats look to keep their momentum rolling after Saturday night’s impressive victory over Canton McKinley.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Following Monday morning’s practice, Saint Ignatius coach Sean O’Toole ’87 gathered his team near mid court and talked about Tuesday night’s opponent – Coach Jim Rucki’s Findlay High Trojans.

 Coach O’Toole told his players that Findlay (4-1) is such a well-coached and patient team, it could be a game the Wildcats have to win in the 30s.

 Saint Ignatius, which improved to 3-0 by defeating the quick and full-court capable Canton McKinley Bulldogs, 64-50, on Saturday night, enters the matchup with the Trojans averaging more than 75 points per game. The junior-varsity tipoff is 6 p.m., with the varsity game to follow. 

 As Coach O’Toole has emphasized time and again, the key will be the Wildcats’ ability to take the lead and force Findlay to play at Saint Ignatius' tempo.

 “Offensively, they are very structured with their sets,’’ said O’Toole of Rucki’s Trojans. “But they are going to do a million things to you. They back cut you, post up, run 3-point shots and player screens. They will use every screen imaginable.

 “Some teams play off their athleticism, but these guys play off their minds, their game plan and their structure. We’re going to have to try to keep them out of their comfort zone and play the game at a speed that we want to play it at.’’

 If the name Rucki sounds familiar, it is because Coach Rucki, before taking the Findlay position, did an outstanding job as the boys’ varsity basketball coach and baseball coach at Rocky River. From the 1997-98 season through the winter of 2000-01, Rucki’s Rocky River basketball teams had some classic battles with the Mike Gansey-led Olmsted Falls Bulldogs, games this corner had the privilege to cover. Rucki has a career record of 309-148, with 149 of those victories coming at Findlay. 

 Last season, Saint Ignatius traveled to Findlay and, although the game was played at a pace more to the Trojans’ liking, the Wildcats prevailed, 49-40.

 Findlay graduated some veteran experience from a 2008-09 squad that finished 15-6. The biggest loss was first-team All-Ohio guard Luke Kraus, who is now playing at Bowling Green. Kraus averaged 24.5 points per game last season and wrapped up his high school career as the Trojans’ all-time leading scorer with 1,501 points.

 Don’t shed any tears for Findlay, however, as there is plenty of size and skill to go around this winter. And Rucki recreated a tradition last season by guiding his program to its third consecutive Greater Buckeye Conference championship, something the school hadn’t accomplished in basketball since the 1948-49, ’49-50 and ’50-51 seasons.

 Like Saint Ignatius, the Trojans can lay down some nasty defense.

 In last Tuesday’s home game against Toledo Scott, Findlay trailed by nine points with 3 minutes, 58 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The Trojans went on to hold Scott without a basket for nearly 11 minutes and came away with a 56-48 victory.

 Friday night at Fremont Ross, Findlay used a 10-0 run early in the fourth quarter to defeat the Little Giants, 51-43. Senior guard Clay Paul fueled the run with a 3-pointer and finished with 13 points, and 6-foot-3 senior forward Zach Elbin came off the bench to score 15 points and grab five rebounds.

 Findlay, the alma mater of Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who put up some impressive basketball numbers in high school, also features two more-than-capable frontcourt players in 6-7 junior Brock Ammons and 6-10 sophomore C.J. Gettys. Ammons was invited to the prestigious LeBron James Kings Academy Basketball Camp this past summer and Gettys is the tallest player to don a Findlay uniform in nearly three decades.

 Don’t look for the Wildcats to be intimidated by size.

 As 6-3 senior post Vito Sosic said after his career-high 23 points against McKinley: “Six-7 or 7-3, it doesn’t matter. We’re going to bring it every night.’’

 And the effort Sosic and gifted 6-5 junior forward Shonn Miller (14 points, 13 rebounds) brought against the Bulldogs was more than McKinley’s “bigs’’ could deal with.

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 CANTON MCKINLEY VERSUS SAINT IGNATIUS VARSITY BASKETBALL RECAP – STORY WAS POSTED ON 12/20/09 AT 2:12 a.m.

 “We work well together. And, we work hard together!’’ – Wildcats senior post Vito Sosic, moments after his career-high 23-point performance against Canton McKinley.

 Playing with a drive and a purpose

 Saint Ignatius turns to its unselfish play and relentless defense in defeating the previously undefeated Bulldogs.

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Dec. 2009 

 Standing just outside the Wirtz Pavilion, Saint Ignatius senior guard Tom Parker leaned against the wall and, displaying the same composure and savvy he brings to the court, talked calmly about the Wildcats’ “purpose.’’

 “We played defense and hit free throws down the stretch,’’ said Parker. “Defense is what really matters. It’s our drive.’’

 Saint Ignatius, substantiating its fourth-place ranking in The Plain Dealer’s seven-county Top 25 poll, was driven from the opening tip-off until the final buzzer on Saturday night as it turned away the storied Canton McKinley Bulldogs, 64-50, in Sullivan Gymnasium.

 The Wildcats, who lead by six points entering the fourth quarter and by five points with just over three minutes remaining, closed the game with a 9-0 run and improved to 3-0.

 McKinley, which couldn’t solve the relentless inside scoring by senior post Vito Sosic and the rebounding and shot blocking by multitalented junior forward Shonn Miller, lost for the first time in five games.

 The 6-foot-3 Sosic, who plays with strength and passion around the rim, scored a career-best 23 points, 14 of them coming in the second half.

 Miller, a smooth 6-5 performer who can hurt the opponent inside and outside, grabbed 13 rebounds, blocked four shots and completed his double-double by scoring nine of his 14 points over the final 16 minutes. He sealed the victory with two slam-dunks off picture-perfect assists from senior point guard Tyler Hammond.

 “When we match Shonn up, we try to keep him as close to the rim as possible,’’ said Saint Ignatius coach Sean O’Toole ’87. “He goes up and gets the ball higher than anyone and he’s aggressive to it and strong with it.

 “Our goal (defensively) was 44 points, that’s what it has been in our first three games. But to hold a McKinley team to 50, we’re very, very happy. That’s a high-powered group of athletes over there (at McKinley) that get to the rim, shoot it and have great guard play.’’

 After the teams battled to a 10-0 tie in the first eight minutes, the Wildcats, sparked by a six-point spurt by senior forward Mark Myers, moved to a 29-20 lead with 1 minute, 35 seconds left in the first half.

 McKinley, whose basketball program is No. 1 in Ohio with more than 1,750 all-time victories, closed to 29-26 before Miller’s soft baby hook along the baseline sent Saint Ignatius to its locker room at halftime clinging to a five-point advantage.

 The Wildcats, who will host Findlay on Tuesday night, turned up their effort at both ends of the court and pushed their lead to 40-29 with 6:12 to go in the third quarter. The 9-3 surge featured a clever dribble drive to the basket by Parker, a layup by Sosic off an assist from Hammond, an authoritative driving one-hander by senior wing Kyle Wise and a wouldn’t-be-denied three-point play by Sosic.

 “Vito’s just so strong,’’ said Coach O’Toole of a young man who reminds us old-timers of another willing and able inside player at Saint Ignatius in the late 1980s. “He’s fun to watch there down in the post. It’s double jeopardy for the opponent, because not only does he finish, but he draws fouls.

 “But Vito will be the first to tell you he couldn’t do it without his teammates screening to free him up and feeding him the ball. It just seemed like every time McKinley made a run, we were able to score at the rim. And that was the game plan. I’m very proud of these guys.’’

 The Bulldogs had plenty of bark left as they cut the deficit to 47-41 entering the final eight minutes on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by 6-3 senior guard Che Richardson.

 Saint Ignatius, on the strength of a layup by sophomore guard Jack Tupa off a steal and asssit by Parker, a steal and a free throw by Sosic and a layup by Miller, pushed its lead to 10 points approaching the midway point of the fourth quarter.

 The “Pups,’’ as the McKinley faithful like to refer to their basketball team, answered with another 3-pointer by Richardson and a layup by 6-8 junior center Cecil Smith and trailed, 55-50, with 3:11 left.

 Keeping their composure, the Wildcats went back inside to Sosic, who drew a foul and calmly sank both free throws at the 2:45 mark.

 Four seconds later, Miller soared to the rafters for another defensive rebound and was fouled. He also was ice at the line as his charity-stripe tosses barely touched the net for a 59-50 lead.

 With McKinley misfiring on desperation 3-pointers, the ‘Cats wrapped up their 9-0 closing act on a free throw by Hammond and Miller’s rim-rattling slams, which came courtesy of soft feeds from Hammond.

 “I love to rebound,’’ Miller said. “Scoring, rebounding and protecting the rim, I think I did a pretty good job of it tonight. I was just focused on keeping them off the glass.’’

 Parker and Hammond, who once again did so many things that don’t show up in a box score, just might be the most underrated backcourt tandem in the area.

 “It doesn’t always show up in the box score,’’ said a smiling Hammond. “But it’s in the heart.’’

 JUNIOR VARSITY KEEPS PACE

 The junior-varsity Wildcats also improved to 3-0 by turning away McKinley in a defensive struggle, 35-27.

 Saint Ignatius, behind a 3-pointer by guard Brian Joseph, held a 16-10 lead at halftime. The ‘Cats rode a three-point play by post Pat Davet, a layup by post Blake Thomas off an assist from Davet and a 3-pointer by wing James Sheehan to a 24-12 lead late in the third quarter.

 McKinley would cut the deficit in half only to watch Wildcat forward Brett Hornung convert a steal into a layup to end the third quarter. Saint Ignatius then pulled away on a soft baseline jumper by Davet, a basket by Hornung off an assist from guard Mike Svetina and some clutch free-throw shooting by Joseph and Svetina.

 -30-

 JOHN ADAMS VERSUS SAINT IGNATIUS VARSITY BASKETBALL RECAP

 Story was posted on 12/19/09 at 12:56 a.m.

 Wildcats’ take command late in the third quarter and wear down the Rebels.

 The tradition-rich McKinley Bulldogs (4-0) are up next.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Saint Ignatius coach Sean O’Toole ’87 always says that basketball is a “game of runs.’’

 Friday night, O’Toole’s Wildcats prowled around for awhile and then jumped all over John Adams with a run that exhausted the Rebels’ cause.

 Saint Ignatius, dominating the final 10 minutes, defeated John Adams, 79-44, in a non-league matchup in Sullivan Gymnasium.

 The Wildcats, who led by just six points with 2 minutes, 10 seconds remaining in the third quarter, outscored the Rebels, 36-7, the rest of the way en route to improving to 2-0.

 John Adams, which was coming off a two-point loss at East Tech on Thursday night, slipped to 3-2.

 “To John Adams' credit, they hits shots and we couldn’t get into a good flow,’’ said O’Toole of the early going, which saw John Adams clinging to an 18-17 advantage after the first quarter. “We like to play with a lead, then we can control how teams have to play us.’’

 Helping Saint Ignatius take the lead was senior point guard Tyler Hammond.

 Scoring 13 of his game-high 19 points in the first half and hitting three of his four 3-pointers in the first 16 minutes, Hammond came up with a steal and fed backcourt mate Tom Parker for a layup that put the Wildcats in front, 19-18.

 Hammond then tickled the twine with back-to-back 3-pointers and, after two free throws by 6-foot-3 senior post Vito Sosic, a basket by 6-5 junior wing Shonn Miller and a power move inside by Sosic, Saint Ignatius led, 34-21, late in the first half. Sosic finished with 13 points.

 John Adams wouldn’t go away, however.

 Behind guard Bryson Wade’s third 3-pointer, the Rebels closed to eight points by halftime and kept the pressure on throughout most of the third quarter. Wade ended his night with 14 points.

 “I thought our big problem in the first half was just role identification, guys playing outside their comfort zone, their roles, what their strengths are,’’ Coach O’Toole said. “We’re good when the guys play with their strengths.’’

 Those strengths came to the fore in the final 10 minutes as a 10-0 run and the Wildcats’ depth left John Adams without an answer.

 After the team from the Senate Athletic League made it a six-point game at the 2:10 mark of the third quarter, Saint Ignatius sophomore guard Jack Tupa responded with the second of his two 3-pointers in the quarter.

 The Tupa net-drainer fueled the 10-0 run, which also featured two free throws and a power move to the basket by 6-6 senior post Rich Austin, a free throw by Hammond and another authoritative basket by Sosic that came early in the fourth quarter.

 “The energy wasn’t really there at the beginning of the game,’’ Hammond said. “Like Coach O’Toole was saying, the crowd wasn’t here tonight so we had to get ourselves into the game. We came to the realization that this team wasn’t going to be a pushover and we brought it in the third and fourth quarters.’’

 The Wildcats, who welcome Ohio basketball legend Canton McKinley to Sullivan Gym tonight, took command on a soft jumper by Hammond, a tip-in by Parker, a deflection by Tupa that resulted in a Parker breakaway and a strong dribble-drive by Parker.

 A senior, Parker finished with 10 points and Coach O’Toole also got an impressive effort down the stretch from senior forward Luka Papalko, who tossed in 11 second-half points on determined moves along the baseline.

 “Jack (Tupa) has been very consistent at both ends of the floor in our first two games,’’ said O’Toole. “And he’s a student of the game. He’s always asking questions and he is getting comfortable with what we’re doing. During football season, he was coming in at 6:30 in the morning taking shots.’’

 JUNIOR VARSITY ROLLS TO A 2-0 MARK

 The Wildcats’ jayvees also wore down John Adams, 87-41, on Friday night.

 Baskets by James Sheehan and Mike Svetina, two free throws by Derek Sloan and a three-point play in transition by Max Connors pushed the ‘Cats’ lead to 40-20 late in the first half.

 Saint Ignatius settled the issue in the third quarter on layups by Blake Thomas off assists from Sheehan, and three-point plays by Svetina and Sheehan.

 On a personal note, I am going to take the liberty to use these last few lines to once again express my love and congratulations to my daughter, Laura, and her husband, Chris, as they welcomed their first child, Connor Christopher Murphy, into the world at 10:22 a.m. on Thursday at Hillcrest Hospital. And thank you again to the wonderful staff at Hillcrest, for being so kind to this nervous grandpa. For the record, I now have two beautiful grandchildren, Connor, 8 pounds, and Caitlin Patton, who is in the third grade at Our Lady of Angels.

 -30-

 THEY MASTERED THE PERFORMANCE, THE TECHNIQUE.

 THE 2009 SAINT IGNATIUS WILDCATS WILL GO INTO THE RECORDS BOOKS AS ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE FOOTBALL TEAMS IN COACH CHUCK KYLE’S STORIED CAREER.

 STORY WAS POSTED ON 12/17/09 at 1:20 a.m. 

 SEE WEEKEND VARSITY BASKETBALL PREVIEWS BELOW

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Every year since Saint Ignatius’ first state football championship in 1988, Jack Corrigan ’70 has produced an outstanding video recapping the Wildcats’ season.

 This year was no different as Corrigan, a former Wildcat standout, a former coach at Saint Ignatius, a former television broadcaster of Indians baseball and currently an award-winning radio voice of the Colorado Rockies, captured the athletic essence and personality of a team that was true to the video’s title – “How You Play the Game.’’

 Wednesday night, families, friends, coaches, classmates and faculty gathered in the Murphy Center to pay tribute to a team that appreciated every snap and every second of its memory-filled fall.

 “You mastered the performance, the technique,’’ Coach Chuck Kyle ’69 told his 2009 ‘Cats during the school’s annual football banquet. “You were prepared, mentally, physically and spiritually.’’

 Saint Ignatius’ preparation, which was captured throughout the Corrigan production, saw a group of young men who were a bit undersized play every down as though it was their last.

 In compiling a 10-0 regular season, an 11-1 overall mark and advancing to the OHSAA Division I playoffs for a record 22nd consecutive time, the ’09 Wildcats overcame numerous challenges, physically and mentally, during their season of comebacks.

 On six different occasions during the regular season, Saint Ignatius overcame deficits and went on to earn the top ranking in the Associated Press Division I state poll and The Plain Dealer’s Top 25 seven-county poll. Among those comebacks was a 27-20 victory over Clayton Northmont during Week 2, a game that saw the Wildcats trail, 20-0, with 5 minutes, 8 seconds remaining in the first half. It was the biggest comeback victory (in terms of points deficit) in the program’s rich history, a history that has produced a record 10 Ohio big-school state titles and three national championships.

 Maybe veteran defensive line coach Dan Corrigan ’78, Jack’s brother, said it best when he emphasized that when he looks back on the 2009 Wildcats he probably won’t recall the undefeated regular season, the program’s first since 2000, or the playoffs.

 What he will remember, Dan Corrigan said, is how these kids played the game, “so tough and so hard.’’

 While Jack Corrigan’s video, which was produced with the assistance of Wildcats Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick ’88, was definitely another crowd pleaser, the special night also featured the presentation of the annual postseason awards.

 Here is a list of those young men who helped tie the third-longest winning streak (25 games) in Saint Ignatius’ football history.

 The 2009 Most Valuable Player: First-team All-Ohio senior quarterback and University of Pittsburgh recruit Mark Myers (more than 2,000 yards passing and 20 touchdown passes).

 The Most Valuable Running Back: Second-team All-Ohio junior tailback Bobby Grebenc, who rushed for more than 1,200 yards and scored 18 touchdowns.

 The Most Valuable Offensive Lineman: Senior guard Chris Chapek, a first-team All-Northeast Lakes District pick and an All-Ohio Special Mention.

 The Most Valuable Receiver: Standout senior tight end Brendan Carozzoni, a two-year mainstay and a University of Pittsburgh recruit.

 The Most Valuable Defensive Lineman: Two-year fixture at defensive end and three-year letterman Gerry Ramella.

 The Most Valuable Linebacker: Senior outside force Jake Ryan, a first-team All-Ohio selection, the co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Northeast Lakes District and the ‘Cats’ leading tackler with 104 stops.

 The Most Valuable Defensive Back: Senior safety Kevin Hopkins, whose 91 tackles helped him garner first-team All-NE Lakes District honors and All-Ohio Special Mention.

 The Most Valuable Special Teams Performer: Senior George Newrones, whose clutch all-around play on special teams and game-changing ability in the defensive secondary earned him All-NE Lakes District recognition and All-Ohio Special Mention.

 The Most Improved Player Award went to senior “mike’’ or middle linebacker Owen Callahan, who was in on 100 tackles and was a defensive rock for 12 games.

 The “Bigger, Stronger, Faster’’ Award was presented to senior linebacker/fullback Kevin Moroney, the invaluable Scout Team Awards went to senior running back Joe Gorczyca and senior defensive lineman Conor Mathews, and two-time All-Ohio senior linebacker and Ohio State recruit Scott McVey, the epitome of strength and courage, was the recipient of the prestigious Coaches Cup Award.

 McVey, Hopkins, standout senior defensive end Pat Dowd and senior Anthony Luvison, who excelled at wide receiver, on special teams and in the defensive secondary, picked up their Captains Awards for 2009. Coach Kyle announced that Grebenc and junior offensive lineman Mike Ramos have been voted by their classmates as two of the four captains for 2010, with the other two captains to be selected during the summer workouts.

 -30-

 JOHN ADAMS AND CANTON MCKINLEY VERSUS SAINT IGNATIUS BASKETBALL PREVIEWS.

 WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME WILDCATS BASKETBALL HISTORY AND KEVIN SMITH AND ANTHONY LUVISON WILL TALK WITH "TRIV'' ABOUT YOUTH VIOLENCE.   

 STORY WAS POSTED ON 12/15/09 AT 10:45 P.M.

 ‘CATS FACE STERN BACK-TO-BACK TESTS

 JOHN ADAMS’ RUNNING REBELS AND THE TRADITION-RICH MCKINLEY BULLDOGS COME CALLING THIS WEEKEND

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Dec. 2009

 Saint Ignatius’ multitalented forward/wing Shonn Miller is an amiable and soft-spoken young man.

 While the gifted 6-foot-5 junior prefers to let what happens on the floor do the talking, his words off the court can be best described as few, but well-chosen.

 “We just have to keep our focus in practice, and it will carry over to the games,’’ said Miller as he and the rest of the Wildcats were wrapping up another all-business practice early Tuesday evening. “As long as we play hard during the week, it will translate on Friday and Saturday.’’

 Although the Wildcats are coming off an impressive 83-33 opening-night victory over the Massillon Tigers, they realize the two teams coming to Sullivan Gymnasium this weekend present a much broader challenge.

 John Adams (3-1), which impressed this corner when it dominated Solon in last season’s Division I sectionals at Warrensville Heights, will be at the Sully on Friday and Canton McKinley (3-0), a name synonymous with Ohio high school basketball, pays a visit on Saturday night.

 Both varsity games will be preceded by 6 p.m. junior-varsity tilts and the action and video will be presented live over the Web by the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club. Go to www.sibn.weebly.com for broadcasting information.

 “People keep saying to me, ‘Hey, I see you have McKinley this week,’’’ said Saint Ignatius head coach Sean O’Toole ’87. “No, we have John Adams, and then McKinley!’’

 While Coach O’Toole understands why gym rats, loyal or neutral, get excited when McKinley comes to town, he strongly suggests that no one should look past the John Adams Rebels. Friday night is what college and pro coaches like to refer to as a “trap’’ game.

 “I saw them in the tournament last year and was very impressed,’’ O’Toole said of the Rebels. “The Senate (Athletic League) teams like playing us, so I wanted to get John Adams on our schedule. Coach LaVonne Davis has done a great job with his program.’’

 Motivated by their late-season success in 2008-09, the Rebels are playing with a cause from the opening tip-off until the final buzzer. Coach Davis welcomed back a veteran nucleus that includes, among others, Michael Blair, Bryson Wade, Michael Haywood and Samuel Bell. Blair had 20 points in Tuesday night’s 68-62 victory over Cleveland South and Haywood dominated the boards with 18 rebounds.

 As for McKinley, you can’t help but start with the tradition.

 The “Pups,’’ as their basketball-savvy faithful like to refer to the Bulldogs, hold the state mark for all-time victories with more than 1,750, a number that also ranks fifth nationally. McKinley has won three state basketball championships – 1984, ’05 and ’06 – and has finished as a state runner-up eight times. The perennial Stark County power will enter Saturday night’s game leading its all-time series with Saint Ignatius, 28-7.

 Under the direction of Coach Greg Malone, the Bulldogs bounced back from an uncharacteristic 6-15 finish in 2007-08 by going 15-6 last winter. It was an improvement that included an early season 12-point victory over the Wildcats.

 Playing in the legendary Memorial Field House, Coach O’Toole’s ‘Cats made a strong fourth-quarter run, only to be turned away by foul trouble and some clutch free-throw shooting by McKinley.

 “They are big, long and a lot like us in that they love to play defense, to pressure the ball,’’ said O’Toole of a McKinley team than can throw a lineup at you that includes 6-4, 6-5, 6-7 and 6-8 athletic players. “And their backcourt has what I like to refer to as a strong basketball IQ.’’

 Among the “Pups’’ barking up some early numbers, forcing turnovers and sweeping the glass are guards Che’ Richardson, Isiah Elliot and Da’ Onta’ Streeter, 6-3 forward/guard Zavier Thompson, 6-5 forward Da’Vontai Rorie, 6-7 post Cecil Smith, 6-4 forward Chris Davis, 6-8 post Brendan Jackson and 6-7 freshman post Mike Mills.

 Entering its Federal League game at Boardman on Friday night, McKinley has defeated Akron Kenmore by 12 points and has dominated Austintown Fitch and Shaw.

 “Last year, we were coming back on them,’’ said Miller of the loss in the Field House. “But we just didn’t have all of the pieces in the right places. This year, we feel that we have more team chemistry. It’s going to be a good game.’’

 THIS WEEK IN WILDCATS BASKETBALL HISTORY

 December, 1994

 With a performance that earned him Plain Dealer Player-of-the-Week honors, 6-foot-8 senior center Tom Fox, A.K.A. “Irish Thunder,’’ led the Wildcats to victories over Elyria and Warren Harding by totaling 46 points and 25 rebounds. He pulled down 15 rebounds against Harding and scored 28 points against Elyria, connecting on 13 of 15 shots from the field versus the Pioneers’ defense. 

 ON A FINAL NOTE: Seniors Kevin Smith and Anthony Luvison will be guests on the top-rated Mike Trivisonno Show tomorrow (Wednesday). The show runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on "The BIG One,'' WTAM 1100AM.

 Kevin and Anthony, members of the 'Cats' 11-1 varsity football team, will be discussing the stand they, and other athletes at Saint Ignatius, have taken against youth violence. Newspaper stories and web-site reports on the movement, which is headed by Wildcats assistant football coach Tyrone White and Saint Ignatius senior football player Christian Sanders, have appeared on the Wildcats' website. One of the best was put together by The Plain Dealer's outstanding writer, Margaret Bernstein.

  -30-

 JIM RAMELLA HONORED BY BC, GEORGE DICAMILLO IMPRESSIVE AT THE IRONMAN AND ‘CATS’ ICERS PREVAIL IN OVERTIME

 STORIES FOLLOW BASKETBALL RECAPS

 MASSILLON-SAINT IGNATIUS VARSITY BASKETBALL RECAP (POSTED ON 12/12/09 AT 1:56 A.M.).

 A PASSION FOR DEFENSE

 An attacking offense and a wealth of depth were more than the Tigers could deal with.

 Vito Sosic and Shonn Miller set the tempo inside and guards Tyler Hammond and Tom Parker fuel a relentless baseline-to-baseline performance.

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Dec. 2009

 Saint Ignatius senior guard Tom Parker made it perfectly clear what led to an opening-night performance that, in the words of Wildcats head basketball coach Sean O’Toole ’87, “couldn’t have been scripted any better.’’

 “We take pride in our defense,’’ Parker said. “We play offense with our defense.’’

 And oh my, did Parker and Co. ever play it well.

 Saint Ignatius, pressuring and pushing the ball from the get-go, dominated a veteran Massillon team, 83-33, on Friday night in front of an enthusiastic home base that walked out of Sullivan Gymnasium thoroughly impressed.

 The Wildcats, ranked fourth in The Plain Dealer’s Top 25 seven-county poll, defended, rebounded and ran their offense – both in the half court and in transition – with pride and passion as they controlled every facet of the game.

 “We just come out and play hard every day, from practice to the games,’’ said Tyler Hammond, a senior tri-captain who teams with Parker in forming one of the top defensive backcourts in Northeast Ohio. “And it ends up paying off.’’

 That commitment to defense paid huge dividends on Friday, as Massillon looked stunned in the first quarter and weary by halftime.

 Saint Ignatius, which defeated many of the same Tigers by just six points in an opening-night game in Massillon last season, hurt Coach Matt Creamer’s team early and often behind the inside play of 6-3 senior post Vito Sosic and 6-5 junior forward/wing Shonn Miller. After Parker scored on a three-point play in transition, the Wildcats led, 18-7, entering the second quarter.

 What happened over the next eight minutes was a baseline-to-baseline effort that Coach O’Toole and his assistants would love to bottle.

 A one-handed slam-dunk by the smooth Miller fueled a 13-1 run that was so quick and so authoritative that even some of the Tigers’ faithful were seen shaking their heads and applauding.

 Along with Miller’s slam, the 13-1 crowd-pleaser featured a driving one-hander by Hammond, a hustle steal and an assist by Parker that resulted in a three-point play by Hammond, a Parker layup off an assist by Hammond and a put-back by Miller.

 Leading, 31-8, with 5 minutes and 3 seconds remaining in the first half, the Wildcats began to overwhelm Massillon with their depth.

 Following the example set by the starting five of Sosic, Miller, Parker, Hammond and senior wing Kyle Wise, Coach O’Toole’s bench helped complete a second quarter that saw Saint Ignatius outscore the Tigers, 30-5.

 The first of two bench barrages included a steal and a layup by junior guard Charles Farris, a 3-pointer by sophomore guard Jack Tupa off a Farris assist, a soft jumper in the lane by 6-6 senior post Rich Austin and a layup by junior guard Ryan Ivancic off an assist from junior wing Reagan Sweeney.

 Then came the knockout punch courtesy of a steal by Sweeney, followed by his picture-perfect bounce pass to Ivancic for a layup in transition, a put-back by Austin, two free throws by senior forward Luka Papalko and a tip-in by Austin that sent Massillon to its locker room trailing, 48-12, at halftime.

 “It’s a veteran team, so you’re nervous starting out,’’ said Coach O’Toole of the Tigers. “We pride ourselves on our defense. We were able to get out and run, and get easy buckets. And we were able to score at the rim through our post feeds and our dribble drives.

 “If that’s not good enough, then hats off to our opponents, because that’s going to be our formula. There are going to be nights when the ball might not fit (in the basket), and that’s okay. The kids like playing this style and our assistant coaches have done a great job of making us a team that pushes the ball better. We have really improved in that area.’’

 Sosic, Parker, Miller and Hammond played briefly at the start of the second half and they each produced a basket that stretched Saint Ignatius’ lead to 56-12. All 15 Wildcats saw action and 12 of them scored. Miller led the way with 12 points, Sosic powered up 11, including nine in the first half, and Austin and Tupa each tossed in 10 points. Austin and Miller also came up with some discouraging blocks.

 Saint Ignatius was 9-of-11 from the free-throw line and the Tigers hit on 10 of their 19 shots from the charity stripe.

 “I had to go to work in the post,’’ said Sosic, who drew praise from Miller, Coach O’Toole and John Carroll University head basketball coach Mike Moran, who was on hand Friday night. “Their guys were pretty big, but we work hard in practice. It all starts there.’’

 And as for the work by the guys off the bench, Sosic said they feed off the starters, that the defensive hustle is contagious.

 “It is all about being a family this year,’’ said Hammond of the ‘Cats’ deep and unselfish rotation. “We’re more together this season.’’

 The Wildcats return to Sullivan Gymnasium next weekend for back-to-back home games. John Adams will be at the Sully on Friday and the storied Canton McKinley Bulldogs pay a visit on Saturday night. Both games will start with junior-varsity matchups at 6 p.m.

 JAYVEES PULL AWAY IN THE FINAL TWO MINUTES TO DEFEAT MASSILLON, 61-52.

 The Wildcats’ junior varsity team, under the direction of Coach Kevin Neitzel ’90, clung to a 50-49 lead over the Tigers with 2 minutes, 14 seconds remaining to be played.

 Keeping its composure, Saint Ignatius sealed the deal with a 9-1 run that featured two free throws by junior guard Rickey Brown, a steal by sophomore forward James Sheehan, a three-point play by freshman wing Derek Sloan, another steal by Sheehan and four free throws by Sloan.

 The Wildcats also benefited from some strong play by sophomore wing Mike Svetina and sophomore post Pat Davet.

 -30- 

 CONGRATULATIONS go out to former Wildcat Jim Ramella ’05, who was recently presented with the Scanlan Award from Boston College.

 The Scanlan Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a BC football player. It is presented to the senior player who excels on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

 Ramella, the brother of Wildcats 2008 and ’09 defensive-line mainstay Gerry Ramella ‘10, started all 12 games at right defensive end this fall and finished the regular season with 29 consecutive starts on the D-Line. He totaled 27 tackles during the regular season, including four tackles for a loss, and will enter the Dec. 26 Emerald Bowl against the USC Trojans with a team-leading three sacks and two forced fumbles. His 20 solo tackles are second among the Eagles’ defensive linemen.

 STRONGER, FASTER: And speaking of congratulations, sophomore George DiCamillo, who finished seventh in the state last season at 103 pounds, defeated Saint Edward’s highly regarded freshman Dean Heil, 7-5, in overtime in the finals of the rugged Ironman Wrestling Tournament at Walsh Jesuit.

 DiCamillo, who came up with two key reversals, pointed to his increased strength and quickness this season.

 ON ICE: Saint Ignatius’ varsity hockey team, behind a goal by sophomore forward Liam Geither, defeated Walsh Jesuit, 3-2, in overtime in Saturday’s Red North Division game at Kent State University.

 The Wildcats, who improved to 6-1 overall and 2-0 in the Red North, also received lamplighters from senior center Michael Wells and sophomore defender Michael Abood.

 Saint Ignatius out-shot the Warriors, 29-15, and benefited from 13 saves by sophomore goalie Matt Kovesdy.

-30-

 MASSILLON VERSUS SAINT IGNATIUS VARSITY BASKETBALL PREVIEW

 Story was posted on 12/8/09 at 11:48 p.m.

 Wildcats open their 2009-10 season against the disciplined and experienced Tigers.

 A veteran Saint Ignatius team looks to defend its home floor in Sullivan Gymnasium.

 And we take a look at some Wildcats basketball history.

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Dec. 2009

 If you were to ask Saint Ignatius’ Sean O’Toole ’87 and Massillon’s Matt Creamer where their basketball teams stand heading into Friday night’s season opener at Sullivan Gymnasium, you would probably get a very similar answer.

  Although the Wildcats and the Tigers each return a nucleus of experienced players, both veteran head coaches will be going through a feeling out process as they develop the rotations that will come to the fore in mid-January.

 “I have a high respect for Matt Creamer,’’ said Coach O’Toole, who will guide his Wildcats against the Tigers at approximately 7:30 p.m. The night will begin with a 6 p.m. junior-varsity game and all of the action will be aired live over the Web by the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club.

 “Matt’s team will be disciplined,’’ O’Toole continued. “They will play to their strengths and they will be deliberate to the point where sometimes they will take what you give them, and sometimes they will grind a possession out and try to get you to breakdown defensively, to lull you to sleep.’’

 Saint Ignatius and Massillon grinded it out in last season’s opener in the Tigers’ Lair, a 45-39 victory by the Wildcats in O’Toole’s debut as head coach at his alma mater. Saint Ignatius trailed for most of the first three quarters before outscoring Massillon, 17-9, over the final eight minutes. Forward Shonn Miller led the Wildcats with 10 points and post/forward Rich Austin scored eight points and grabbed four rebounds.

 While Saint Ignatius is looking to continue the success that produced an 18-5 winter in 2008-09, Coach Creamer’s Tigers are hoping to bounce back from a disappointing record of 6-15.

  Massillon, whose “T.E.A.M.’’ philosophy is Together Everyone Accomplishes More, will be led by 5-foot-8 senior point guard Trennie Richardson, 6-4 senior wing Jamil Dudley and Evan Malinowski and Randy McCormick, a pair of aggressive 6-2 wings. Creamer’s club will also be bolstered by some of the Tigers’ exceptional football athletes, including standout 6-3 wide receiver Devin Smith. Joe Muntean, a 6-6 senior, is the tallest of the Tigers.

 “Offensively, they shoot it, they back cut you and they post,’’ O’Toole said of the Tigers. “And defensively, they are a very good position team. Five guys guard the ball and they’re very good at full-court pressure. So I’m just not sure what to expect from them this weekend.

 “It’s actually a good test. You have to expect the unexpected and go to work.’’

 O’Toole pointed out that the long and athletic Dudley hurt the Wildcats last year with his shooting touch and his work off the glass. He also singled out Richardson for his quickness and his ability to break a defense down, create his own scoring opportunities or drive and dish for others.

 The Wildcats will be without one of their main pieces on Friday night as 6-5 senior forward Mark Myers is making his official football visit to the University of Pittsburgh. Myers, who shot 62.3 percent from the floor last season (2-pointers and 3-pointers combined), was a first-team Division I All-Ohio quarterback this fall.

 “Obviously we would love to have Mark this weekend, but this is something he has to do,’’ O’Toole said. “The team is well aware of it and we support him. We have plenty of bodies, guys who are ready to give minutes.

 “It’s going to be fun to get an official (game) in, to go to competition. It’s different though, when the lights are on and it counts. Every reach matters, every foul matters and every possession matters. In scrimmages, you can get through those things without the pressure of, hey, it’s 32 minutes.’’

 Coach O’Toole pointed to an aspect of Friday’s game that even some of the most savvy gym rats would not even consider – the size of the floor.

 “When we played at Massillon, there was a ton of space to guard,’’ said the former standout power forward for the Wildcats. “It was a bigger floor, a college floor. It’s a much smaller floor here. Whether that works to our advantage or disadvantage I’m not sure.

 “But one of the factors of playing at Sullivan Gym is that it’s going to be a smaller floor, and they’re a team that likes to use great spacing. Of course we just have to worry about how we play – making sure the right guys are taking the right shots, getting a shot every possession, use our feet, play with our hands above our head and rebound the basketball.''

 For a preview on Saint Ignatius’ varsity basketball team, see the stories below.

 THIS WEEK IN WILDCATS BASKETBALL HISTORY

  December, 1980

 Saint Ignatius, behind 21 points by Mike McNally, including 14 in the first half, 19 points by Mike Trivisonno and an 18-point effort by Jim Woidke, turned back a furious rally by Cleveland Heights and defeated the Tigers, 85-78, in Sullivan Gymnasium.

 After uncorking a 31-point second quarter, the Wildcats held a 52-34 lead at halftime. The Tigers, who got a game-high 22 points from Marvin Satterfield, closed to 82-76 with 53 seconds left before Saint Ignatius sealed the deal on three clutch free throws by Trivisonno. A member of the Wildcats’ Athletic Hall of Fame, Trivisonno also had 10 assists and five steals.

 Although Woidke was known for his basketball skills in high school, us old-timers remember him as a standout tailback in football for the undefeated and un-scored upon Saint Ignatius of Antioch Cougars. The Cougars were coached by some wily defensive guru.

  -30-

 ‘CATS' ICERS IMPROVE TO 5-1 (posted on 12/5/09).

 Saint Ignatius’ varsity hockey team, behind two goals by senior forward John Jeziorowski and lamp lighters by senior defender Sam Nader, and senior forwards Michael Wells and Jacob Reimenschneider, defeated Olentangy Liberty, 5-3, in the home opener at the Brooklyn Ice Rink on Saturday.

 Also helping the ‘Cats improve to 5-1 on the young season was junior goalie Josh Potts, who had 11 saves in 14 shots.

 Earlier in the week, Saint Ignatius traveled to Mentor and came away with a 6-4 triumph over Lake Catholic. Sophomore forward Paddy Spellacy led the attack with four goals. Wells and Reimenschneider also tallied against the always tough Cougars and sophomore goalie Matt Kovesday saved 15 of 19 shots.

 The Wildcats are back in action on Saturday, when they travel to Kent State University to take on Walsh Jesuit at 4:30 p.m. Saint Ignatius defeated the Warriors, 2-1, in last month's Jesuit Cup Tournament on the Kent State ice.

 VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM GEARING UP FOR FRIDAY'S SEASON OPENER (see preview below).

 -30-

SAINT IGNATIUS 2009-10 VARSITY BASKETBALL PREVIEW (posted on 12/2/09).

 “All as one’’

 Defense, depth and experience will be the Wildcats’ calling cards as they embark on what could be the most demanding schedule in the program’s history.

 By Eddie Dwyer
Copyright, Dec. 2009

 Moments after Tuesday night’s scrimmage against Strongsville, Saint Ignatius’ Tyler Hammond talked about the makeup of the Wildcats’ varsity basketball team.

 “We have about seven or eight returning people this year,’’ said the gifted senior point guard. “So that should help out a lot with our camaraderie – coming together, playing together and being all as one.

 “Last year, defense was our priority and that is going to come back into play this year, especially with almost everybody returning and the new guys having the same mindset.’’

 They say defense and rebounding are an attitude, and no team in Saint Ignatius’ basketball history mirrored its coach more than the 2008-09 Wildcats.

 Under the direction of Sean O’Toole ’87, a relentless, leave-it-all-on-the-floor power forward for the Wildcats’ 1986-87 Division I elite-eight team, Saint Ignatius surprised some of the experts last season by going 18-5 and finishing as runner-up to perennial power Warren Harding in the talent-rich Warrensville Heights district.

 The ‘Cats advanced to the championship game against the Harding Raiders by laying down the “D’’ and knocking off one of the most highly touted teams in Ohio, the Garfield Heights Bulldogs.

 After limiting their opponents last season to an average of 47.1 point per game and a shooting percentage of 37.6, the Wildcats are looking to improve upon an offensive output that resulted in an average of 55.7 points per outing and a 45.4 shooting percentage.

 Preparing for a schedule that has some loyal followers saying “Wow,’’ Coach O’Toole and his ‘Cats are fully aware of the importance of offensive balance and the ability to score at the rim.

 Hammond, who plays with endless passion, said the team is looking to build a more “aggressive state’’ on offense. He added that with Coach O’Toole’s guidance, the defense will continue to complement the offense and develop confidence at both ends of the floor.

 Saint Ignatius will need to carry that confidence night in and night out as it faces what is truly a who’s who schedule.

 The Wildcats, who open their season against the talented and experienced Massillon Tigers on Dec. 11 at Sullivan Gymnasium, have added perennial Philadelphia power St. Joe’s Prep, defending Division III state champion Cleveland Central Catholic and Detroit Jesuit to a schedule that includes, among others, Ohio legend Canton McKinley, state contenders Cincinnati St. Xavier and Warren Harding, and the top two teams to beat in the seven-county area – the St. Edward Eagles and the Benedictine Bengals. It would surprise none of the area's gym rats if St. Edward and Benedictine were in Columbus in late March.

 St. Joe’s Prep, which is coached by Philadelphia’s living legend, Bill “Speedy’’ Morris, will play Saint Ignatius on Jan. 2 at 2:05 p.m. as part of the Cancer Research Classic at Wheeling Jesuit University. The Central Catholic game is slated for Sunday, Jan. 10, at 6:45 p.m. in Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center. The “Pups’’ from Canton McKinley and their round-ball savvy fans will be at Sullivan Gym on Dec. 19, Detroit Jesuit and St. Xavier come to the Sully on Dec. 30 and Jan. 23, respectively, the 'Cats travel to Warren Harding on Jan. 30 and the first of the annual home-and-home games with St. Edward is Jan. 15 at the Eagles Nest. St. Edward is led by 6-foot-10 junior post and Louisville recruit James Price.

 The Wildcats close their regular season on Feb. 27 at Benedictine. In Derek Jackson and Cameron Wright, the Bengals feature one of the top backcourts in the Midwest.

 “Actually, I think it is going to be just the opposite this year,’’ said Hammond of last season, when Saint Ignatius surprised many by winning 11 of its last 13 games and finishing sixth in The Plain Dealer’s final Top 25, seven-county poll. “I think everyone is going to look for a lot out of us. So we’re definitely going to have to come harder. The strength of schedule definitely helps when you get to the postseason tournament.’’

 Coach O’Toole is known as a man who won’t pull any punches when evaluating his team. Last year’s Division I co-Coach of the Year in the Northeast Lakes District, O’Toole is, however, excited about this season.

 “We would like to build off what we started last year,’’ O’Toole said of what was his first season as head coach at his alma mater. “Going 18-5, I know was unexpected throughout the city. We found a way to win games.

 “A stat no one knows is that in 23 games last year, there were only three games where we were losing before the fourth quarter. I think we have to sustain that as one of the characteristics of our team – that we are able to get leads and sustain leads.

 “Obviously, we’re a team that focuses on the defensive end of the floor first,’’ O’Toole continued. “We’re a pressure team that likes to take calculated risks, but we never want to give up easy buckets. We want to get out and run, but the whole thing offensively is that we like to score at the rim. Whether it’s off dribble drives, off transition, off steals, off offensive rebounds or off post feeds, we want to score at the rim. If teams aren’t going to let us get to the rim, then we have to knock down shots and that is where the 3-pointer is a valuable weapon.’’

 Last season, the Wildcats were 104 of 310 from beyond the 3-point arc. Multitalented 6-foot-6 forward Shonn Miller led the way with 27 treys and Hammond had 18 and shot nearly 40 percent from triple range.

 A junior who has been offered a scholarship from the University of Akron, the fluid Miller was the team’s co-Offensive Player of the Year in ’08-’09. He averaged 10 points and nearly five rebounds, and blocked 21 shots, with most of those numbers coming as the sixth man.

 At the other end of the floor, the 5-10 Hammond teams with 5-11 senior Tom Parker in forming one of the top defensive backcourts in the area. The duo combined for 45 steals last winter, 23 for Hammond and 22 for Parker. Parker did an outstanding job checking Garfield Heights’ All-Ohio scoring machine Carl Jones during the upset of the Bulldogs.

 Other veterans include 6-3 senior Vito Sosic and 6-5 senior Rich Austin, whose strength and endless hustle inside are vital to the team’s success, 6-2 senior Luka Papalko, who is looking to shake off the injury bug from last season, 6-1 senior guard Kyle Wise, who shot 44.4 percent from 3-point range last winter and loves to defend, and 6-5 senior forward Mark Myers.

 Myers is getting his basketball legs back after garnering first-team All-Ohio honors in football as a quarterback and earning a scholarship from the University of Pittsburgh. A player who can rebound, run the floor and score inside and outside, Myers shot 63.2 percent on 2-point shots and 58.3 percent on 3-pointers in ’08-’09.

 The above mentioned veterans will be complemented by a sturdy and basketball hungry group of underclassmen, whose names you will be reading about as the season goes on. The junior-varsity squad ended its 2008-09 winter by winning nine consecutive games.

 “We’re a work in progress,’’ Coach O’Toole said. “We’re less than two weeks away from our first game and we just got a major piece of the puzzle back in Mark Myers, which is exciting. Mark had a great football season, a long season, and we were willing to give him whatever time he needed. As for Mark’s impact, even though it may not be in December, I promise you there will be good minutes in January, February and hopefully into March.

 “We like to use our depth, but right now I don’t think our depth is where it needs to be,’’ Coach O’Toole continued. “We’re still trying to juggle lineups and figure out who fits what lineup best. We would like to play a minimum of 10 kids, but we’re ready to play as few as five. Whatever it takes to win the game is what we will do, and the kids understand that.

 “Although we may be undersized, we’re going to take that disadvantage, use our heats and minds, go after teams and win that way.’’

 This corner will begin its weekly previews on the Wildcats’ games starting with next Tuesday night’s look at the Massillon Tigers.

 And don’t forget that the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club will air the ‘Cats’ games live over the web, with the home games and a majority of the road games to also include video coverage. For further information and links to the online broadcasts go to www.sibn.weebly.com or e-mail the SIBC at broadcastingclub@students.ignatius.edu.

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 A night for Maria

 Wildcats play their “Foundation’’ scrimmage for a special young lady and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (posted on 12/1/09). 

 Saint Ignatius football players earn some well-deserved postseason honors (see story below).

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Dec. 2009
 

 Just seconds after she accepted the microphone from Saint Ignatius head basketball coach Sean O’Toole ’87, Maria Znidarsic, in a composed, courageous and heart-warming manner, had the undivided attention of everyone in attendance at Sullivan Gymnasium on Tuesday night.

 It was halftime of the Wildcats’ “Foundation Game’’ against the Strongsville Mustangs, an event in which the Ohio High School Athletic Association allows its member schools to raise money for a special cause by playing a preseason scrimmage under regular game conditions. Coach O’Toole gave a brief explanation of the game’s purpose – to assist the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in its efforts to raise money for research – and then turned the floor over to Maria.

 Maria, who is in the seventh grade at St. Gabriel’s in Concord, Ohio, is continuing her remarkable battle with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease that affects 30,000 individuals. CF produces thickened mucus to the point where it disrupts digestion of foods and causes chronic lung inflammation and infections. CF is a disease people are born with, but also one that may not be detected right away.

 In explaining her daily routine with CF, which currently carries with it a life expectancy of 38 years old, Maria displayed a maturity and inner strength beyond her years. Her father, Robert, is a 1986 graduate of Saint Ignatius and her uncle, Philip, is from the Class of 1987.

 Many in attendance were overcome with emotion, as Maria talked calmly about the number of pills she has to take each day, some of the setbacks she has had to overcome and how this coming Saturday is her 13th birthday, a day, she said, that she probably wouldn’t have lived long enough to see if it wasn’t for the vital research that helps improve and extend the life of those with CF.

 There are currently 28 new medications being evaluated for CF, more than any other disease. There has been a year added to the life expectancy each year since 1999.

 Before handing the microphone back to Coach O’Toole, Maria revealed that she turns to sports to help her maintain good health while fighting CF.

 An Altar Server at St. Gabriel’s, Maria plays basketball and travel soccer, and runs cross country and track (runs a 6:18 minute mile). And she carries a 4.0-plus grade-point average.

 Before Coach O’Toole was done thanking Maria and her family, players from both teams were on their feet applauding this special young lady.

 Oh, by the way, the Wildcats did come out of the spirited scrimmage with veteran coach Joe Lynch and his Mustangs victorious.

 The only numbers that really mattered, however, were the totals that resulted from the generous donations to the CFF by the fans at Sullivan Gym, and the invaluable minutes Maria gave to all of us fortunate enough to hear her speak.

 COMING WEDNESDAY EVENING – The Wildcats’ 2009-10 basketball preview. 

 WILDCATS GARNER POSTSEASON FOOTBALL HONORS (12/1/09).

 Congratulations go out to senior quarterback Mark Myers, senior linebackers Jake Ryan and Scott McVey, junior tailback Bobby Grebenc, senior offensive lineman Chris Chapek, and senior defensive backs/special-teams standouts George Newrones and Kevin Hopkins, who each received recognition on the 2009 Associated Press Division I All-Ohio high school football team.

 Myers and Ryan earned first-team honors, McVey and Grebenc were named to the second team, and Newrones, Hopkins and Chapek were chosen as Special Mentions.

 The honors these young men received are quite impressive, especially when you consider the number of teams and players competing in Division I football throughout the entire state.

 A big tip of the helmet also goes out to coach Chuck Kyle ’69, who was selected as the Division I co-Coach of the Year in the Northeast Lakes District, and to Myers and Ryan, who were the NE Lakes District’s co-Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.

- Eddie Dwyer

 -30-

 ‘CATS’ BOWLERS BEGIN THEIR SEASON ON A POSITIVE NOTE (POSTED ON 12/01/09).

 The pins are flying and optimism is riding high as Coach John Kastanis and his Saint Ignatius bowling team opened their 2009-10 season with a victory over Cuyahoga Heights.

 Coach Kastanis said the veteran alley ‘Cats will be bolstered by some new keglers, faces that should help Saint Ignatius build off its strong finish of last winter.

 After starting their 2008-09 season 0-6, the Wildcats finished 11-7 and ended up in fifth place in their conference.

 “I feel very confident for a successful season this year, with more of an improved overall team,’’ Kastanis said.

 For a complete schedule on the bowling season, go to www.ignatius.edu, click on athletics and click on bowling.

 - Eddie Dwyer

 -30-

 Titans edge the 'Cats in tournament final; Lake Catholic up next (posted on 11/29/09).

 After a strong 3-0 start in the annual Jesuit Cup Tournament, Saint Ignatius' varsity hockey team was defeated by Toledo St. John's Jesuit, 4-2, in Sunday's championship game at Kent State University.

 The Wildcats advanced to the title game by defeating Cincinnati St. Xavier, St. John's Jesuit and Walsh Jesuit. Saint Ignatius defeated the Titans, 3-0, in Saturday's second-round action.

 On Wednesday, the 'Cats will travel to Mentor for a 7:15 p.m. encounter with the tough and talented Lake Catholic Cougars.

 -30-

 Saint Ignatius' icers sweep their way to the championship game of the annual Jesuit Cup Hockey Tournament (posted on 11/28/09).

 Combining solid defense with a timely offensive attack, Saint Ignatius' varsity hockey team defeated Toledo St. John's Jesuit, 3-0, on Saturday afternoon and came back Saturday night and turned away the Walsh Jesuit Warriors, 2-1, in the second round of the annual Jesuit Cup Tournament at Kent State University.

 With their victories, the Wildcats improved to 3-0 in the tournament and advanced to Sunday's 1 p.m. championship game against St. John's Jesuit on the Kent State ice.

 Michael Abood, Michael Wells and John Jeziorowski provided the goals against St. John's Jesuit in Saturday's matinee and the nightcap against Walsh Jesuit featured scores by Kevin Joseph and Paddy Spellacy. Joseph had two goals in Friday night's 11-0, opening-round victory over Cincinnati St. Xavier.  

 -30-

 'Cats' icers dominate the Bombers (posted on 11/27/09).

 Saint Ignatius' varsity hockey team began defense of its Jesuit Cup Tournament championship by defeating Cincinnati St. Xavier, 11-0, during Friday night's opening round at Kent State University.

 Counting Friday's matchup, the Wildcats have now outscored the Bombers, 27-4, in their past three encounters combined.

 Coach Pat O'Rourke's 'Cats return to the Kent State ice on Saturday for a 1:30 p.m. game against Toledo St. John's Jesuit and a 7 p.m. faceoff with the Walsh Jesuit Warriors. Sunday's third-place and championship games are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively.

 -30-

 Saint Ignatius 2009-10 Swimming and Diving Preview – story was posted on 11/25/09 at 12:50 a.m.

 Three state qualifiers lead a solid core of returning lettermen. 

 Coach Jeff Ridler's staff includes new assistants Jenna Jacobs and Brittany Tweardy.

 The annual football banquet is slated for Dec. 16, a former Wildcat is honored by ESPN, we look back on some past football gobble, gobble, and recognize the connection between the Wildcats and November’s 26th day (see after swimming and diving preview).

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Nov. 2009

 Saint Ignatius’ swimming and diving coach Jeff Ridler put it in words every Wildcat fan can appreciate.

 “We are all looking forward in continuing the tradition of success that our program has demonstrated over the past 35 years,’’ Ridler said.

 Building on that tradition this season will be what Ridler described as “an excellent group of swimmers and divers.’’

 Leading a strong and talented nucleus of lettermen are three returning state qualifiers – Brian Mog, David Kloos, and Andrew Pfriem. The veteran Wildcats will be joined this winter by 14 new swimmers.

 And while were on the subject of new faces, Saint Ignatius will also feature two new assistant coaches – Jenna Jacobs and Brittany Tweardy.

 “Both have extensive competitive swimming backgrounds and will bring a wealth of knowledge to our program as we move forward from the success of last season,’’ said Ridler of Jacobs and Tweardy.

 As for the seasoned veterans, Kloos will look to improve upon an impressive 2008-09 season that saw him finish 10th in the state in the 100 Backstroke and 24th in Ohio in the 200 IM. 

 Mog and Pfriem, two of the Wildcats’ top sprinters, are striving to make a repeat appearance in the 200 Free Relay and 400 Free Relay at the state meet.

 Other tested competitors hoping to make a significant impact at the district level are Andrew Libertin, Henry Chamberlain, Kenny Kalynchuk, Kevin Krivanek, Ryan Krivanek, and Zach Tomsick.

 Returning diver Billy Rosenberg is working overtime as he hopes to qualify for the state meet this season after narrowly missing a qualifying spot last winter. Among the goals Keith Carmichael and Justin Centa have this season is to crack the elusive top nine at the district meet and hopefully join Rosenberg as state qualifiers.

 “We have several newcomers that will make an immediate impact to our program,’’ said Coach Ridler, who is a teacher at Willowick Middle School. “John Farkass is entering his first year with our team as a senior and will look to strengthen the sprint and backstroke events. Charlie Pophal will look to add depth to our middle distance and backstroke events, Andre Bshara will improve needed depth in the butterfly, and Derek Hren will make an immediate impact in all events, both within our team and within the state.’’

 Taking a glance at some of Saint Ignatius’ early season competitions, Coach Ridler and his ‘Cats will be at the Solon Relays on Dec. 5 at 4 p.m., the Berea Invitational on Dec. 12 at 8 a.m. and the Northeast Extravaganza at Solon on Dec. 28 (2 p.m.), Dec. 29 (2 p.m.) and Dec. 30 (11 a.m.). For a complete schedule go to www.ignatius.edu, click on athletics and click on swimming.
 -30-

 MAKE A NOTE: The annual Saint Ignatius football banquet is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. in the Murphy Fieldhouse.  

 A MAN FOR OTHERS: Congratulations go out to former Saint Ignatius football standout Mark Sullivan ‘07, who garnered Academic All-America recognition this season and was recently selected to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV Team. Mark, a mainstay on the defensive line for the Lords of Kenyon College, was a first-team selection by ESPN The Magazine.

 The 2009 ESPN The Magazine All-District IV Team was comprised of 49 players, each with a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or better. The College Sports Information Directors of America voted on the players, who were from Division II, III and NAIA institutions located in Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee.

 Mark, one of just 24 players to earn first-team honors in District IV, is a Biology major with a 4.0 grade point average. His dad, Mark, is former award-winning nose tackle for The Ohio State Buckeyes and John Carroll University, and is currently doing an outstanding job as the head coach of Saint Ignatius’ varsity wrestling team. Last March, the varsity wrestlers produced two state champions – Jerome Robinson ’10 and David Habat ’10 – and finished fourth in Ohio in Division I.

 This past season, Mark led Kenyon with 18 tackles for losses totaling 85 yards. That effort ranked second overall in the North Coast Athletic Conference and his six sacks were the fifth-best in the NCAC.

 AH, THE CHARITY GAME: You will have to excuse old-timers like yours truly for getting a little nostalgic this week.

 Growing up in the 1950’s on West 103rd, the section of the street that is now part of I-90, I was in a short walking distance to legendary West Tech Field. West Tech Field, which is now part of an apartment complex known as The West Tech Lofts, hosted some of the most memorable games in the history of area high school football.

 In those days, the champions from Cleveland’s West Senate and East Senate would play for the overall City Championship on Thanksgiving Day morning or Thanksgiving Day weekend at old Municipal Stadium, the Grand Lady on the Lakefront. It was known as “The Charity Game,’’ with proceeds benefiting The Plain Dealer’s “Give-A-Christmas-Fund’’ and the West and East Senate’s Medical Injury Fund.

 The Charity Game became such a Thanksgiving-week tradition that in its 38-year history it attracted a total of 1,303,806 fans. That’s an average of more than 34,000 per game. Seventeen of the Charity Games had an attendance figure of greater than 35,000, with five surpassing 52,000. The OHSAA regional playoffs and state championship games, current or past, can’t match up with those figures.

 In what is still the largest crowd to witness a high school football game in Ohio and the second-largest attendance at a high school football game anywhere in the nation, area juggernaut Cathedral Latin School defeated Holy Name, 35-6, in front of 70,955 fans in the 1946 Charity Game at Municipal Stadium.

 Just for the fun of it, we noticed that when Saint Ignatius played in a Charity Game that fell on Nov. 26th, as Thanksgiving Day does this year, the Wildcats went 2-0.

 On Nov. 26, 1949, a crowd of 30,227 watched Saint Ignatius win its first Charity Game by defeating East Tech, 13-0. On Nov. 26, 1964, the Wildcats completed their dominant 10-0 season by stunning Benedictine, 48-6, in a Charity Game that attracted 41,183 to the Lakefront. Led by storied quarterback/safety Brian Dowling, the 1964 Wildcats go down as one of the strongest and most-balanced teams in the history of area high school football. The ’64 ‘Cats were inducted into Saint Ignatius’ Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991.

 In closing, and because the forecast calls for the possibility of a few light or soggy snowflakes by Friday, we will remind you that the 1950 Charity Game between Saint Ignatius and Benedictine, scheduled for a Saturday afternoon, Nov. 25, was postponed two weeks after Cleveland was hit with a blizzard that produced more than 20 inches of snow. The National Guard was called on to help clear the streets and schools were closed until early December.

 Oh yeah, when the Charity Game was finally played on Dec. 9, the Wildcats and the Bengals battled to a 14-14 tie.

 To all of my family, who for years made it possible for me to pursue my passion for covering high school sports, to all of the Wildcats, who have given this corner so many cherished memories, to all of the great high school reporters whom I still have the occasional privilege to work with and to all of Ohio's passionate football fans, have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

 -30-

   Saint Ignatius 2009-10 hockey preview – story was posted on 11/23/09 at 1:07 a.m.

  Wildcats will blend youth and experience

  Another who’s who schedule expected to pay dividends in the postseason

  By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Nov. 2009

 Behind a strong veteran nucleus and a group of talented underclassmen who are hungry for the ice, the Saint Ignatius Wildcats are ready to face off with their 2009-10 hockey season.

  After three consecutive trips to the Elite Eight of the state tournament, Coach Pat O’Rourke’s Wildcats are seeking the program’s first Final Four appearance since 2000, when Saint Ignatius brought home the state championship by defeating Toledo St. John’s Jesuit, 5-0, in the semifinals and the Padua Bruins, 4-1, in the championship game.

  Last season, the Wildcats, playing one of the toughest schedules in the Midwest, won three tournaments and finished runner-up in two others en route to a 28-9 record and a No. 2 seed in the sectional tournament. The 28 victories were just one shy of the ‘Cats’ all-time mark, which they established in 2000 by going 29-6-2.

 Saint Ignatius’ 2008-09 season came to an amazing finish, as the Wildcats and the St. Edward Eagles battled through regulation, six overtimes and four hours before St. Edward prevailed, 3-2, in front of more than 2,000 fans at Brooklyn’s Coyne Recreation Center. Coach O’Rourke ’90 described the epic battle as “an instant classic, the essence of high school sports.’’

 Leading this winter’s offensive attack will be seniors Michael Wells, Asa Frebes, Nolan Schade, Jacob Riemenschneider, and John Jeziorowski. Juniors Kevin Joseph and Jason Petraska, as well as sophomores Paddy Spellacy, Liam Geither, Taylor Wolf, Colton Riemenschneider, and Ray Gajkowski, are expected to add scoring punch.

 The Wildcats have always taken pride in their defense, and helping to continue that tradition will be seniors Chris Knoth and Sam Nader, who will anchor the blue line.

 Junior Pete Bobulsky and sophomores Michael Abood, Will Smith and Andrew Steed will chip in at the point, and sophomore goaltender Matt Kovesdy takes over in the net. Junior Josh Potts will back up Kovesdy.

 In Ed Zdolshek '09, Saint Ignatius said goodbye to one of the outstanding goalies in the history of Ohio high school hockey.

 A three-time All-Division and All-League performer, the ‘Cats’ three-time Defensive MVP and the program’s season and career leader in the net, Zdolshek is playing Junior “A’’ hockey with the Northen Cyclones (AJAL).

 Saint Ignatius will begin another demanding schedule this coming holiday weekend as Coach O’Rourke’s team looks to defend its Jesuit Tournament championship at Kent State University.

 On Friday night at 8:30, the Wildcats will face the Bombers of Cincinnati St. Xavier. Saturday’s double header features a 1:30 p.m. encounter with Toledo St. John’s and a 7 p.m. faceoff with the Walsh Jesuit Warriors. Sunday’s third-place and championship games will be played at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

 The 2009-10 slate will also feature divisional home-and-home sets with longtime rivals St. Edward, Padua, and University School, plus two games each against the always-tough Lake Catholic Cougars and Walsh Jesuit.

 Highlights against non-league opponents show the ‘Cats taking on perennial regional powers Culver Military Academy, Hamilton (Ind.) Southeastern, Gilmour Academy, Meadville (Pa.), University of Detroit Jesuit, Strongsville, and Sylvania Northview, among others.

 Saint Ignatius’ home games are played at the Brooklyn Ice Rink, which is located on Memphis Avenue between Tiedeman and Ridge roads. It is an easy trip from both the East and West Side via I-480. You can access the Wildcats’ 2009-10 schedule by going to www.ignatius.edu, clicking on athletics and clicking on hockey. On the hockey site are color photos of Saint Ignatius’ locker room at the Brooklyn Ice Rink and photos of past teams.

                                          “THE WILDCAT WAY’’

                                              Program Philosophy

 “The Wildcat Way” refers to the way the Saint Ignatius hockey player attempts to carry himself on a daily basis, both on and off the ice. The St. Ignatius Wildcat is a “Man for Others,” not a man who is out for himself.  He strives to work hard in the classroom and on the ice, to be conscientious in all his doings, and to exhibit good Christian behavior.  The St. Ignatius Wildcat hockey player enjoys competition and loves to win, is hard-nosed and tough, and is passionate about doing things the right way. He hustles at all times, plays the game under control and with smarts, and never gives up.  In short, he is a winner.
 - Coach O'Rourke and his staff. 

                                        Program History

                                      State Champions – 2000

                                      Final Four – 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000

                                      Baron Cup Champions – 1987, 1988, 1992

                                      Red Division Champions – 1992, 2007, 2008

                                      Retired Jerseys: #1 Fr. Robert Welsh S.J.
                                                              #99 Fr. Kenneth Styles S.J.

                                     Honorary Jersey: #24 Fr. William Murphy S.J.

                                                             Staff

                                Varsity Head Coach: Mr. Patrick O’Rourke ’90

                                Varsity Assistant Coaches: Mr. Paul Chase ’96
                                                                         Mr. Jon Hunek
                                                                         Mr. Keith Abood

                               Junior Varsity Head Coach: Mr. Phil Hunek

                               JV Assistant Coach: Mr. Bryan Schoenholz

                                                         Mottos

 2005 – Humble & Hungry

 2006 – Band of Brothers

 2007 – Labor Omnia Vincit (Hard Work Conquers All)

 2008 – Prepare for Glory

 2009 – Do What You Do Best

 2010 – Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful

COMING WEDNESDAY - THE WILDCATS' SWIMMING AND DIVING PREVIEW.

  -30-

 “DREAMS DO BECOME A REALITY.’’

 SAINT IGNATIUS PAYS TRIBUTE TO ITS STATE-CHAMPION CROSS COUNTRY TEAM.

 Story was posted on 11/19/09 at 1:52 a.m.

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Nov. 2009


 With the 2009 cross country season about to get underway, Saint Ignatius assistant coach Tom Maloney ’83 said to the Wildcats: “It goes too fast, so enjoy it.’’

 Yes, it went fast and furious.

 However, what was obvious to everyone in attendance in the Rade Dining Hall on Wednesday night is that a very special team savored every special second.

 The Wildcats, led by veteran head coach Dr. Mike Gallagher ’71, celebrated their fall to recall with their teammates, their families, other classmates, members of the Saint Ignatius administration and faculty, and Wildcats Hall Fame inductee, Mr. Dick “Zip’’ Zunt ’50, in a special awards-ceremony banquet.

 Running what Wildcats Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick ’88 referred to as “the perfect race,’’ Coach Gallagher’s harriers captured the big-school state championship by easily out-distancing Cincinnati St. Xavier, 82 points to 118 points, on Nov. 7 at Scioto Downs in Columbus. It was Saint Ignatius’ third state crown in cross country, with the other two coming in 1993 and ’94.

 As Coach Gallagher emphasized, the ‘Cats carried out their pre-race strategy to perfection.

 Saint Ignatius’ first five runners were separated by just 26 seconds. Senior Evan Baum led the way with a 14th-place finish of 16:13.35.

 Perhaps standout senior Jordan Tropf said it best after the Wildcats overcame the physical challenges of Scioto Downs: “This hurts so bad, but this feels so good!’’

 Tropf has been accepted by the United States Naval Academy.

 Wednesday was a feel good evening for the Wildcats, Coach Gallagher and his staff, which also includes Kevin Hippley ’95, a member of Saint Ignatius’ previous state-champion cross country teams, and Bob Carroll ’07.

 With the coaches and the players displaying sincere emotion, with a touch of humor, Coach Gallagher and his staff presented the team’s post-season honors.

 As for the seniors, Evan Baum was chosen as the Most Valuable Runner, Tropf garnered the Most Valuable Award and Patrick Grodach was the pick as the Most Improved runner from the Class of 2010.

 Among the juniors, John Sweeney brought home the Most Valuable honor and Patrick Flanagan was the Most Improved. Mitch Baum was the MVP of the sophomore runners and John Berry was the Class of 2012’s Most Improved performer.

 Joe Arquillo and Jacob Maier were the Most Valuable and Most Improved freshmen, respectively, and junior Brendan Crowley garnered the prestigious Coaches Cup Award.

 Tropf, Evan Baum, Chris Manuszak and Joe Polin were recognized as four-year letter winners and earning their third letter were Sweeney, Nick Bartram, Seamus Kelleher and Nick Kobunski.

 Sweeney, as Coach Gallagher described it, laid down the gauntlet by saying the Wildcats expect to repeat as state champions in the fall of 2010.

 Coach Carroll, who was assigned to the promising freshmen runners, was very emotional and very sincere when describing the Wildcats’ “Dream Team,’’ a carry-on-the-tradition honor, if you will.

 The “Dream Team’’ selections among the freshman class were Arquillo, Vincent Bartram, Jack “Honey’’ Fitzgerald, Jack Miller, Matthew Paponetti and Ryan Smith. They posed with an American Flag with the words “The Dream Team’’ printed on it.

 In what was definitely the most emotional moment of the evening, sophomore Rob Purgert, a young man who is a study in courage and character, and an inspiration to many, spoke with a maturity beyond his years as he thanked his teammates, his coaches and his school.

 Purgert, who was diagnosed with leukemia in October of 2008, shortly after a race with Gilmour Academy, returned to the team this fall.

 In a calm and sincere manner that was accompanied by his heart-warming and impressive smile, Rob talked about how he didn’t know anyone when he first enrolled at Saint Ignatius, but how quickly his teammates and classmates rallied around him and provided him with endless support and strength.

 For his fellow Wildcats, Rob said, he will be forever grateful.

 And that feeling is definitely mutual.

 EPILOGUE TO A STATE-CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON: Coach Gallagher and his top-ranked in Ohio Wildcats traveled to Terra Haute, Indiana on Nov. 15 to compete in the Nike Cross Midwest Regional Race.

 The top teams from Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Missouri assembled for two qualifying spots to the Nike Cross National Meet in Portland, Ore.

 Competing on a course that was a rolling swath of grass carved out between forest and corn fields, a layout that even included jumps over hay bales, all of the Wildcats ran faster than their state meet times and finished seventh out of 30 teams. The time difference between the first and fifth Wildcat was just 27 seconds.

 Here are the ‘Cats' times: Evan Baum (16:08); John Sweeney (16:15); Chris Manuszak (16:27); Nick Kobunski (16:31); Jordan Tropf (16:35); Mitch Baum (16:39); Nick Bartram (16:53); Drew Galang (17:30); and Mike O’Connor (18:00).

 ONE TO CHERISH: As Rory Fitzpatrick pointed out, it was truly a special season for the Wildcats’ fall sports.

 All four of the varsity teams – cross country, football, golf and soccer – were ranked among the nation’s best and through most of the season all four were ranked No. 1 in Ohio.

 As we reported on the corner last week, Coach Mike McLaughlin ’85 guided his soccer ‘Cats to a 22-1 record and a Division I state runner-up finish. In a matchup that many college coaches described as the greatest high school soccer game they ever witnessed, Saint Ignatius was edged by Gahanna Lincoln, 1-0, in a shoot-out in the state-title game.

 Coming off a state-championship in 2008, Coach McLaughlin’s team compiled a remarkable 16 shutouts and yielded just one goal in each of its other seven games.

 And while we're on the subject of Saint Ignatius soccer, the corner would like to congratulate senior Vaughn Spurrier on his selection as Northeast Ohio Player of the Year. During my career at The Plain Dealer, I had the privilege to cover Vaughn's dad, James, and his very successful girls basketball teams at Collinwood High School.

 Coach Chuck Kyle ’69 led his varsity football team to a 10-0 regular season, the top-ranking in the Associated Press state poll, a state-best 22nd consecutive playoff appearance and an overall mark of 11-1.

 And last, but certainly not least, Coach Dan Hess ’88 guided his varsity golf team to a school-best 228-4 record, which included sectional and district championships, and a second consecutive third-place finish at the Division I state tournament on The Ohio State University's demanding Scarlet Course.

 Hess, who is retiring as the Wildcats’ head coach, helped hone the skills of one the most gifted players in the nation and one of the greatest performers in the history of Ohio high school golf – senior Kyle Kmiecik – and is leaving behind one of the top underclassmen in the country in sophomore Beau Titsworth. Kmiecik will be furthering his education and golf career on scholarship at the University of Mississippi. During his tenure as Saint Ignatius’ head coach, Hess helped guide the Wildcats to state championships in 2001 and 2002.

 -30-

 Nothing fictional or imaginary about the 2009 ‘Cats.

 A team in every sense of the word found its way without an abundance of “star power.’’

 Story was posted on 11/17/09 at 1:17 a.m.

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Nov. 2009

 As I woke up Monday morning, I decided to do a recap on the 2009 Saint Ignatius varsity football season.

 And while what I am writing will fulfill that purpose, it was a comment made by an adult outside Lakewood Stadium on Saturday night and two e-mails I received Monday that motivated me to take a commentary approach, if you will.

 Let me make it clear. I don’t consider myself a columnist by any stretch of the imagination. During nearly 40 years of area high school sports coverage, I have always preferred to be just one of the guys in the trenches, reporting on the kids and putting their accomplishments first.

 I try to paint a picture for the fan unable to attend the game, report on some key play-by-play and allow the kids and the coaches to tell their story with meaningful or emotional quotes. That was embedded in me by my longtime colleague and mentor, Mr. Dick “Zip’’ Zunt ’50, and two of the finest editors ever to walk the hallways of The Plain Dealer, or any other newspaper for that matter – the late Mr. Hal Lebovitz, an award-winning sports editor, columnist and reporter, and a member of baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., and the late Mr. Don “Butch’’ Huebner, who also was a teacher and counselor at legendary West Tech High School.

 No, I am not blessed with the ability to use dictionary-searching words. Cute and cutting have never been part of my approach. However, when it comes to accuracy, I do consider myself to be right up there with the best in my profession and my peers have recognized that over the years.

 I have always been fair to every school I have had the privilege to cover – from the great memories I cherish from some of the smaller programs, such as Cuyahoga Heights; Independence; Hawken School; Brooklyn; Beachwood; Cleveland Central Catholic; Chagrin Falls; Lutheran West; Villa Angela-St. Joseph; Trinity and St. Peter Chanel - to the larger schools that include Glenville; Saint Ignatius; Euclid; Solon; Mentor; St. Edward; Shaker Heights; Cleveland Heights; Lakewood; Strongsville; Canton McKinley; Brunswick; Bedford; Bay; Brecksville; Berea; Massillon; Mayfield; Midpark; Shaw; Benedictine; Olmsted Falls; Avon Lake; Rocky River; North Olmsted; Westlake; Padua; Holy Name; the Parma and Cleveland public schools; University School; Lake Catholic; Cincinnati St. Xavier; etc.

 And I wouldn’t trade the memories I gathered while reporting on numerous 3 p.m. and high-noon Senate Athletic League games for some of the “prime-time’’ action.

 Now in what I call my “semi-retirement,’’ I am honored to work for the Saint Ignatius Athletic Department, to do some part-time reporting for Mr. Mark Podolski and Mr. Bill Tilton at The News-Herald and to join two of the finest broadcasters/analysts in the business – Patrick Pierson and David Wilson – on Time Warner Cable of Northeast Ohio’s “The Varsity Sports Preview,’’ which aired during the regular season this fall.

 But that’s enough about this old-timer’s resume.

 After the Wildcats lost to a gifted Glenville team that is laden with big-time college prospects, 30-13, in Saturday’s Division I regional-semifinal game at Lakewood Stadium, I was impressed, but not surprised, by the actions of Wildcats 27-year head coach Chuck Kyle ’69.

 As the players and coaches exchanged well wishes, Coach Kyle went around the field, congratulated the Glenville players and, in a genuine expression, told the Tarblooders (11-1) to go on and keep the Division I state championship in Cleveland. Many of the Tarblooders expressed their appreciation for Coach Kyle by hugging him.

 When I finished my post-game interview with Coach Kyle, I made my way through the crowd and to the back of the home stands along Bunts Road, where Saint Ignatius’ locker room was located.

 I wanted to congratulate the Wildcats on their 11-1 season and see if any of them would like to comment on the game or what they accomplished this fall. As I walked out of the locker room and was trying to cross the street toward Madison Avenue, a man pulled me towards him and, in so many words, told me I was going to have difficulty writing my “fiction’’ about the Wildcats’ performance and the Glenville game.

 This man, who stood near some of Saint Ignatius’ fans, was either thrilled with Glenville’s victory, very disappointed with the Wildcats’ performance, which included seven legitimate turnovers, or just wanted to rock my boat. I said seven legitimate turnovers because after viewing replays again on Monday, it appeared one of the plays ruled as a fumble was the wrong call. Whatever this man's motivation was, I realize he has a right to his opinion, and I guess I was an easy target.

 As for the “fiction’’ comment, I just smiled, said thank you, told him I would do my best with the game story and walked way. 

 Monday morning, as I checked my e-mails, there were two that expressed mean-spirited comments, saying, in the words I can use, that yours truly and the high school staff at The Plain Dealer blew it – that Saint Ignatius was overrated all season and didn’t deserve to be in the playoffs.

 Just for the record, I haven't voted in an area or state poll since early November of 2006 and I never took part in a national poll. I don't believe in ranking teams I have never seen play, which many of the national polls do on a regular basis. The only rankings I follow are the ones that really matter - the weekly computer updates from Joe Eitel and the final OHSAA Harbin ratings.  

 While my former colleagues at The Plain Dealer certainly don’t need my support, let me say they are among the best the nation has to offer. And that opinion comes from 36 years of experience at E. 18th and Superior and nearly six decades of following high school athletics in Northeast Ohio. 

 The lead on my recaps of Saint Ignatius athletics will almost always be focused on a Wildcat coach or player, or the team’s performance, good or bad. The athletic website’s main purpose is to reach out to and inform the school’s many graduates around the world, not just in Cleveland or Ohio. The winning team, however, whether it is from 1911 West 30th Street or another planet, will always be recognized in the main or drop headline and given its just due throughout the story text.

 That said, I welcome the gentleman on Bunts Road Saturday night and Monday's e-mailers to check out the detail and description on the Glenville game. It was fair and accurate, as were the season’s other reports.

 As for fiction, an e-mail that says the 2009 Wildcats “didn’t deserve’’ to be in the playoffs is both fictional and humorous, with a touch of ignorance.

 A team some website experts and prognosticators had destined for a 6-4 or 7-3 finish, pulled off dramatic early season victories over Glenville and Clayton Northmont, and closed its unbeaten regular season with impressive wins over perennial Cincinnati power St. Xavier and longtime rival St. Edward to EARN the No. 1 seed in Region 1.

 Who among the Wildcats’ faithful will ever forget the second consecutive one-point victory over the Tarblooders on senior Kory Gillissie’s diving touchdown reception and senior Jesse Franklin’s ensuing extra-point kick, or what was the biggest comeback victory in Saint Ignatius’ rich football history, as the Wildcats overcame a 20-0 deficit against Northmont with 5 minutes, 8 seconds remaining in the second quarter and went on to defeat the Thunderbolts, 27-20? 

 Coach Kyle and his staff said goodbye to an abundance of starters from the ‘Cats’ record-setting 10th state-championship season of 2008, including numerous All-Ohio selections.

 Although the 2009 Wildcats had a few major-college prospects returning in senior quarterback Mark Myers and senior tight end Brendan Carozzoni, both University of Pittsburgh recruits, senior linebacker Jake Ryan (a team-leading 104 tackles this season), who is being recruited by a number of universities, and All-Ohio senior linebacker Scott McVey, who gave a verbal commitment to Ohio State in April, there were plenty of spots to be filled and plenty of questions to be answered this past summer.

 Stepping up were a group of first-year senior starters and members of a junior class that didn’t fare well on the lower level. Junior David Joseph, all 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds of him, emerged as a go-to receiver, junior Zach Strippy did a solid job stepping in for an injured Carozzoni, juniors Mike Ramos and Mason Halter helped solidify the offensive line, juniors Tyler Kette and Anthony Mascia put in some key time at linebacker and running back, respectively, and junior Bobby Grebenc rushed for more than 1,200 yards and scored 18 touchdowns.

 Along with Myers’ outstanding fall (20 TD passes and more than 2,000 yards passing), which led to some impressive postseason honors, Coach Kyle and his staff were treated to solid efforts by other members of the Class of 2010, players who were not exactly household names entering two-a-days.

 And even some members of the Class of 2012 made their presence felt.

 Defensive back/special-teams standout Gerorge Newrones; strong safety, special-teams mainstay and quad-captain Kevin Hopkins (91 tackles); middle linebacker Owen Callahan (100 tackles); wideout Tucker Sorrell; wide receiver, special-teams standout and quad-captain Anthony Luvison; center Drew Gatian; cornerback Markus Primes; safeties Kyle Naida and Mike Svetina (a sophomore); tight end Blake Thomas (a sophomore); nose tackles Cameron Ventling and Tom Krukemeyer, and running back Christian Sanders were among those who supported the seasoned Pat Dowd (defensive end), Gerry Ramella (defensive end), Stewart Ross (offensive tackle), Joe Lavelle (offensive tackle), Chris Chapek (offensive guard), Kevin Johnson (running back/cornerback/kick-return specialist), Gillissie (wideout/safety/punt returner) and Franklin.

 The Class of 2010 helped put together the program’s first unbeaten regular season since 2000, helped tie the Wildcats’ third-longest winning streak (25 games) and continued the run of excellence with an Ohio-best 22nd consecutive playoff appearance.

 Call them over-achievers, if that suites you. However, the character and inner will that fueled many of those achievements were a reality you can’t create with words or pre-season predictions.  

 Let me close by saying thank you to the families of the 2009 Wildcats and the entire administration at Saint Ignatius for having the opportunity to be associated with such an outstanding group of young men. In what has been a trying fall personally for this corner, my weekly Tuesday discussions with the 'Cats on Wasmer Field were a God-send.  

 ED WAS ON FIRE: A tip of the helmet goes out to the veteran radio voice of Wildcats football, Ed Daugherty, who supplied the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club and other media covering the Glenville game with an informational package on both teams. It was a package college athletic directors and public relations departments of professional teams would be proud of.

 OPEN DATES STILL EXIST: The Wildcats still have four open dates they are trying to fill for the fall of 2010. Massillon and Warren Harding are among the schools not renewing contracts and a Glenville renewal is up in the air.

 ANOTHER TIP OF THE HELMET: Kudos to Rocky River, for being a great host for the Strongsville-Saint Ignatius state-semifinal soccer game, to Solon, for its tremendous hospitality and assistance while hosting the Hawken-Cuyahoga Heights Division V regional-semifinal football game and to my old home away from home, Lakewood Stadium, as Rangers Athletic Director Bob Thayer and his staff did another remarkable job hosting the Glenville-Saint Ignatius game.

 -30-

 Glenville versus Saint Ignatius regional-semifinal football recap. Story was posted on 11/15/09 at 1:51 a.m.

 Turnovers put a disappointing ending to an otherwise memorable chapter in Saint Ignatius’ storied football history.

 The talent-rich Tarblooders cash in on five of the ‘Cats’ eight miscues.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Although the disappointment and the tears were carved in his face, Saint Ignatius’ gritty senior safety Kevin Hopkins congratulated and consoled his teammates, and thanked his coaches “for everything they did’’ for him and the rest of the 2009 Wildcats.

 In a time when it would have been just as easy, and understandable, to say nothing, Hopkins displayed the same strength and character he brought to the field every day for the past two seasons.

 “Coach (Chuck) Kyle ’69 is one of the most inspirational coaches I ever played for,’’ Hopkins said, moments after Saint Ignatius was defeated by the big, strong and quick-striking Glenville Tarblooders, 30-13, in a Division I regional-semifinal football game at a packed Lakewood Stadium on Saturday night. “He makes you play above and beyond what you are capable of, and you don’t get that from many other coaches.

 “Coach Kyle is not all about football, it’s the life lessons,’’ Hopkins continued. “Those are the things I’m going to carry from here, and do my best with what Coach Kyle gave me and the rest of this football team.’’

 Saint Ignatius, which has won a record 10 Division I state football championships and has made an Ohio-best 22 consecutive playoff appearances in Kyle’s 27 seasons as head coach, was, by its own admission, far from its best on Saturday night.

 And that can be attributed to a Glenville team that came out with relentless passion on defense and, when it was all said and done, took advantage of almost every one of the Wildcats’ uncharacteristic eight turnovers.

 The Tarblooders (11-1), who now lead their series with Saint Ignatius, 5-4, advance to next Saturday’s 7 p.m. Region 1 championship game against the Solon Comets (12-0) on Byers Field in Parma's Robert M. Boulton Stadium.

 Saint Ignatius, which saw its 25-game winning streak come to an end, closed its memory-filled fall at 11-1.The 25-game streak, which dated back to last year’s state-championship season, ties for the third-longest in the program’s rich history. The Wildcats put together victory streaks of 39 and 38 games from the late 1980s through the mid-90s.

 “That was a disastrous first quarter,’’ said Coach Kyle of his team’s four turnovers in the first 12 minutes, three of which resulted in a 17-0 deficit.

 Glenville struck on a 20-yard fumble return for a touchdown by senior linebacker Rodnell Pierce with 10 minutes, 16 seconds remaining in the opening quarter, turned another fumble into a 25-yard field goal by all-everything senior Christian Bryant and went up by three scores on a 2-yard, second-effort touchdown run by junior tailback Robert Walton Jr. with 1:54 to go in the first stanza. Walton’s effort was set up by a 50-yard interception return by one of the most coveted college recruits in the nation – senior safety Latwan Anderson.

 “When you begin the playoffs, you always talk about how you can not have a bad quarter,’’ Kyle said. “High school football is 48 minutes. It’s not 15-minute quarters. Mistakes are made, but when you take a whole quarter and do that, oh my God.’’

 Anderson, who enrolled at Glenville in late winter of 2009 after attending St. Edward High School and playing football for the Eagles, came up big again in the second quarter as he intercepted another pass and returned the ball from the Saint Ignatius 33 to the Wildcats’ 10. On the next play, Tarblooders 6-foot-5, 210-pound junior quarterback Cardale Jones scored on keeper up the middle with 8:59 left in the first half, and Coach Ted Ginn Sr.’s team appeared to be coasting at 23-0.

 Taking the ensuing kickoff, Saint Ignatius, behind a clutch reception by senior tight end and University of Pittsburgh recruit Brendan Carozzoni, put together an 83-yard drive that was highlighted by a perfectly executed 48-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback and Pitt recruit Mark Myers to junior wide receiver David Joseph at the six-minute mark of the second quarter.

 With just 1:57 to go in the half, the Wildcats covered 73 yards in seven plays and cut the deficit to 23-13 on a 6-yard scoring run by Myers that was fueled by a perfect pump-fake. Myers’ TD scamper was set up by a razzle-dazzle play out of the “Wildcat’’ formation that saw Myers line up as a receiver, circle back into the backfield, take a pitch and fire a pass to junior tailback Bobby Grebenc, who made an exceptional catch along the left sideline at the Glenville 13.

 Despite the rough start, Saint Ignatius actually out-gained the Tarblooders, 189 to 148, in the first half. Glenville’s average field position in the first 24 minutes was the Wildcats’ 30-yard line.

 The second-quarter rally didn’t come without a price, as the Wildcats lost two mainstays to injuries – All-Ohio senior linebacker Scott McVey and all-district senior offensive tackle Joe Lavelle.

 Saint Ignatius, which defeated the Tarblooders by one point in last year’s Region 1 semifinal at Lakewood Stadium and by one point on opening night of this season, was threatening again after standout senior cornerback George Newrones returned an interception to the Glenville 19 with 6:07 remaining in the third quarter. Newrones put together another solid game as he also blocked a field-goal attempt, partially blocked a punt and downed a punt inside the Tarblooders’ 1.

 After Newrones’ interception, which came off a heavy pass rush by the ‘Cats, Saint Ignatius moved to a first-and-goal at the 9.

 However, just when it looked as though the Wildcats were going to cut the deficit to three or seven points, Anderson made the play of the game and what the Tarblooders' faithful might look back on as the play of a state-championship season.

 On third-and goal from the 9, Anderson stepped in front of a pass at the 1 and, in a blur, raced down the left sideline for a 99-yard interception return. Bryant’s extra-point kick was high and true, and Glenville led, 30-13, with 4:31 left in the third quarter.

 The Tarblooders would go on to seal the deal on a 54-yard pass from Jones to speedy junior wideout Shane Wynn, which came off a first-and-10 from inside the Glenville 1-yard line, and interceptions by Bryant and Anderson, Anderson’s fourth pick of the night.

 “We should be down by one score, with at least a field goal,’’ said Coach Kyle of Anderson’s 99-yard pick-6. “We had the field-goal team ready. It was a great play (by Anderson), but I thought we pressed to make a touchdown there and it wasn’t necessary.

 “Our defense, I thought, really played well in the end. But their secondary, wow! They swarmed like bees to the ball.’’

 After the game, Coach Kyle stood near midfield, congratulated the Glenville players and told them they have what it takes to represent Cleveland with a state championship. Anderson and Bryant went out of their way to shake Kyle’s hand and give the veteran coach a hug.

 The Tarblooders, who are making their 10th playoff appearance, are still seeking that elusive big-school crown.

 “I wouldn’t be surprised if they won it all,’’ said Hopkins, who served as one of the Wildcats’ four captains this season. “If they play the way they did tonight, I think they will.

 “Right after last season, people were saying we didn’t have anybody (for 2009),’’ Hopkins continued. “We kind of took that as motivation throughout the year and put it to use this whole season.’’

 -30-

 A SEASON OF EXCELLENCE CLOSES WITH A GAME FOR THE AGES – Posted on 11/14/09 at 12:52 a.m.

 While they are hurting inside right now, a feeling that will probably linger for a few days, the Saint Wildcats will eventually look back on their remarkable soccer season and realize they took Coach Mike McLaughlin’s lead to the highest levels of competition.

 The Wildcats, as Coach McLaughlin ’85 and several state-wide media members pointed out, played in a state championship game on Friday night that will go down as one of the greatest in the history of Ohio high school soccer.

 Saint Ignatius (22-1) and Gahanna Lincoln (22-0-1), programs who achieved excellence this fall, tested each other’s will and skill for 110 minutes before the Lions, after regulation and two overtimes, came away with a 1-0 shoot-out victory, 4-3 in penalty kicks.

 The Wildcats, who took a streak of 44 consecutive games without a loss into Friday’s thriller at Columbus’ Crew Stadium, were not only ranked No. 1 in Ohio, but were the top team nationally in both the coaches’ poll and the ESPN poll. Gahanna Lincoln entered the “classic’’ Division I finale ranked 10th in the coaches’ poll and fourth by ESPN.

 As was the case all season, Saint Ignatius got a brilliant performance in goal by senior Joe Kalt and a rock-solid effort from its gifted back line. Among the standouts in that area on Friday night were seniors Kayvon Afsarifard, Dennis Holowaty and Kailum Ijaz, and sophomore Zach Martin.

 In closing their fall to recall, many of the 2009 Wildcats will walk away knowing they added a state runner-up finish to their state championship of 2008. Coach McLaughlin’s teams also won state titles in 2004 and ’05, and were crowned with a national championship in ’05.

 Congratulations to one of the nation’s finest programs and, May God Bless the seniors in all of their future endeavors.

- Eddie Dwyer

-30- 

 Strongsville versus Saint Ignatius State Semifinal Soccer Recap
 Story was posted on 11/10/09 at 11:57 p.m.

 DEFENSIVE BRILLIANCE AND YIANNI SARRIS’ HIGHLIGHT-REEL HEADER LEAD THE WILDCATS OVER THE SPIRITED MUSTANGS.

 COACH MIKE MCLAUGHLIN’S ‘CATS WILL FACE GAHANNA LINCOLN IN FRIDAY’S STATE-CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. 

 Tarblooders-Wildcats football preview follows soccer story.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Strongsville High School’s Tobey Cook is one of the most respected coaches in Ohio, a man who has developed, seen and competed against some of the greatest soccer teams the Buckeye state has ever produced.

 Tuesday night, after his Mustangs were turned away by Saint Ignatius, 1-0, in a Division I state-semifinal game at Rocky River High School, Coach Cook never hesitated while describing the nation’s top-ranked Wildcats.

 “You’re playing an amazing team,’’ he said. “Everything has to go right and perfect for you to be able to win a game like this.’’

 Perfect is where Coach Mike McLaughlin ’85 and his Wildcats stand as they prepare to defend their big-school state championship on Friday night.

 Saint Ignatius (22-0), which also won state soccer titles in 2004 and ’05, and was crowned with a national championship in ’05, will face Gahanna Lincoln (21-0-1) at 7 p.m. in Columbus’ Crew Stadium.

 Strongsville, whose only other loss this fall came at the paws of the Wildcats, 3-0 in a regular-season matchup at Wasmer Field, closed its season at 17-2-3.

 Playing in front of a near-capacity crowd at the Pirates’ Port, Saint Ignatius and Strongsville battled through a scoreless first half that saw Mustangs 6-foot-2 senior goalie Alex Ivanov come up with a couple of impressive stops.

 In the second half, however, the Wildcats’ gifted back line of seniors Kayvon Afsarifard, Dennis Holowaty, Matt Sanda and Dylan Mook, and sophomore Zach Martin, not only continued to build their supportive fort around All-Ohio senior goalie Joe Kalt, but also helped fuel Saint Ignatius’ offensive drives.

 After Ivanov came up with another solid save at the 27-minute mark of the second half and a shot by Wildcats junior midfielder Yianni Sarris just missed to the right with slightly more than 23 minutes remaining, Holowaty and Co. ignited the attack that led to the game’s only goal.

 Mook, Holowaty, Afsarifard and Martin all came up with key passes in getting the ball to junior midfielder Luke Blades.

 Blades fired the ball down field to senior forward/striker Alec King, who crossed the ball toward the goal. The ball glanced off a Strongsville defender, went straight up in the air and Sarris, who played on a sore knee that was injured in Saturday’s regional-final victory over Massillon Jackson, timed his jump perfectly and headed the ball in with 21:36 left. It was Sarris’ eighth goal of the season.

 “I saw that I had to get it over the tallest guy on their team, so I put everything into it and I got it,’’ Sarris said. “There’s not a better feeling. You can’t do it without the team.

 “Everyone wants to take down No. 1 in the nation,’’ Sarris continued. “It’s hard being No. 1, being at the top. But we do it. Every day, we come out at practice and work as hard as we can to stay No. 1. Our defense is phenomenal.’’

 Along with Sarris’ game-winner and the rock-solid play of the ‘Cats back line, money-in-the-bank Kalt was there every time he needed to be as he improved on his state record by coming up with his 44th career shutout.

 “Joe deserves a lot of the credit,’’ said Holowaty. “We’re there just to help him out. He directs us. We’re there to keep the shutout with Joe. That’s our job, and we get that done.’’

 Tuesday was an emotional game for Holowaty, who grew up in Strongsville and is still a resident of the city.

 “I played travel soccer with all of these guys (the Mustangs),’’ Holowaty said. “I still hang out with some of them.’’

 Holowaty emphasized that Friday’s opponent, Gahanna Lincoln, is “the powerhouse down South’’ and that he and the rest of the Wildcats will need to “bring our A game.’’

 And the “A game,’’ said Coach McLaughlin, is something that goes hand-in-hand with playoff soccer.

 “It’s the playoffs and every tackle’s harder, every pass is crisper. Everything is better in the playoffs,’’ McLaughlin said. “Strongsville came out to play, and played a great game. They were much more dangerous offensively tonight than they were the first time we played them. But I’m glad that I got to see our guys show something special in the second half, that this is what it takes in order to move on.’’

-30-

 Glenville versus Saint Ignatius Division I Regional Semifinal Preview.

 It is a rematch that has been anticipated for more than two months.
The Wildcats and the Tarblooders continue their short, yet already storied series.

 We select the top performances from the Boardman game, look back on some Golden Tornado-Glenville football history, give you the stat line of the week, take another look at Stanford’s Luck and keep Coach Nick Restifo in our prayers as he mourns the death of his father, Frank.

By Eddie Dwyer
Copyright, November 2009

 It is as clear as though it was yesterday – a shank punt, a Mark Myers-to-Kory Gillissie touchdown pass on fourth down, and the ensuing extra-point kick by Jesse Franklin. 

 The result: Saint Ignatius 14, Glenville 13.

 No, it wasn’t yesterday. For that matter, it wasn’t even last week.

 But when the subject of gridiron meetings between the Tarblooders and the Wildcats comes up, the memories are so thick you have to wipe them from your eyes.

 It is now nearly three months since that opening-night, one-point thriller at Byers Field and Saint Ignatius (11-0) and Glenville (10-1) are right where we expected them to be – gearing up for what is sure to be another classic between the two city schools, one Jesuit educated and the other public, who are about 15 minutes and 9 miles apart.

 Although they did meet once in the “Roaring Twenties’’ (see history note below), the rivalry between the Tarblooders and the Wildcats didn’t take a center stage until 2003, when quarterback Brian Hoyer, now the backup to Tom Brady in New England, helped Saint Ignatius get by Glenville and the multitalented Ted Ginn Jr., 24-21, in a regional-quarterfinal playoff game at Bedford Bearcat Stadium. Ginn Jr., the son of Tarblooders’ legendary coach Ted Ginn Sr., is now a wide receiver and kick-return specialist for the Miami Dolphins.

 In 2004, Coach Ginn Sr. guided his Tarblooders past the Wildcats, 22-14, in a regional final at Lakewood Stadium and Glenville was also victorious over Saint Ignatius in regional-quarterfinal matchups in 2006 and ’07 at Byers Field. The Tarblooders made it four in a row by coming away with a 3-point triumph over the Wildcats on opening night of 2008, again at Byers Field.

 Saint Ignatius, en route to a record 10th Division I state championship, edged Glenville, 8-7, in a regional semifinal in ’08 that took place at a packed Lakewood Stadium.

 So, counting their 1924 encounter, when Saint Ignatius went by a meteorological nickname, the series is tied at 4-4 heading into Saturday’s 7 p.m. regional semifinal in Lakewood Stadium, a.k.a. “The Madhouse on Madison.’’

 Saturday’s game will be televised live by SportsTime Ohio and will be aired live over the Web by the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club and two descriptive voices the late Grantland Rice would be proud of – Jacob Corrigan ’10 and Michael Watts ’11.

 “You go back 11 weeks ago, and we had a real classic battle,’’ said Wildcats coach Chuck Kyle ’69 of the 14-13 game on Aug. 29. “And we found a way at the end to win. That’s really what happened.

 “There were times they had momentum, times we had momentum. We caught a break at the end and we did something with it. But certainly at the end of the game, I think both teams felt, ‘Well, this won’t be the only time we’ll play (this season).’’’

 Coach Kyle emphasized that the Tarblooders’ speed in their skilled areas is nothing less than outstanding.

 “You just look at the other 10 games they’ve played, and I don’t think anybody has been within 21 points of them,’’ Kyle said. “It’s these big plays, a punt return, a kickoff return, a pass play that is a little hitch and they break away. It’s just amazing how explosive they are.’’

 Leading Coach Ginn Sr.’s array of talent are senior Latwan Anderson, who excels at cornerback, safety, wide receiver, running back and returning kicks; senior Christian Bryant, another player who stands out at numerous positions on both sides of the ball; senior defensive end/outside linebacker Jayrone Elliott, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound diesel off the snap; senior offensive lineman Dajuan Calloway (6-5, 300 pounds) and junior offensive lineman Aundrey Walker (6-5, 330); senior Toney Foster, who is in the same mold with Anderson and Bryant; senior wide receiver Shane Belle; 6-4, 210-pound junior quarterback Cardale Jones, who passed for 1,204 yards and 10 touchdowns during the regular season; four-year varsity mainstay at linebacker Rodnell Pierce; 6-4, 230-pound junior linebacker Andre Sturdivant; senior strong safety/special teams standout Aaron Morris; junior Shane Wynn, who is a flat out blur as a wideout and a kick returner; junior defensive tackle Antwon Crutcher (6-1, 270); and elusive and hard-nosed junior running back Robert Walton Jr.

 Yes folks, Ginn Sr. says each one of the above mentioned is a “big-time’’ college prospect.

 “We’re not the biggest guys, but I still like our defensive-line technique,’’ said Coach Kyle of senior ends Gerry Ramella and Pat Dowd, and senior nose tackles Cameron Ventling and Tom Krukemeyer. “Technically, we’re very good and we have to believe that is going to help us.’’

 Kyle emphasized that as the season has progressed, Glenville has gone to different looks on defense. Basically a 4-3 team, the Tarblooders will do a 3-5 stack, like Saint Ignatius, and will employ a “Bear’’ formation, where linebackers line up over the center and the guards, cover them if you will, and the ends creep out. They will rush five to six guys out of the “Bear’’ and try to get you in one-and-one blocking situations.

 The “Bear’’ did slow the Wildcats down a little bit in Week 1 and it is a formation the Tarblooders are very comfortable with because of their ability to cover one-on-one in the secondary.

 “Hopefully, we’ve gotten better at recognizing changes,’’ Kyle said. “We’re veterans now, too.’’

 The Wildcats should be near full strength on Saturday night as three mainstays come off the injured list – senior linebacker and leading tackler Jake Ryan, senior tight end and University of Pittsburgh recruit Brendan Carozzoni and standout senior offensive tackle Stewart Ross.

 As was the case in Week 1, Saint Ignatius will need a big effort from its secondary, its special teams and its veteran linebackers – Ryan, Ohio State recruit Scott McVey and “mike backer’’ Owen Callahan.

 Offensively, Coach Kyle and his staff will rely on 6-5, 225-pound senior quarterback Mark Myers, who is also a Pitt recruit, junior tailback Bobby Grebenc, junior wide receiver David Joseph and senior wideouts Tucker Sorrell and Anthony Luvison. Myers, a southpaw, has passed for 1,921 yards and 19 touchdowns, while throwing just three interceptions in 229 attempts. Grebenc has rushed for 1,205 yards, has scored 18 touchdowns and is averaging 5.1 yards per carry, and Joseph, Sorrell and Luvison have 28, 24 and 18 receptions, respectively. The 5-8, 160-pound Joseph has found the end zone seven times and is averaging 21.3 yards per catch.

                          TOP PERFORMERS FROM WEEK 11 

                                           OFFENSE

 The Corner’s “O’’ pick for the Boardman game is wide receiver David Joseph.

 Joseph helped key the 17-0 regional-quarterfinal victory over the Spartans by hauling in four passes for 129 yards. In an exceptional display of concentration, soft hands, deceiving strength and speed, Joseph combined with quarterback Mark Myers on a 79-yard catch and run for a touchdown that gave the Wildcats a two-TD cushion in the second quarter. The Myers-to-Joseph strike is the second-longest touchdown pass in Saint Ignatius playoff history, by three feet.

 In the 1989, 34-28 state-championship game victory over Cincinnati Moeller, Parade All-American quarterback Joe Pickens combined with his lifelong friend Mark Ruddy on an 80-yard scoring play.

                                    DEFENSE

 Leading the “D’’ were senior linebacker Scott McVey, senior cornerback George Newrones and sophomore linebacker James Sheehan.

 McVey, one of the Wildcats’ four captains, was in on 10 tackles, including a sack and two other tackles for losses, had three quarterback hurries and a quarterback hit. Newrones made five tackles, including two that his position coach, Bryan Massinen ’98, described as “boom’’ hits, blocked a kick and limited a receiver that was a foot taller than him to one reception.

 Sheehan, making his first varsity start, finished with eight tackles, including four solos and four that resulted in minus yardage, had a key sack in the fourth quarter and hurried the quarterback.

                  THIS WEEK IN WILDCATS FOOTBALL HISTORY

 On Nov. 8, 1924, Coach Ralph Vince’s Golden Tornado, as the Wildcats were known then, swirled into Shaw Stadium to play Glenville for the first time. Behind the running of Francis “Speed’’ Gaul, two touchdown passes from Lenny Brickman to Al Westfall and a key fumble recovery by Bill Myers, Saint Ignatius prevailed, 13-0.

 After the first Brickman-to-Westfall scoring strike, Myers sent a dropkick through the uprights for the extra point, a kick that sailed out of Shaw Stadium and through a window of a nearby house.

 In 1938, the NFL’s Cleveland Rams played at Shaw Stadium. The Rams finished 4-7 that season.

                             FROM THE 1-HOLE

 Including last weekend’s victory over Boardman, the Wildcats are 40-3 in the playoffs as a No. 1 seed.

                 STANFORD STILL HAVING PLENTY OF LUCK

 As we wrote on The Corner in September, the Stanford Cardinal feature an outstanding red-shirt freshman quarterback named Andrew Luck. Yes, Andrew is the son of former Saint Ignatius Hall of Fame quarterback Oliver Luck ’78, who went on to a brilliant career at West Virginia and played professionally with the Houston Oilers. Oliver Luck’s position coach at West Virginia was current Strongsville High School head coach Russ Jacques.

 Last weekend, the 6-4, 235-pound Andrew Luck completed 12 of 20 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns as Stanford stunned the Oregon Ducks, 51-42. Oregon was coming off a 27-point victory over USC.

 “Just an unbelievable performance by Andrew,’’ said Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh. “I don’t know how you can play any better.’’

 This Saturday, the young Luck will match his skills with another promising signal-caller out of the PAC-10 – University of Southern California true freshman Matt Barkley. The Cardinal and the Trojans meet at 3:30 p.m. in the Los Angeles Coliseum.

                                   IN OUR PRAYERS

 Our thoughts, sympathy and prayers go out Saint Ignatius’ longtime and highly successful offensive coordinator Nick Restifo and his family, as Nick’s father, Frank, passed away at the age of 83. Frank was a 1944 graduate of Cathedral Latin School.

 -30-

 BOARDMAN VERSUS SAINT IGNATIUS PLAYOFF FOOTBALL RECAP.

 LED BY GIFTED JUNIOR DAVID JOSEPH, THE WILDCATS’ RECEIVERS STEP UP AGAINST THE SPARTANS. DEPTH ALSO PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE IN THE SHUTOUT VICTORY.

 CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. MIKE GALLAGHER ’71 AND HIS SAINT IGNATIUS HARRIERS ON BRINGING HOME THE BIG-SCHOOL STATE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP (see recap below).

 SOCCER ‘CATS RETURN TO THE FINAL FOUR AFTER A HARD-FOUGHT WIN OVER THE JACKSON POLAR BEARS; JOE KALT ALL BY HIMSELF NOW (see recap below).

 Stories were posted on 11/08/09 at 2:23 a.m.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Displaying the same composure he brings to the field, Saint Ignatius’ gritty and sure-handed junior wideout David Joseph talked about the one thing you must have when it comes to playoff football in the talent-rich state of Ohio.

 “We have depth, and that’s what you need,’’ Joseph said. “Everybody steps up. When you’re called upon, you step up.’’

 And no Wildcat took bigger steps on Saturday night than the 5-foot-8, 160-pound Joseph.

 Saint Ignatius, making a state-record 22nd consecutive playoff appearance, defeated a tough Boardman team, 17-0, in a Division I regional quarterfinal on Byers Field in Parma’s Robert M. Boulton Stadium.

 With the victory, Coach Chuck Kyle’s Wildcats improved to 11-0, extended their winning streak to 25 games and advanced to next Saturday’s regional-semifinal showdown with the talent-laden Glenville Tarblooders (10-1). The kickoff in Lakewood Stadium will be 7 p.m.

 Saint Ignatius defeated Glenville, 14-13, on opening night this season and, en route to its record 10th Division I state championship, edged the Tarblooders, 8-7, in a 2008 regional semifinal at Lakewood Stadium.

 Boardman, the big-school state runner-up in 1987, wrapped up its seventh postseason appearance with a very deceiving record of 7-4.

 “It’s all about hard work,’’ said Joseph, who finished with four receptions for 129 yards, including a fabulous 79-yard catch and run for a touchdown, an effort that gave the Wildcats a two-touchdown lead in the second quarter. “Every single day at practice Coach Kyle makes us work as hard as we can. We work hard and fast so we can leave it all on the field. And that’s what we do every game.’’

 As is his nature, Joseph was quick to point out some of his teammates who “stepped up’’ against Boardman, including sophomore tight end Blake Thomas, who was filling in for standout senior and University of Pittsburgh recruit Brendan Carozzoni (knee injury), junior offensive tackle Mason Halter, who for the second straight week did a solid job in place of senior mainstay Stewart Ross (knee injury), and sophomore linebacker James Sheehan, who admirably filled the void left by a thumb injury to senior linebacker and leading tackler Jake Ryan. Carozzoni, Ross and Ryan are listed as probable for next weekend’s Glenville game.

 The 6-3, 215-pound Thomas wasted little time in making his presence felt as he made a quick read on his route and hauled in a 22-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Mark Myers. Senior Jesse Franklin kicked the extra point and Saint Ignatius led, 7-0, with 53 seconds remaining in the first quarter. The 30-yard drive was set up by a 12-yard punt by the Spartans into a stiff wind.

 With Boardman employing an eight-man front on defense that was designed to control Wildcats junior tailback Bobby Grebenc and his previous 1,128 yards rushing, the pressure fell on Coach Kyle’s receivers and the powerful left arm of Myers, another Pitt recruit.

 The top-ranked team in both the Associated Press Division I state poll and The Plain Dealer’s seven-county Top 25, Saint Ignatius is no stranger to pressure.

 Taking possession at their 14 with four minutes, 58 seconds left in the first half, the Wildcats covered the 86 yards in just five plays. After a holding penalty resulted in a third-and 19 from the 21, Myers dropped back, stepped to his left and hit Joseph in stride at the 50. Joseph never stopped as he separated himself from the cornerback, picked up a key block and outran the pursuit into the end zone. Franklin’s extra point was high and true, and Saint Ignatius led, 14-0, with 3:31 to go in the half.

 “The play was designed, everybody was doing flies,’’ Joseph said. “I was open and Mark hit me early, which is good, so I can run with the ball. Tucker Sorrell (senior wideout) had a great block for me and as soon as I got around that guy Tucker blocked, I knew I had it.’’ 

 Joseph's hookup with Myers is the second-longest touchdown pass in Saint Ignatius' playoff history. In the 1989 state-championship game victory over Cincinnati Moeller, quarterback Joe Pickens '90 combined with his lifelong friend Mark Ruddy '90 on an 80-yard TD strike.

 The Wildcats, whose current 25-game winning streak ties for the third-longest in the school’s rich football history, behind streaks of 39 and 38 games, pushed its lead to 17-0 on a 23-yard field goal by Franklin with 2:57 to go in the third quarter. Franklin’s effort was set up by a 33-yard punt return by multitalented senior safety Kory Gillissie, who had a strong night returning punts.

 Saint Ignatius, which was slowed down in the second half by a fumble at the Spartans’ 24, untimely penalties and an aggressive Boardman defense, kept the Youngstown-area school at bay behind some sound defensive pressure. Helping show the way were senior linebacker and quad-captain Scott McVey, senior end Gerry Ramella, senior cornerback Kevin “K.J.’’ Johnson, senior safety and quad-captain Kevin Hopkins, senior corner George Newrones, senior middle backer Owen Callahan and Sheehan, who had a huge sack in the fourth quarter.

 Along with Joseph’s big night, senior quad-captain Anthony Luvison totaled 100 yards on four receptions. Grebenc finished with a hard-earned 77 yards on the ground and Myers was 12-of-26 through the air for 273 yards, upping his season totals to 1,921 yards and 19 touchdown passes.

 The Spartans, who snapped the Wildcats’ 38-game winning streak in Week 5 of 1994 at Boardman, got 154 yards passing from versatile senior quarterback Rob Boyd. Boyd was victimized by some dropped passes and was under constant pressure from McVey and Co. Saint Ignatius now leads its series with the Spartans, 15-3.

 “They play tough, they’re a good football team,’’ Coach Kyle said of Coach D.J. Ogilivie’s Spartans and Boardman’s eight-in-the-box defense. “We felt with Mark (Myers) that we were going to find some seams here and there. We ended up getting a few big plays because a lot of times it was pretty much one-on-one with our receivers. And you have to take advantage of that when it happens.

 “I think after the first game (this season) everybody kind of figured that was going to happen at some point,’’ Kyle said of another encounter with his friend, Coach Ted Ginn Sr., and the Glenville Tarblooders. "Needless to say, we have to get everybody back (from the injured list). Because we’re going to need everybody we can to play them. It will be another classic football game.’’ 

                     FOLLOWING THE PLAN TO PERFECTION

 In capturing the school’s third state cross country championship, Dr. Mike Gallagher’s Wildcats easily outdistanced Cincinnati St. Xavier, 82 points to 118, at Scioto Downs on Saturday. 

 Saint Ignatius stuck with a pre-race strategy that saw its first five runners separated by just 26 seconds. Evan Baum led the way with a 14th-place finish of 16:13.35.

 The Wildcats’ previous state cross country championships came in 1993 and ’94. 

        MUSTANGS UP NEXT AFTER A PHYSICAL BATTLE WITH JACKSON

 Coach Mike McLaughlin ’85 and his nationally top-ranked Wildcats are two victories away from a second consecutive Division I state soccer championship and the program’s fourth Ohio crown overall.

 Saint Ignatius, which is also ranked No. 1 in the state’s big-school poll, out-fought the Jackson Polar Bears, 2-0, on Saturday afternoon in a regional championship game at Rocky River High School.

 With the victory, the 21-0 ‘Cats advance to Tuesday’s 7 p.m. state-semifinal matchup with the Strongsville Mustangs at Rocky River. The Wildcats defeated the Mustangs, 3-0, in a regular-season game at Wasmer Field on Oct. 10.  

 Saint Ignatius, which won its first two state soccer championships in 2004 and ’05 and was also a national champion in ’05, struck early against the Polar Bears on a double-deflection goal by junior midfielder Luke Blades.

 Junior Ryan Ivancic took a pass from senior defender Kayvon Afsarifard and scored the game’s second goal with just three seconds remaining to be played.

 Afsarifard had another outstanding game defensively and senior goalie Joe Kalt made five impressive saves en route to his 43rd career shutout, which is a new state record.

 -30-

 SOCCER ‘CATS EDGE MAYFIELD; KALT TIES STATE MARK (11/03/09)

 On the strength of a goal by senior defender Kayvon Afsarifard with less than three minutes remaining to be played, Saint Ignatius turned back Mayfield, 1-0, in a Division I regional semifinal at Brush High School on Tuesday night. Afsarifard’s game-winning header came off a corner kick by junior Luke Blades.

 Senior goalie Joe Kalt had four saves en route to his 42nd career shutout, which ties the state record set by Lakota East’s Craig Salvati in 2000.

 The top-ranked team in Ohio and the defending Division I state champion, Saint Ignatius improved to 20-0 and advanced to Saturday's 3 p.m. regional final against Massillon Jackson at Rocky River High School.  
 -30-
 BOARDMAN VERSUS SAINT IGNATIUS DIVISION I, REGION 1 QUARTERFINAL PLAYOFF PREVIEW – STORY WAS POSTED ON 11/04/09 at 12:25 a.m. 

 The Wildcats and the Spartans will be meeting for the 18th time since 1992

 Coach Kyle points to Boardman’s physicality up front, athletic quarterback and twin-tower receivers

 We highlight the top performers from the St. Edward game, throw out some weekly numbers to whet your appetite for Saturday night and recognize a touch of class.

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Nov. 2009

 Saint Ignatius’ gifted and hard-nosed senior safety Kevin Hopkins is no stranger to this time of the year, a month when the gales come early and are accompanied by a brisk reminder that there will be no making up for mistakes next week.

 If we can borrow a line from The NBA on TNT, it is “Win or Go Home’’ time in Ohio high school football.

 “We have to treat every game as though it is the last one,’’ said Hopkins, who was a standout special-teams player/defensive back on the Wildcats’ 2008 state-championship squad and this season serves as one of Coach Chuck Kyle’s four captains. “We have to go out there, play 48 minutes of Saint Ignatius football and get a W.’’

 The Saint Ignatius football Hopkins referred to has created many memorable November Ws, including those that led to an Ohio-record 10 Division I state championships.

 On Saturday, Coach Kyle ’69 will send his Wildcats (10-0) into a state-best 22nd consecutive playoff appearance, as Saint Ignatius will face Boardman (7-3) in a Region 1 quarterfinal at Parma’s Robert M. Boulton Stadium. The kickoff on Byers Field will be 7 p.m.

 Featuring gridiron poets Jacob Corrigan ’10 and Michael Watts ’11, the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club will bring you the game live over the Web and WHK 1420AM will also air the game live beginning with a pre-game show at 6:45 p.m. Ed Daugherty and Mike Gibbons will have the call for WHK.

 Although the Wildcats lead their series with Spartans, 14-3, and have won the past five meetings, Saturday will mark only the second time they have played the Youngstown-area school in the postseason.

 En route to its seventh state championship and the third of its three national titles, Saint Ignatius defeated Boardman, 41-6, in a state-semifinal matchup in 1995. Most of the current Wildcats were 3 years old when that game took place.

 The most significant of the Spartans’ three triumphs over Saint Ignatius came during Week 5 of the 1994 season, when Boardman defeated the visiting Wildcats, 18-14, and snapped Saint Ignatius’ 38-game winning streak. Saint Ignatius’ longest winning streak is 39 games, which stretched from the final two games of 1987 through the regular season of 1990. The ‘Cats have also put together a 25-game winning streak and have currently won 24 games in a row.

 Boardman is the alma mater of former Browns great Bernie Kosar, who garnered All-Ohio and Parade All-American honors as the Spartans’ quarterback in the early 1980s.

 “When you look at the teams they are playing, year in and year out, that is a good quality group of teams,’’ said Coach Kyle of Boardman’s tough schedule. “They had a huge game against Austintown Fitch (last week), a wonderful game against Fitch. They came back and won it. So they’re a team that plays with a lot of faith. They were down, they came back to tie it and it went in overtime.

 “Their defensive line is pretty physical,’’ Kyle continued. “The battle up front is classic football, but I think it holds true. We’re going to be very concerned about that very early – how effective we are at the line scrimmage.’’

 Spartans quarterback Rob Boyd is an athlete that has the attention of Coach Kyle and his staff. A 6-foot-2, 210-pound senior, Boyd has passed for 1,643 yards and nine touchdowns and has rushed for 309 yards and seven touchdowns.

 “He throws a nice ball,’’ Kyle said of Boyd. “And he’ll run the ball 15 times a game, maybe more. He shows speed and good balance, so he’s a double threat there. They’ll spread everybody out and here’s Boyd, who can throw or run. You think you have them third-and-long and all of a sudden he can just take off and get the first downs.’’

 Boardman, which will be making its seventh playoff appearance, features two tall and tough-matchup receivers in 6-5 senior Chase Hammond and 6-6 sophomore Dayne Hammond. The Hammonds also play the safety positions on defense. Chase Hammond has 38 receptions for 700 yards and helps make things easier for junior halfback Nick Buonavolonta, who has rushed for 735 yards and nine touchdowns on 100 carries.

 “They’re a solid team, always have been,’’ said Coach Kyle, who also singled out the Spartans’ outstanding kicker, senior Trevor Ragan, and Boardman’s 4-4 defense.

 The Wildcats, who this past weekend completed their first undefeated regular season since 2000 and finished No. 1 in The Plain Dealer’s final seven-county poll, will probably face Boardman without one of their linchpins on defense.

 Senior outside linebacker Jake Ryan, the team’s leading tackler, suffered a thumb injury that is expected to sideline him for a week. Junior Tyler Kette and promising sophomore James Sheehan are among those who would get the call to fill in for Ryan and Coach Kyle will count on veteran linebackers Scott McVey and Owen Callahan, along with seasoned ends Gerry Ramella and Pat Dowd, to hold things together. McVey, an Ohio State recruit, is coming off a solid all-around performance against St. Edward.

 With Boardman showing a preference to an eight-man look up front on defense, Saint Ignatius will counter with a balanced offense that features the 1-2 punch of senior quarterback Mark Myers and junior tailback Bobby Grebenc.

 Entering Saturday night’s game, the 6-5 Myers, a University of Pittsburgh recruit, has completed 116 of 203 passes for 1,648 yards and 17 touchdowns. The southpaw has thrown just three interceptions.

 Grebenc, one of the most complete backs in Northeast Ohio, has rushed for 1,128 yards and 17 touchdowns, is averaging nearly 6 yards a carry and has 17 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown.

                TOP PERFORMANCES FROM WEEK 10 
                                    Offense

 The above mentioned duo of Myers and Grebenc, and junior wide receiver David Joseph are The Corner’s picks from the 28-0 victory over St. Edward.

 Grebenc set the tempo with a 50-yard touchdown burst in the first quarter and highlighted drives of 80 and 79 yards in the third quarter by scoring on a 1-yard run and a 13-yard reception from Myers. Bobby finished with 113 yards rushing on 16 carries.

 Joseph stunned the Eagles by hauling in a 68-yard touchdown pass from Myers, a text-book catch and run along the press-box sideline in Lakewood Stadium and an effort that resulted in a 14-0 lead with 28 seconds left in the opening quarter. Joseph, who also made two other clutch receptions for first downs, finished with three catches for 96 yards.

 Myers played a near flawless game, completing 13 of 17 passes for 223 yards and engineering two drives that offensive coordinators dream about.

                                       Defense

 Leading a defense that made the adjustments and came up big from the second quarter on against the Eagles were Ryan, McVey and Ramella.

 Jake made 15 tackles, including eight solos and three tackles for minus yardage, and came up with a highlight-reel leaping deflection at the line of scrimmage.

 McVey was in on nine tackles, including four behind the line of scrimmage and a momentum-swinging sack, hurried the quarterback into an incompletion and made some authoritative lead blocks for Grebenc from his fullback position.

 Ramella, who never gives up on a play, totaled six tackles, including a key hustle sack and two other stops for losses.

                                BY THE NUMBERS

 In postseason games at Byers Field, St Ignatius is 17-4. The losses were to Solon in a 2000 regional final, to Mentor in a 2003 regional semifinal and to Glenville in regional quarterfinals in 2006 and ’07.

 In what was a Spartan effort, Boardman finished as the big-school state runner-up in 1987 after losing to Cincinnati Princeton, 14-7, in the championship game. En route to the title game, the Spartans won a Region 1 championship by defeating a Euclid team that featured a sophomore tailback named Robert Smith and a St. Joseph squad that was led by tailback Desmond Howard and quarterback Elvis Grbac. Boardman defeated St. Joseph, 20-19, in triple overtime.

 Smith, who was the greatest high school running back these Irish eyes have seen, went on to stardom at Ohio State and an All-Pro career for the Minnesota Vikings. Howard won a Heisman Trophy at the University of Michigan and was a Super Bowl MVP for the Green Bay Packers, and Grbac had a solid career at Michigan and in the NFL. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2000.

 And, while we’re on the subject of numbers and accomplishments, how about the effort Ed Daugherty, the veteran voice of Wildcats football, is going to put forth on Saturday?

 After doing his 2 p.m. broadcast of the Case Western Reserve at Carnegie Mellon game in Pittsburgh, Easy Ed will jump in his car and make the trip to Ridge Road and Day Drive for the 7 p.m. WHK broadcast of Saint Ignatius versus Boardman. Pittsburgh to Parma, it kind of has a ring to it.

                                   A CLASS ACT

 St. Edward’s first-year head coach Rick Finotti carried the obligatory post-game handshake to a higher and much classier level on Saturday.

 Nearly three hours after the St. Edward-Saint Ignatius game, Coach Finotti called Chuck Kyle, congratulated him again and wished Chuck and the Wildcats nothing but the best in the postseason. Finotti also told Coach Kyle that he would like to sit down with him some time and pick his brain over this crazy, but great game we all love.

 This corner said it right here when Coach Finotti was hired. The Eagles not only have a bright young coach, but a man who carries himself with class. And that my friends will only add to a great rivalry and make it something both sides can look forward to for years to come.

 -30-

 'CATS' CROSS COUNTRY TEAM IS GEARING UP FOR THE STATE MEET.

 Good luck to Dr. Mike Gallagher ’71 and his 2009 Saint Ignatius varsity cross country team as the Wildcats compete in the annual OHSAA state-championship run at Scioto Downs on Saturday.

 Saint Ignatius’ harriers totaled 80 points for a second-place finish in last weekend’s regional meet at Tiffin. Slyvania Northview had 70 points and Medina ran for 113 points. Saint Ignatius’ top seven runners placed 6th, 11th, 17th, 20th, 26th, 30th and 40th.

 St. Edward versus Saint Ignatius varsity football recap. Story was posted on 10/31/09.

 Wildcats turn to quick strikes, authoritative drives and defensive adjustments in defeating the Eagles for the fourth consecutive time.

 No tricks, but plenty of treats for the ‘Cats’ faithful on Bunts and Madison.

 Familiar foe Boardman will be the first-round playoff opponent. 

 Marine Corps honors current and former players; a week to remember.

 CONGRATULATIONS GO OUT TO COACH MIKE McLAUGHLIN '85 AND THE WILDCATS' VARSITY SOCCER TEAM. THE DEFENDING DIVISION I STATE CHAMPION WILDCATS (19-0), RANKED NO. 1 IN THE ESPN RISE FAB 50 NATIONAL POLL, CAPTURED A DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP ON SATURDAY BY DEFEATING ST. EDWARD, 5-1, AT WASMER FIELD.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Saint Ignatius’ talented and tireless senior outside linebacker Jake Ryan made a few things clear after he and his teammates defeated their staunch rival St. Edward in front of a crowd of more than 10,000 in Lakewood Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

 “Our front six are solid,’’ Ryan said, referring to Saint Ignatius’ defensive line and linebackers. “St. Eds was all over the place, running the ball well. But we adjusted, we pursued.’’

 Pursued, tackled and eventually won the battle up front and, more importantly, the battle of wills.

 Saint Ignatius, putting together its first unbeaten regular season since 2000, wore down the Eagles, 28-0, in the 46th meeting in what is one of the state’s more intense rivalries.

 The Wildcats (10-0), who have wrapped up the No. 1 seed in Division I, Region 1, will make a state-record 22nd consecutive playoff appearance when they face the eighth seed Boardman (7-3) in a regional quarterfinal on Saturday night in Parma’s Robert M. Boulton Stadium. The kickoff on Byers Field will be 7 p.m.

 Saint Ignatius has defeated Boardman 14 times in 17 previous meetings, including a 41-6 victory in a state-semifinal matchup in 1995.

 St. Edward, hampered by the injuries and inconsistencies that accompanied its demanding schedule, was eliminated from any postseason competition at 4-6.

 “It’s always a good feeling,’’ Ryan said after Saint Ignatius defeated the Eagles for the fourth consecutive time, including twice in 2008, and improved its lead in the all-time series to 25-20-1. “We’ll just take it from here. We’re 0-0 right now heading to the playoffs.’’

 The Wildcats, who have now outscored St. Edward, 99-12, in their last three meetings combined, had to adjust to the Eagles’ “Wildcat’’ offense in the early going.

 After forcing a punt, Saint Ignatius silenced some of the St. Edward faithful by putting together a six-play, 91-yard drive that featured a 50-yard touchdown burst over the left side by multitalented junior tailback Bobby Grebenc.

 “We had a stretch called,’’ said Grebenc, who finished with 113 yards rushing on 16 carries and now has 1,128 yards rushing on the season. “Anthony Luvison (senior wide receiver/defensive back) pinned the cornerback inside, so the hole was as wide as I could hope for.’’

 Following a strong third-down defensive charge by Ryan, senior end Pat Dowd and senior middle linebacker Owen Callahan, the Eagles had to punt the ball away again.

 The Wildcats, taking possession at their 32, needed just one play to get into the end zone as they struck on a perfectly thrown ball from senior quarterback Mark Myers to gritty and gifted wide receiver David Joseph. Joseph, a 5-foot-8, 160-pound junior, made a text-book catch along the left sideline, separated himself from the defender and outran the pursuit to complete a 68-yard touchdown. Senior Jesse Franklin kicked his second extra point and Saint Ignatius led, 14-0, with 28 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Joseph finished with three receptions for 96 yards.

 “Our goal is to come out and score on every drive, every possession,’’ said Myers, who completed 13 of his 17 throws for 223 yards and will enter the playoffs having passed for 1,648 yards and 17 touchdowns. "The first drive was a huge hit for them and brought a lot of confidence to our team. We knew we could win at that point.’’

 St. Edward, continuing to attack with “The Wildcat’’ and quarterback scrambles out of a shotgun offense, drove from its 25 to a first down at the Saint Ignatius 36.

 At that point, Wildcats All-Ohio senior linebacker Scott McVey came off the edge and recorded a quarterback sack for minus 9 yards. After an incomplete pass and a run for 4 yards, the Eagles attempted a 57-yard field goal that fell well short of its destination with 49 seconds left in the first half.

 “We just had to change our mindset, knowing they we’re going to try to run at us,’’ said McVey, an Ohio State recruit. “We knew we were just going to have to step up, stop playing on our heels and go after them.’’

 Saint Ignatius, which extended its winning streak to 24 games, took command by taking the second-half kickoff and marching 80 yards in nine plays. The three-minute, 39-second drive, which featured clutch receptions by senior wideout Tucker Sorrell, Luvison, Joseph and promising sophomore tight end Blake Thomas, was capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by Grebenc and another extra point by Franklin.

 “We dominated them the whole drive,’’ said Myers, a University of Pittsburgh recruit. “It was pretty much a perfect drive.’’

 After senior end Gerry Ramella fueled another defensive stand with an impressive hustle sack, the Wildcats’ offense left no doubt by coming up with a march that took the fight out of the Eagles – a 13-play, 79-yard effort that ate up more than six minutes. Joseph and junior tight end Zach Strippy hauled in passes from Myers that resulted in key first downs and Grebenc found the end zone one more time by grabbing a swing pass from Myers and rambling across the goal line from 13 yards out. Grebenc upped his season total to 18 touchdowns.

 “You have to give (St. Edward) credit, their game plan was to keep our offense on the sideline,’’ said Chuck Kyle ’69, who has guided his Wildcats to an Ohio-best 10 Division I state championships and three national crowns. “St. Eds was eating up some clock. That drive (to start the second half) I am very, very pleased with, because the challenge was there at 14-0. The wind’s in our face and we drive right down the field. That was excellent, that’s what we needed.’’

 Saint Ignatius totaled 381 yards of offense on 49 plays and the Eagles finished with 180 yards on 45 plays.

 After the game, the United States Marine Corps, as part of their “Great American Rivalry Series,’’ presented an impressive team trophy to Coach Kyle and his players, and a sharp-looking game MVP trophy to Grebenc. 

 During halftime, the Marine Corps honored two former players from the Saint Ignatius vs. St. Edward rivalry - Wildcats assistant coach Josiah Kedzior '04 and Eagles record-setting tailback Danny Andrews.

 In the fall of 2003, "Juice'' Kedzior led Saint Ignatius past St. Edward, 20-17, by hauling in four passes from Brian Hoyer '04 for 80 yards and a touchdown and kicking two extra points and two field goals, including the game-winning FG. During the week of the 2003 St. Edward game, this corner selected "Juice'' as The Plain Dealer's "Difference Maker.''

 Andrews, another player I had the privilege and pleasure to cover, never lost to the Wildcats in his varsity career. In leading a 12-0 victory over Saint Ignatius in 1984, Danny rushed for 177 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. Danny went on to an outstanding career at Baldwin-Wallace College and is a member of the St. Edward Hall of Fame.    

  A FAB FOUR-BAGGER: During Halloween Week, the Wildcats not only defeated St. Edward in varsity football and soccer, but also were victorious in their junior-varsity and freshman football games against the Eagles.

 -30-

 SOCCER 'CATS ADVANCE TO A DISTRICT-FINAL MATCHUP WITH ST. EDWARD: Scoring five goals in the first half, including three by standout senior Vaughn Spurrier, Saint Ignatius defeated Valley Forge, 8-1, in a district-semifinal at Wasmer Field on Wednesday night.

 With the victory, the defending Division I state champion Wildcats (18-0) advance to Saturday's district-final matchup with St. Edward (8-6-4) at 11 a.m. on Wasmer Field.

 SAINT IGNATIUS-ST. EDWARD VARSITY FOOTBALL PREVIEW – Posted on 10/28/09 at 12:24 a.m.

 WILDCATS TRAVEL TO LAKEWOOD STADIUM FOR A HALLOWEEN MATINEE AGAINST THE EAGLES.

 ST. EDWARD’S DEFENSE AND RUNNING GAME CAN BE SCARY PROPOSITIONS.

 TOP PERFORMANCES FROM THE ST. XAVIER GAME ARE ANNOUNCED AND BY THE NUMBERS WITH THE ‘CATS AND THE EAGLES.

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Oct. 2009

 Even if you are just a casual fan of area high school football, by now you have heard all of the hoopla, historical or mythical, that surrounds the Saint Ignatius-St. Edward football rivalry.

 In their previous 45 meetings, the Wildcats and the Eagles have played some legendary tunes on the gridiron and in 1993 they even produced “a classic.’’

 That was the year, Oct. 23, 1993 to be exact, when Saint Ignatius prevailed, 35-34, in triple overtime and went on to capture its fifth Division I state championship and the second of its three national titles.

 The effort each team put forth that dry and crisp Saturday night at Lakewood Stadium was so impressive that national publications labeled it as the high school game of the year. More than 13,000 fans jammed their way into the “Madhouse on Madison’’ and others stood on the roofs and hoods of their cars trying to get a glimpse of the action and causing a traffic jam along Madison Avenue in the process.

 While the 1993 matchup was one of the greatest games in the history of Ohio high school football, there have been other notable encounters in a series that stands at 24-20-1 in favor of the Wildcats.

 The Eagles would capture overtime victories at Lakewood Stadium in 1996 and 2001. Last season, Saint Ignatius, en route to its record 10th big-school state championship, defeated St. Edward during Week 10 of the regular season and came right back the next week and eliminated the Eagles in a first-round playoff game. It marked the first time the staunch West Side rivals met in the postseason.

 There also have been, shall we say, some not-so-memorable games between the Eagles and the ‘Cats.

 Saint Ignatius won five of the first six meetings (1952-57). But when the rivalry was renewed in 1971, it was pretty much all St. Edward as the “Big Green Machine’’ posted a 14-2-1 advantage from ’71 through 1987. That was followed by a strong run by Coach Chuck Kyle’s Wildcats, who won 17 of the next 22 matchups from 1988 through last year.

 That brings us to this week and what will be a 2 p.m. kickoff on Saturday at Lakewood Stadium, as both teams wrap up their regular seasons.

 The game was originally slated for the evening, but the City of Lakewood asked the schools to move it to the afternoon because of safety issues surrounding the Halloween Trick or Treating that begins at 6 p.m.

 SportsTime Ohio will be televising the game, WHKW 1220AM will bring you the action live and it will also be sent live over the Web by the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club. Al Pawlowski, Mike Gibbons and David Bly will provide the action for WHKW and the spirited voices of Jacob Corrigan ’10 and Michael Watts ’11 will keep you on the edge of your seats over the Web.

 “This is a game, as people over the years have said, where the records really don’t mean that much,’’ said Coach Kyle ’69, referencing to his team’s 9-0 mark and the Eagles’ record of 4-5. “All of these kids are going to play hard, so it’s going to be a battle.’’

 Coach Kyle emphasized that you can not compare scores when it comes to Saint Ignatius and St. Edward. The fact that his Wildcats defeated Mentor, Inkster (Mich.) and Cincinnati St. Xavier, and the Eagles were defeated by those teams, will mean nothing come Saturday.

 “This is a different scenario,’’ Kyle said. “This is a different game.’’

 Saint Edward, which will need a victory over Saint Ignatius and some help from other teams to qualify for the OHSAA Region 1 quarterfinal playoffs, features a strong defense, depth, speed and skill at running back with Terrell Bates and Co., and an excellent kicking game led by Mike DiNunzio.

 Like the Wildcats, the Eagles have played a who’s who schedule. After Saturday, St. Edward will have closed its regular season by having played consecutive games against the top three teams – Saint Ignatius, Cincinnati Moeller and St. Xavier – in last week’s Division I state poll.

 “The first part of the year (St. Edward) was working from a three-front defensively,’’ said Coach Kyle, who has guided his Wildcats to a state-record 22nd consecutive appearance in the OHSAA big-school playoffs. “They’ve gone to more of a four-front and their front four are pretty good. They really get nice and low and they’ve been pushing back some very good offensive lines the past few weeks.

 “Their speed in the secondary is excellent. I see all of those guys in track season. They can sprint. And offensively they run the ball pretty well and blend in some play action. Their kids have hung in there and have played hard all the way.’’

 To offset the Eagles’ defensive charge, Kyle and his staff will look for the Wildcats to continue the balance they have displayed over the last month.

 Saint Ignatius enters Saturday’s game with a 1,000-plus yards rusher in junior tailback Bobby Grebenc (1,015) and a quarterback in senior Mark Myers who has passed for 15 touchdowns and 1,424 yards. Grebenc and Myers operate behind an underrated offensive line. 

 And, in what has been a challenge they have taken on all season, the Wildcats will have to rise to the occasion defensively and slow down an Eagles offense that has big-play capability and size up front.

 For those of you who have inquired, Saturday will not mark the first time the Eagles and the Wildcats have squared off in the afternoon. In fact, two of the first three games in the series – 1953 and ’54 – were played on a Sunday afternoon at St. Edward’s field. 

                            PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK 

                                     OFFENSE

 The honors go out to senior kicker Jesse Franklin, junior tailback Bobby Grebenc and senior wide receiver Anthony Luvison.

 Franklin, who is also a mainstay for the Wildcats’ final-four baseball program, kicked three clutch field goals of 31, 32 and 36 yards, was high and true on three extra points, sent three kickoffs deep into the end zone for touchbacks and booted a fourth kickoff that went into the end zone and wasn’t called a touchback in the dramatic 30-21 over Cincinnati power St. Xavier.

 Grebenc, who surpassed 1,000 yards rushing for the season, carried the ball 22 times for 135 yards and scored the game-clinching touchdown, his 15th on the season, with a 56-yard burst with 1 minute, 47 seconds remaining.

 Luvison, who also plays a key role in the defensive secondary and on special teams, and is one of the Wildcats’ four captains, had four clutch receptions for 45 yards, including two – one off a fourth-and-6 from the St. Xavier 31 and one off a second -and-15 from the Bombers’ 25 – that led to a TD reception by junior wideout David Joseph and a 23-14 lead with 8:07 left. 

                                    DEFENSE

 Making a case for the defense were senior linebacker and quad-captain Scott McVey, senior cornerback Kevin Johnson and senior defensive back George Newrones.

 In drawing praise from St. Xavier’s highly respected head coach Steve Specht, McVey, an Ohio State recruit, helped disrupt the Bombers’ offensive flow in a turn-around second half. Scott had two big tackles for losses, five quarterback hits and hurried the quarterback into an incompletion at a pivotal time in the game.

 K.J., as Johnson’s teammates refer to him, totaled 10 tackles, including eight solos and two for minus yardage, made a big-time interception in the end zone that kept the Wildcats’ deficit at one point entering halftime, and had a QB hurry.

 Newrones, who plays with a heart bigger than Saint Ignatius’ campus, made seven tackles, including five solos, returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown, forced a fumble, had a pass deflection and hurried the quarterback. 

             SAINT IGNATIUS AND ST. EDWARD, BY THE NUMBERS

 Before you start going through your kids’ Halloween bags and picking out a few treats that are “not healthy’’ for them, but just perfect for your palate, here are some numbers to chew on.

                               THE RULES OF 15

 When the Wildcats score 13 or less points versus St. Edward, they are 0-18.

 When the ‘Cats score 14 points against the Eagles they are 2-1-1 and when they score 15 or more points against St. Ed, they are 22-1.

         OLD RIVALS LEAD THE LIST
         AT TIMES THIS SEASON, IT HAS BEEN THE “CARDIAC ‘CATS’’

 Saturday’s matchup between the ‘Cats and the Eagles will be the 46th in their series. But neither team is the other’s longest-standing rival.

 St. Edward met the Vikings of St. Joseph/Villa Angela-St. Joseph 48 times between 1950 and 1995. Saint Ignatius played Holy Name 70 times between 1919 and 1993 and the Wildcats have also taken on Rhodes 54 times and John Marshall 48 times.

 This season, the Wildcats have trailed at some point in the game to all six of the Ohio teams they have faced.

 And finally, Coach Kyle is 19-3 all-time in Week 10 games, with bye weeks coming in 1996, 2000, 2005 and 2006.

 -30-


Cincinnati St. Xavier versus Saint Ignatius varsity football recap – posted on 10/24/09.

 ANOTHER CLASSY AND WILL TESTING MATCHUP 

 Behind a resilient and opportunistic offense, and a defense that adjusted at halftime, the Wildcats turn back the Bombers in what was the state’s marquee game this weekend.

 “We lost to a heck of a football team today.’’ – St. Xavier coach Steve Specht.

 1989 TEAM TAKES A BOW

 'CATS' GOLFERS FINISH THIRD IN THE STATE, CROSS COUNTRY TEAM DOMINATES THE EDGEWATER DISTRICT AND SOCCER TEAM ROLLS TO A SECTIONAL TITLE (10/24/09).

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Oct. 2009

 Anthony Luvison’s uniform was covered with fragments of turf. 

 The green that clung to Luvison's dark-blue jersey spoke volumes for the effort he and his Saint Ignatius teammates left on the field Saturday afternoon.

 The Wildcats, rebounding from a tough start, came on strong in the second half and defeated a team that in many ways is a mirror image of what Saint Ignatius football is all about.

 With Luvison combining with gifted senior quarterback Mark Myers on clutch receptions, the Wildcats’ defense disrupting St. Xavier’s offensive flow in the second half and junior tailback Bobby Grebenc finding that second gear time and again, Saint Ignatius prevailed, 30-21, at John Carroll University’s Don Shula Stadium.

 The Wildcats, the No.1 team in the OHSAA Division I, Region 1 computer-playoff ratings, improved to 9-0 and extended their winning streak to 23 games. Coach Chuck Kyle’s team entered Saturday’s matchup with the Bombers having already clinched a state-record 22nd consecutive appearance in the big-school playoffs.

 St. Xavier (7-2), which has locked up its 16th trip to the postseason out of Division I, Region 4, boarded the busses back to the Queen City knowing that its storied series with Saint Ignatius is now all even at eight wins apiece.

 “It’s an unbelievable experience,’’ said Luvison of the opportunity to play against the Bombers, who, like the Wildcats, represent a Jesuit tradition. “It’s like Coach Kyle said about them, they do it right. And we do it right. We just play the game because we love to play it.

 “This is the epitome of a rival school,’’ Luvison continued. “Another Jesuit school, a great football program, this was just so much fun. The atmosphere was great today at John Carroll. I mean I just really enjoyed it. I loved it.’’

 And the Wildcats’ faithful were loving every moment after Luvison, a senior wide receiver, defensive back and quad-captain, hauled in an 11-yard pass from Myers on a fourth-and-6 from the St. Xavier 31. Following an incomplete pass and an illegal procedure penalty, Luvison ran another precise route and snatched a 14-yard bullet from Myers that set up a third-and-1 from the 11.

 Myers converted the third down with a 2-yard keeper and three plays later the University of Pittsburgh recruit displayed his powerful left arm again by throwing a 9-yard touchdown strike to junior wideout David Joseph as two defenders were closing in on Joseph in the right corner of the end zone. Senior Jesse Franklin kicked the extra point and Saint Ignatius led, 23-14, with 8 minutes, 7 seconds remaining to be played. 

 In improving his season totals to 1,424 yards passing and 15 TD passes, Myers was 18-of-28 for 172 yards. Luvison had four receptions for 45 yards and senior tight end and Pitt recruit Brendan Carozzoni grabbed three passes for 44 yards.

 St. Xavier, whose other setback this season was to Kentucky power Highlands, 12-7, answered Joseph’s TD catch with a 10-play, 59-yard drive. Standout senior defensive lineman/fullback Nigel Muhammad scored on a 1-yard run and, after the ensuing extra point by senior Robert Leonard, the Bombers trailed by two points with 4:20 left.

 It was at that point the Wildcats flashed the credentials that have led Coach Kyle’s program to an Ohio-record 10 Division I state championships.

 Starting on its 20-yard line, Saint Ignatius, behind Myers and Grebenc, moved to a first down at the Wildcats’ 43.

 On second-and-nine from the 44, Grebenc slashed through a hole over right side, picked up another block and, displaying a second burst, outran the pursuit for a 56-yard touchdown with 1:47 remaining. Franklin’s all-important extra point made it a two-score advantage and the Saint Ignatius defense took care of the rest.

 “We had a 40-99 called where Mark could either keep it, pass it or hand it off,’’ said Grebenc, who finished with 135 yards rushing on 22 carries and now has 15 touchdowns and 1,015 yards rushing on the season. “Mark had a great read on it, our line did a great job, (senior wideout) Tucker Sorrell had an outstanding block on the outside and I just broke away.’’

 St. Xavier, which defeated the Wildcats by three points in triple overtime in 2007 and lost to Saint Ignatius by three points in overtime last season, took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter off an impressive 12-play, 90-yard drive.

 Saint Ignatius then played opportunistic football as a fumble recovery by senior safety Kory Gillissie resulted in a 32-yard field goal by Franklin. After senior cornerback George Newrones and Gillissie helped force a fumble that was recovered by senior outside linebacker Jake Ryan, Franklin was high and true on a 31-yard field goal that cut the deficit to 7-6.

 Thanks to a leaping interception in the end zone by Wildcats senior cornerback/tailback Kevin Johnson, it stayed a one-point game entering halftime. K. J. was involved in 10 tackles. 

 “We knew they were sort of hurting us in the middle on the running game,’’ said Saint Ignatius’ veteran defensive coordinator Dan Corrigan ’78 of a St. Xavier offense that was fueled in the first half by promising sophomore tailback Conor Hundley and senior quarterback and University of Cincinnati recruit Luke Massa. “Because of their formation, our outside stunts weren’t really getting there. (Senior linebacker) Scott McVey’s our best guy, so we wanted to get in a defense where we could exploit Scott. And a lot of times they were worried about Scott and that opened up the seams for the other guys.

 “A couple of times, their guys cut from Scott’s attack and into an unblocked linebacker or defensive lineman. So it worked out pretty well, like we hoped it would and it did.’’

 Bombers head coach Steve Specht, who was Coach Kyle’s defensive coordinator this past summer as Team USA rolled to the Gold Medal in the IFAF Junior World Championship, concurred with Coach Corrigan’s assessment of the impact Ohio State recruit McVey had on the game in the second half.

 “Everybody saw it,’’ Specht said. “You’ve got one of the best players in the country in Scott McVey moving all over the place causing havoc. We didn’t adjust to it real well and that’s on me. That’s nobody else’s fault but mine, and I’m going to work on it and get back to the drawing board.’’

 Taking advantage of a shank punt, the Wildcats turned a short field into a 36-yard field goal by Franklin and a 9-7 lead with 7:11 to go in the third quarter.

 Less than two minutes later, Saint Ignatius’ defense came up big again as Newrones returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown. Franklin’s PAT extended the ‘Cats lead to 16-7.

 Massa and Co. had an answer, however, this time a six-play, 80-yard drive that featured a 17-yard touchdown pass from Massa to sure-handed senior receiver Jeff Kraemer with 3:10 left in the third quarter. Massa threw for 208 yards. 

 “It took 48 minutes to win that ballgame, and that’s what we did,’’ said Wildcats senior safety and quad-captain Kevin Hopkins, who made a point to praise St. Xavier for the hard-nosed, yet classy approach Coach Specht’s team brings to the field.

 And class is something Hopkins and the rest of the Wildcats see every day in practice from the man who is in his 27th season as head coach at his alma mater.

 “Going against a team like St. Xavier forces you to get better,’’ said Coach Kyle ’69, who will have little time to savor the victory over the Bombers as the Wildcats close their regular season against staunch rival St. Edward on Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. in Lakewood Stadium. “When you start looking at it before the game, you go: ‘Well both teams (Saint Ignatius and St. Xavier) are in the playoffs, what are we playing this for?’

 "We’re playing it because this is a great game. We’re going to play and we’re going to learn. That’s what happens here.’’ 

 VIEW ‘CATS-BOMBERS: If you want to check out some of the color and sounds from the Saint Ignatius-Cincinnati St. Xavier game you can do so starting Monday by going to MaxPreps.com/5Days2Friday. 

 1989 WAS SO FINE

 Prior to the kickoff to Saturday's game, Saint Ignatius paid tribute to its 1989 team, which captured the school's second Division I state championship and the first of the Wildcats' three national titles. The seniors on the '89 team finished their high school football careers unbeaten on all three levels - freshman, junior varsity and varsity.

 WILDCATS GOLFERS FINISH THIRD, CROSS COUNTRY TEAM RACES ON AND SOCCER TEAM TAKES THE BARK OUT OF THE 'DAWGS

 A solid team score of 315 wasn’t quite enough on Saturday as the Saint Ignatius varsity golf team finished third in the Division I state golf championship on the Scarlet Course at The Ohio State University. It marked the second consecutive year that the Wildcats placed third.

 After Friday’s opening round was rained out, the tournament was adjusted to a one-day, 18-hole shootout. Columbus St. Charles, a team the Wildcats defeated twice in regular-season tournaments, took home the trophy with a score of 309 and Cincinnati St. Xavier was second at 313.

 Senior Kyle Kmiecik and sophomore Beau Titsworth compiled rounds of 76 and tied for sixth in the state to earn All-Ohio honors. Sophomore Matt Gerard and senior Andrew Bailey had rounds of 81 and 82, and junior Connor McCafferty shot 87.

 Saint Ignatius’ deep and talented cross country team showed why it is the top program in the state by dominating the Edgewater Division I district. Five Wildcats finished in the top 11, with all five breaking 17 minutes. Evan Baum was third in 16:35. 

 Coach Mike McLaughlin's soccer team, the top-ranked program in the nation, dominated the Garfield Heights Bulldogs, 12-1, in a Division I sectional final on Wasmer Field Saturday night. Coach McLaughlin's defending state champions will face Valley Forge in a district semifinal on Wednesday night at 7 on Wasmer Field.

 -30-

 MOTHER NATURE HAS THE BEST SCORE
 WILDCATS BID FOR A THIRD STATE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP PUT ON HOLD

 Friday's opening round of the Division I state golf tournament was wiped out by the persistent rain that swept across the Scarlet Course at The Ohio State University. The tournament has been rescheduled for Saturday and has been reduced to an 18-hole competition. The first tee off times will be 9 a.m., unless Mother Nature has more to say.

 SAINT IGNATIUS-SAINT EDWARD GAME MOVED TO THE AFTERNOON – POSTED ON 10/22/09 at 2:15 p.m.

 The kickoff time for next weekend’s Saint Ignatius-St. Edward football game has been moved up to 2 p.m. at Lakewood Stadium. It was originally a night game.

 Wildcats Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick said the City of Lakewood asked St. Edward to move the game to the afternoon because of Halloween, the "Trick or Treating'' that begins at 6 p.m., and the anticipated sell-out crowd at the game. Once again, the Oct. 31st kickoff will be 2 p.m. from Lakewood Stadium.   
- Eddie Dwyer

 Cincinnati St. Xavier versus Saint Ignatius varsity football preview-story posted on 10/20/09.

 A MIRROR IMAGE

 BOMBERS AND WILDCATS MATCH STAUNCH DEFENSES AND BALANCED OFFENSES IN THE STATE’S PREMIER MATCHUP THIS WEEKEND.

 TOP PERFORMANCES FROM THE INKSTER GAME ARE ANNOUNCED 

 NIKE TOUR FOCUSES ON WILDCATS FOOTBALL

 BRIAN HOYER ENJOYING LIFE IN THE NFL AND FRANK DeSICO PAYS A VISIT TO PRACTICE

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Oct. 2009

 During what was a comfortable late October afternoon, Chuck Kyle ’69 was sending his Saint Ignatius Wildcats through their daily sprints.

 Standing on the home side of Wasmer Field, Coach Kyle broke into a smile that was as bright as the fall sun that was taking its position near midfield.

 It was an expression of respect – respect for his team and the upcoming opponent and the great challenge it always presents.

 In many ways, Coach Kyle’s smile spoke volumes for what has become one of Ohio’s marquee games, year in and year out.

 “These two teams are very, very similar, they really are,’’ said Kyle of Saturday afternoon’s matchup with the Bombers of St Xavier, the Jesuit-school power from Cincinnati. “We run the same scheme on defense. They’re very good on defense and I think we’re very good on defense. In this game, you take any point you can get.’’

 In what will be an all-Jesuit venue, the 16th meeting between the Wildcats (8-0) and the Bombers (7-1) will take place at John Carroll University’s Don Shula Stadium.

 The kickoff will be at 2 p.m. and the game will be presented live over the Web by the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club. Providing the action will be the savvy tones of Jacob Corrigan ’10 and Michael Watts ’11, and contributing guest commentary will be John Carroll broadcaster Brendan Gulick ’09, the former dean of the Saint Ignatius web waves. In what will be a first this season, the Broadcasting Club will also be providing live video of the game.  

 Al Pawlowski, the veteran voice of Wildcats football and an outstanding broadcaster and television personality for SportsTime Ohio and Time Warner Cable of Northeast Ohio, will join Mike Gibbons and David Bly in bringing the game to you on a delayed basis at 5 p.m. over WHK 1420AM.

 As Coach Kyle emphasized, there are very few secrets between Saint Ignatius and St. Xavier. Not only do these teams bring the same class, discipline and hard-nosed approach to the field, but Bombers head coach Steve Specht was Kyle’s defensive coordinator this past summer as Team USA rolled to the Gold Medal in the IFAF Junior World Championship at Canton’s legendary Fawcett Stadium. Coach Specht is one of the top defensive minds in the country.

 Although St. Xavier leads the series, 8-7, the past two meetings have been nothing less than gut wrenching.

 In 2007, the Bombers prevailed in triple overtime at Byers Field and went on from there to finish 15-0 and capture their second Division I state football championship by defeating Mentor, 27-0. St. Xavier has already clinched what will be a 16th appearance in the OHSAA playoffs.

 During that 2007 regular-season thriller, two sophomores from Saint Ignatius – quarterback Mark Myers and linebacker Scott McVey – put together performances that marked a sign of things to come.

 Last year, the Wildcats, en route to their record 10th big-school state championship, traveled to Cincinnati and snapped the Bombers’ 26-game winning streak on Ballaban Field, 19-16, in overtime. John J. Wirtz Award Winner Pat Hinkel ’09, now at Miami of Ohio, scored the winning touchdown on a short-yardage blast.

 Saint Ignatius and St. Xavier have also squared off in two state championship games. The Wildcats came away victorious both times, 24-14 in 1992 and 37-6 in 2001.

 “It’s tough to score against either of these teams,’’ said Kyle, whose Wildcats have added to their state records by locking up a 22nd consecutive Division I playoff appearance.

 In last weekend’s 3-2 victory over St. Edward on Ballaban Field, the Bombers’ defense limited the Eagles to 7 yards passing and 124 total yards. Helping lead the charge were linebacker Steve Daniels, a 6-foot-1, 240-pound junior, and Nigel Muhammed, a 6-foot-1, 230-pound senior defensive lineman.

 Offensively, St. Xavier and Saint Ignatius both feature tall drop-back quarterbacks in the 6-foot-5 Myers, a University of Pittsburgh recruit, and the Bombers’ 6-foot-5 three-year varsity mainstay Luke Massa. They are signal-callers who can consistently look down field and make plays.

 In last weekend’s 49-20 victory over Inkster (Mich.), Myers, a southpaw, was 13-of-14 passing for 199 yards and three touchdowns. Massa, who also excels in basketball, completed 17 of 25 passes for 158 yards against a tough Saint Edward defense.

 Like Myers, “Cool Hand Luke’’ can tuck the ball away and pick up key yardage. So the challenge will fall on the Wildcats’ gifted linebackers – McVey, senior Owen Callahan and senior Jake Ryan. On the season, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Ryan has 67 tackles, including 20 for losses and eight sacks.

 Massa is complemented by an always-dependable running game that this season includes promising sophomore Conor Hundley. Saint Ignatius counters with junior tailback Bobby Grebenc, who is averaging more than 6 yards per carry.

 As for the kicking games, senior Jesse Franklin has been a model of consistency for the Wildcats and St. Xavier can call on the powerful leg of senior Robert Leonard. After the Bombers took an intentional safety with 12 seconds remaining in the St. Edward game, Leonard, kicking from his 20, booted a “monstrous’’ 80-yard kickoff out of the end zone to seal the deal.

 “I think this is a game in which field position is going to be huge,’’ said Coach Kyle, emphasizing how difficult it will be for either team to drive 80 yards. “And certainly you go back to the classic idea of turnovers. If somebody gets a break, it is going to be paramount.

 “It is certainly the equivalent of a regional final, a state semifinal and a lot of times a Cincinnati school ends up playing a Cleveland school, so you fill in the rest. It could be that level of a contest.’’

                             PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

                                      OFFENSE
 In last weekend’s 29-point victory over Inkster (Mich.), senior quarterback Mark Myers hit on 13 of his 14 pass attempts for 199 yards and three touchdowns. He was complemented by the running of junior tailback Bobby Grebenc, who combined balance, strength, vision and deceiving speed into 140 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 21 carries. And helping showing the way to 433 yards of total offense were senior tackles Joe Lavelle and Stewart Ross, junior guard Mike Ramos, senior guard Chris Chapek and senior center Drew Gatian.

                                    DEFENSE
 In a matchup with one of the premier players in the nation – Inkster senior quarterback and Michigan recruit Devin Gardner – senior safeties Kevin Hopkins and Kory Gillissie played solid roles. Hopkins, a quad-captain, made eight tackles, including six solos, had a pass deflection and a quarterback hit. Gillissie made four tackles, including a stop that helped stymie a potential scoring drive, came up with a diving interception that led to the Wildcats’ fourth touchdown and hurried the quarterback into an incompletion.

             NIKE FOCUSING IN ON THE ‘CATS AND BOMBERS
 Nike’s weekly feature, “Five Days to Friday Road Tour,’’ or in this case, Tuesday to Saturday, is putting the national light on the Wildcats and the St. Xavier-Saint Ignatius game.

 “We’ve been going around filming some of the best high school football teams in the country and Saint Ignatius is one of those teams,’’ said Casey Littlejohn, a co-host for the Nike Tour. “I’m from Seattle, so it’s really a treat for me to get out here and see some of these great Ohio teams. Yeah, even in Seattle, we know that Ohio football is some of the best in the country. So this is a fantastic opportunity for us to help showcase your football to the entire nation and to see Saint Ignatius, with its 10 state championships and the great tradition here.’’

 Nike will be filming the Wildcats’ practices and other weekly preparation, and will be at the St. Xavier game to film pre-game, game action and post-game atmosphere.

                           A TIME TO CHERISH
 Former Saint Ignatius and Michigan State standout Brain Hoyer ’04 made his NFL debut this past Sunday as the New England Patriots scored a franchise-record 59 points in dominating the Tennessee Titans. Hoyer, who signed a free-agent contract with the Patriots in April after finishing his college career, is the back-up quarterback to All-Pro Tom Brady.

 Brian made the most of his first regular-season opportunity as he directed a 12-play, 61-yard drive and capped it off by scoring on a 1-yard run. For the day, Brian completed 9 of 11 passes for 52 yards.

 As Brian entered the game, CBS’s award-winning announcer, anchor and play-by-play voice Jim Nance described him as a product of Saint Ignatius and went to say some nice words about the school and Coach Kyle. 

                         BACK HOME FOR A VISIT
 Taking in the Wildcats’ practice on Tuesday was former baseball and football standout Frank DeSico ’09.

 Frank, who is attending the University of Notre Dame on a baseball scholarship, helped Saint Ignatius to its record 10th state football championship last fall by excelling as a special-teams player and a wide receiver. Who among the Wildcats faithful will ever forget his two punt returns – each of 72 yards – that went for touchdowns in the 50-0, Week 8 victory over Cincinnati LaSalle?

 A standout midfielder, Frank also played a major role in the Wildcats establishing a school record by advancing to the state final four in baseball for three consecutive seasons. He has a strong chance to land a starting role at second base for the Fighting Irish.

 When asked if he misses football, Frank replied: “Every day.’’

 -30-

  Inkster (Mich.) versus Saint Ignatius varsity football recap – story was posted on 10/18/09 at 1:10 a.m.

 ‘Cats offense operates on all cylinders.

 Myers’ gifted left arm, Grebenc’s steady ground game and another rock-solid effort by the O-Line leads a dominant performance against the Vikings.

 Teams present some very special game balls. 

 Robby Parris '06 helps keep the fight in the Irish.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Copyright, Oct. 2009

 As he stood tall against a cutting wind in Parma’s Robert M. Boulton Stadium on Saturday night, Saint Ignatius senior defensive end and quad-captain Pat Dowd put it in words that were right to the point and oh, so true.

 “We just have to keep doing what we’re doing,’’ Dowd said after the Wildcats, behind a near flawless game by their offense, defeated Inkster (Mich.), 49-20, on Boulton Stadium’s Byers Field turf.

 What Saint Ignatius did on Saturday night was something every offensive coordinator at every level of football would love to bottle.

 The Wildcats, the top-ranked Division I program in Ohio by the Associated Press, totaled 433 yards of offense in improving to 8-0 and extended their winning streak to 22 games.

 Saint Ignatius, which also holds down the No. 1 spot in the all-important Division I, Region 1 OHSAA Harbin computer ratings, was led by senior quarterback Mark Myers and gritty junior tailback Bobby Grebenc.

 Myers, a University of Pittsburgh recruit, completed 13 of his 14 pass attempts for 199 yards and three touchdowns. Grebenc, who hurt the Vikings inside and outside, totaled 140 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 21 carries.

 Combining their God-given skills with what was a tremendous all-facet performance by the Wildcats’ underrated offensive line, Myers and Grebenc put up those numbers in less than three quarters.

 “That was a real goal this week, the percentage with the passing,’’ said Coach Chuck Kyle ’69 of Myers’ efforts. “When that happens, you get these drives that just continue and really get the defense off balance.’’

 Saint Ignatius’ balanced attack had Inkster (4-3) on its heels from the get-go.

 First it was a 75-yard march that featured six consecutive carries by Grebenc. On the sixth carry, Grebenc swept the left side for a 5-yard touchdown and senior Jesse Franklin’s extra-point kick made the score 7-0 with 8 minutes, 8 seconds remaining in the opening quarter.

 Then Myers’ left arm heated up as the 6-foot-5, 225-pound signal-caller fired a touchdown pass of 33 yards to junior flanker David Joseph and a perfect TD strike of 28 yards to senior wide receiver Tucker Sorrell.

 Leading, 21-0, entering the second quarter, the Wildcats took advantage of a diving interception by senior safety Kory Gillissie at the Inkster 46. Eleven plays later, Grebenc followed his crisp blocking for a 2-yard score.

 Inkster, turning to the arm and legs of standout senior quarterback and University of Michigan recruit Devin Gardner, put together an impressive 14-play drive that was capped by a 3-yard touchdown run by junior tailback DaShawn Bell. Gardner, the fifth-rated quarterback in ESPNU’s national 150, attempted to pass for a two-point conversion following Bell’s TD, but was run down and sacked by Dowd.

 Dowd recorded two sacks against the tall (6-foot-4), strong and elusive Gardner and, after the game, praised Gardner’s athleticism and said the multi-skilled quarterback seemed like a great kid.

 Saint Ignatius, which will face Cincinnati Saint Xavier (7-1) next Saturday in a 2 p.m. kickoff from John Carroll University’s Don Shula Stadium, answered the Vikings’ scoring drive with another touchdown by Grebenc, this time from 6 yards out.

 Gardner then flashed his national credentials in the final 1:23 of the first half by rolling to his left, getting to the corner and sprinting down the sideline for a 71-yard touchdown off a fourth-and-1 play. He followed with a two-point conversion pass to senior wideout Deon Butler and Inkster trailed the Wildcats, 35-14, at halftime.

 “Bobby (Grebenc) has been like that in a lot of games (this season),’’ said Coach Kyle of his hard-nosed tailback. “And Mark was doing some nice check-offs when we needed to. We’re used to being a passing and running team, because you never know when an opponent is going to take one away from you. That was also a goal this week – that whatever a team gives you, let’s go get it.’’

 Saint Ignatius got it going again in the third quarter and sealed the deal on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Myers to promising 6-foot-4, 210-pound sophomore tight end Blake Thomas and Grebenc’s fourth TD of the night, a 3-yard run. Thomas and junior Zach Strippy did another exceptional job filling in for senior tight end and University of Pittsburgh recruit Brendan Carozzoni, who is expected to return this week after suffering a mild concussion.

 “We did graduate some guys off the offensive line,’’ said Kyle, who picked up his 270th career victory, all of those coming in his 27 seasons as the head coach at his alma mater. “In the beginning of the year we were green (up front), but we knew we could do it. They’re starting to be veterans. They’re telling us what’s going to work out there now.’’

 In a touching moment after the game, players from Saint Ignatius and Inkster huddled together and presented game balls to Justin Winemiller and his family, who were guests of the Saint Ignatius players.

 Winemiller, who was attacked and beaten on his way home from last month’s St. Rocco’s Festival, is a senior at Rhodes High School in Old Brooklyn. Several of the Wildcats have launched a call for movement against youth violence and, as part of that, visited with Winemiller and his mother. You can read the moving story on the players and Winemiller by going to the Saint Ignatius Home Page on its website and clicking on the “Spotlight’’ item that directs you to the story. The story appeared in The Plain Dealer’s Metro Section on Oct. 9 and was written by The PD’s outstanding writer, Margaret Bernstein.

  ROBBY PARRIS HELPS FUEL A NOTRE DAME RALLY THAT JUST FELL SHORT

 Congratulations go out to former Saint Ignatius all-district and all-state wide receiver Robby Parris '06, whose career-high nine receptions helped the University of Notre Dame storm back and nearly overcome a three-score deficit before being turned away by the visiting USC Trojans, 34-27, on Saturday afternoon. The Irish were at the USC 4-yard line when a last-second pass fell incomplete in the end zone.

 Robby set up the first touchdown for the Fighting Irish by hauling in a 25-yard pass from senior punter Eric Maust off a fake field-goal attempt. His 92 yards receiving against the Trojans' highly touted secondary are the second-most in his Notre Dame career.

 -30-

 GOLFERS ARE STATE BOUND!

 Congratulations go out to Coach Dan Hess ’88 and the Wildcats' varsity golf team for capturing the Division I district tournament at Pine Hills Golf Club on Wednesday and, in the process, advancing to next weekend’s state tournament.

 Saint Ignatius, which finished third in last year’s big-school state competition, will play for the Ohio crown Oct. 23-24. The ‘Cats will compete on The Ohio State University’s demanding Scarlet Course.

 Leading the way for Coach Hess on Wednesday were sophomore Beau Titsworth, who shot a 73, and senior Kyle Kmiecik, who delivered a 76 in the cold and wet conditions. Junior Connor McCafferty, the team’s fifth golfer, shot 80 for the day.
 
 The Wildcats' linksmen will enter the state finals having established two single-season school records - best record (219-2) and most tournament wins (11).

 - "The Corner.''

 -30-
 Inkster-Saint Ignatius football preview – story was posted on 10/13/09 at 11:56 p.m.

 One of the nation’s premier quarterbacks will test the Wildcats’ defense.

 Top performances from the Warren Harding game are announced.

 SHAQ AT SAINT IGNATIUS – “The Diesel’’ films a commercial for “Power Balance’’ on campus and in Sullivan Gym (10/13/09).

 By Eddie Dwyer

 So, you think Saint Ignatius has faced enough multitalented athletes for one season?

 Well, batten down the hatches.

 The best of them all will be paying a visit to Parma’s Robert M. Boulton Stadium on Saturday night to display his numerous skills on the Byers Field turf.

 Senior Devin Gardner, the fifth-rated quarterback/athlete in the ESPNU 150, will lead the Inkster (Mich.) Vikings (4-2) against the Wildcats (7-0) at 7 p.m. on Ridge Road and Day Drive.

 The game will be aired live over the Web by the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club and its gifted crew headed by Jacob Corrigan ’10, Michael Watts ’11 and Paul Martin '10. The golden voices of Ed Daugherty, Mike Gibbons and David Bly will also bring you the game live over WHK 1420AM, beginning with the pre-game at 6:45 p.m.

 “For how many weeks in a row now we've gone against teams with good speed, skilled athletes and excellent receivers,’’ said Wildcats head coach Chuck Kyle ’69. “And again, we’re facing it this week. (Devin Gardner) has a full ride to Michigan and running Inkster’s spread offense he reminds you of Terrelle Pryor at Ohio State, a big, strong guy with a cannon for an arm who runs well. And they also have some receivers who are being recruited by Division I schools.’’

 The 6-foot-4, 195-pound Gardner won’t hesitate in telling you that he loves having the ball in his hands. As far as he is concerned, it is his show and anything can happen when he has control of the football.

 After putting on a show in 2008 that featured 1,900 yards and 26 touchdowns through the air and 1,400 yards and 22 touchdowns rushing, Gardner became one of the most coveted recruits in the nation. Many veteran observers of Michigan-area high school football say Gardner’s skills and work ethic have blossomed under Coach Greg Carter. Coach Carter, known as the "Dean of Discipline,'' led St. Martin dePorres of Detroit to three state championships and a state runner-up finish before turning around the Inkster program in 2005.  

 Along with his talented receivers, Gardner’s show has some solid co-stars at running back. In last weekend’s 34-19 victory over Muskegon Catholic Central, DaShawn Bell scored three touchdowns and accounted for 91 of the Vikings’ 318 yards rushing. Inkster broke open a game that was tied, 6-6, at halftime. Gardner got the offense started in the second half with a 5-yard touchdown run and finished with 99 yards rushing and 110 yards passing.

 “Definitely a huge challenge,’’ said Coach Kyle, whose team remains No. 1 in Region 1 in the all-important OHSAA Harbin computer ratings. “But we’ve been facing spread offenses, so we’ll have to keep tinkering and go with it. I think where maybe we have the advantage is up front. They have size, but I think our technique is pretty good.

 “That’s what we need to have happen is to take advantage of our techniques. We have to throw off (Gardner’s) timing. We can’t let him get on a roll.’’

 Inkster, which has bounced back after starting the season 0-2, usually starts with a four-man front on defense. The Vikings seem to put an emphasis on stopping the opponent’s running game, as they have a tendency to play their safeties tight. Under this type of alignment, it is, as Coach Kyle emphasized, very important that the Wildcats click through the air.

 “We’ve been hitting some key passes,’’ Kyle said. “But I think we have to hit more, percentage-wise. Sixty or 65 percent, something like that would help. That would loosen them up a bit. If they’re able to just do man coverage and put eight in the box, that’s not good.’’ 

 Saturday night will mark Inkster’s second trip to the Cleveland area in less than a month. On Sept. 18th, the Vikings defeated the Saint Edward Eagles, 14-7, at Lakewood Stadium.

      THE CORNER AWARDS FROM THE WARREN HARDING GAME

                                    DEFENSE

 As Elvis would say: “Well, it’s one for the money, Two for the show, Three to get ready, Now go, cat, go.’’

 And the three ‘Cats “The Corner’’ has selected this week had it going in Mollenkopf Stadium on Saturday night as they helped Saint Ignatius turn back a quick, aggressive and talented Warren Harding team, 10-7.

 The Wildcats’ defense took its game up notch in the second half as senior outside linebacker Jake Ryan, senior “mike’’ or middle linebacker Owen Callahan and senior defensive lineman Tom Krukemeyer led the way.

 Ryan totaled 13 stops, including seven solos, had two sacks, four tackles for losses and a fumble recovery. Callahan also rang up 13 tackles, including five solos and two behind the line of scrimmage, and Krukemeyer made seven tackles, with three resulting in minus yardage, and combined on a sack.
                                       OFFENSE

 With standout senior tight end Brendan Carozzoni sidelined with a mild concussion, Zach Strippy and Blake Thomas accepted the challenge and did an admirable job filling in.

 With Saint Ignatius trailing, 7-0, Strippy, a junior, helped set up classmate Bobby Grebenc’s 1-yard touchdown by running a precise route and hauling in a 42-yard pass from senior quarterback Mark Myers, an effort that took the ball to Warren Harding 3-yard line. Strippy finished with two receptions for 57 yards.

 Thomas, a 6-4, 210-pound sophomore, held his own against the Raiders’ large and experienced defensive front and he helped lead the way to senior Jesse Franklin’s 38-yard field goal with an 18-yard reception that fueled the 55-yard drive.

 “They rotated through, kept fresh and did a good job,’’ said Coach Kyle of the efforts by Strippy and Thomas. “So if we have to do that again, we will. We’re used to it now.’’

                                SHAQ AT THE SULLY

 Shaquille O'Neal, one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA, was on the Saint Ignatius campus Tuesday afternoon filming a commercial for the “Power Balance’’ wristband and other related “Power Balance’’ products.

 To a novice on the subject like yours truly, here is a quick explanation of what “Power Balance’’ is all about.

 Power Balance Performance Technology has been embedded with naturally occurring frequencies found in nature that have been known to react positively with your body's energy field to amplify cell to cell communication. When cells communicate better, the body works better-improving balance, flexibility, strength, endurance, stamina, focus and overall wellness.

 When Power Balance comes in contact with the body's energy field, it resonates at a low-level frequency that improves the flow of energy throughout the body and helps regulate its static energy. Like a tuning fork, Power Balance creates cellular harmony that allows you to perform at your optimum level.

 As for Shaq, he filmed part of his commercial on the roof near The Harold C. Schott Library and did the rest inside Sullivan Gymnasium.

 Shaq, who will team with the NBA’s current ultimate player – St. Vincent-St. Mary legend LeBron James – in helping the Cavaliers achieve their goal of an NBA championship this coming season, couldn’t have been more classy, obliging and outgoing as he greeted the Wildcats’ 2009-10 varsity basketball team. Shaq huddled with the players and had them yell “State Champs.’’ He didn’t think their effort was loud enough the first time, so another chorus of “State Champs’’ followed.

 Shaq also posed for a picture with the family of Wildcats head basketball coach Sean O’Toole and told Coach O’Toole what a beautiful family he had – wife Laura, daughters Erin and Kelsey and sons Connor and Owen. Just 3, Kelsey was right at home and enjoying every moment in her Cavaliers jersey.

 After saying hello to Saint Ignatius President, Rev. William J. Murphy, S.J., Principal Peter H. Corrigan, Jr. and Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick, Shaq took a few practice shots in Sullivan Gym, interacted with the kids some more and then headed for his car as a group of students followed behind and snapped photos with their cell phones.

 On his way out of Sullivan Gym, Shaq responded to those who said it was a privilege and a pleasure to meet him with a genuine reply of: “It was my pleasure.’’

 -30-

 SAINT IGNATIUS AT WARREN HARDING VARSITY FOOTBALL RECAP

 Story was posted on 10/11/09 at 2:58 a.m.

 ‘Cats thrive under pressure, again!

 Defense accepts the challenge and turns back a gifted Warren Harding team for 21. 

 THE NATION'S TOP-RANKED SOCCER TEAM CONTINUES ITS WINNING WAYS (SEE BELOW).

 A CALL FOR PRAYERS (SEE BELOW).

 By Eddie Dwyer

 WARREN, OHIO – As Saint Ignatius senior safety Kory Gillissie was making his way out of the Wildcats’ locker room on Saturday night, a reporter said to him, “Well, the pressure sure fell on the defense.’’

 Gillissie, breaking into a wide smile, never hesitated in responding.

 “We like the pressure,’’ he said. “It’s a lot of fun.’’

 Fun, exciting, gut wrenching, nail biting, you can take your pick.

 After the Wildcats turned back Warren Harding, 10-7, in Mollenkopf Stadium, the team some members of the local media have referred to as the one that “sleeps with the angels,’’ is resting comfortably this morning with a 21-game winning streak.

 Yes, the 2009 Saint Ignatius Wildcats have had moments this season that have tested the faint of heart among their faithful.

 There was the one-point thriller over Glenville on opening night, the school-record comeback from a 20-point deficit against Clayton Northmont in Week 2 and, of course, last week’s 26-21 will-testing experience against the Massillon Tigers.

 So it certainly was nothing knew for the Wildcats’ “D’’ to respond after Harding, in its final drive, converted a fourth-and-19 from its 29-yard line into a first down in Wildcats territory. Harding’s big play was the result of a highlight-reel leaping catch along the sideline by gifted 6-foot-3 junior wide receiver Edward Killingworth.

 With Raiders fans on their feet screaming for a victory, Coach Chuck Kyle’s defense, on the strength of a sack by relentless senior outside linebacker Jake Ryan, had Harding against the wall again. This time Coach D.J. Dota’s team was facing a fourth-and-22 from midfield with 23 seconds remaining.

 In what many Saint Ignatius followers will describe as the longest 23 seconds in their lives, the Raiders, in a last-gasp effort, completed a short pass to senior wideout/safety Andrew Zitnik and, two laterals later, were denied of a miracle finish at the Wildcats’ 30.

 Harding’s last chance for romance with victory started after Saint Ignatius just missed converting a fourth-and-9 pass into the end zone from the Raiders’ 10, a touchdown that would have put the game on ice for the Wildcats.

 “I don’t think anyone on either side figured this was going to be a 10-7 game,’’ said Coach Kyle ’69, who praised the Raiders and their development under Coach Dota. “I thought the winner would be at least in the 20s.’’

 Despite the final score, Harding and Saint Ignatius were able to move the ball. Two of the strongest teams in Division I, Region 1, the Wildcats and the Raiders (4-2-1) combined for more than 500 yards of offense.

 All of the scoring came in the first half as Harding struck in the first quarter on a 19-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Jordan Miller to Killingworth. Killingworth did appear to push off and step out of bounds before making his athletic over-the-shoulder catch in the left corner of the end zone, but the officials ruled that Saint Ignatius forced Killingworth out of bounds. Miller was 12-of-24 passing for 188 yards.

 Saint Ignatius, which played without senior tight end and University of Pittsburgh recruit Brendan Carozzoni (mild concussion), responded with its 10 points in the second quarter.

 Junior tailback Bobby Grebenc scored on a 1-yard sweep over the right side to cap off an eight-play, 70-yard drive and senior Jesse Franklin was high and true on a 38-yard field goal with just over five minutes remaining in the first half. Grebenc finished with 101 yards rushing on 27 carries.

 The Wildcats benefited from some strong play by 6-3 junior Zach Strippy and 6-4 sophomore Blake Thomas, who each filled in admirably for Carozzoni. Strippy set up Grebenc’s touchdown with a 42-yard reception off a crisp deep route and Thomas got the 55-yard drive that led to Franklin’s field goal started by hauling in an 18-yard pass from senior quarterback Mark Myers. Myers threw for 153 yards.

 Clinging to the 3-point lead, Saint Ignatius called on a team defense that was fueled by some strong pressure up front by Ryan and senior end Pat Dowd.

 “We didn’t do too well in the first half (defensively),’’ said the 6-3, 225-pound Ryan, who is being recruited by most of the Mid-American Conference schools. “We weren’t playing Saint Ignatius defense. But we fixed it in the locker room, came back out in the second half and did our thing.

 “When the fourth quarter rolled around, we stood our ground.’’

 Dowd, one of the Wildcats’ four captains, singled out Harding’s defense and the job it did bending, but not breaking, against Saint Ignatius’ balanced offense.

 “We knew we had to step it up (defensively),’’ said the tough, but good-natured Dowd. “Overall, we responded very well. On the sideline, it wasn’t, ‘Come on, you’re getting beat,’ it was, ‘Come on, we got it next time.’ It’s real important to stay positive and overall it was just an incredible effort by our whole defense.’’

 Call it what you want – on angels’ wings or the strong shoulders and big hearts of some very resilient young men.

 All the 2009 ‘Cats know is that they will wake up this morning 7-0 and in first place in the all-important OHSAA Region 1 playoff race.
 
 -30-

 SOCCER 'CATS SLOW THOSE MUSTANGS DOWN

 Congratulations go out to Coach Mike McLaughlin '85 and the Wildcats' varsity soccer team on another impressive victory - a 3-0 triumph over the Strongsville Mustangs in front of a crowd at Wasmer Field on Saturday night that was estimated to be more than 800.

 Matt Sanda, Luke Blades and Kayvon Afsarifard provided the goals, and Ryan Ivancic and Alec King came up with key assists as the nation's top-ranked team remained unbeaten.

 Saint Ignatius will close out its regular season against Toledo St. Francis on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Wasmer Field and will begin defense of its Division I state championship in sectional-final play on Oct. 24.

 A SPECIAL REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL PERSON

 We ask eveyone in the Saint Ignatius family and the entire area high school community that he served so well to keep Dick Zunt '50 in their prayers.

 Dick, a member of the Saint Ignatius Athletic Hall of Fame and a Hall of Fame sports reporter for The Plain Dealer for nearly five decades, is battling an advance case of malignant melanoma. He will be undergoing radiation treatments.

 "Zip,'' as his friends affectionately refer to Dick, was in good spirits last weekend as he attended the Saint Ignatius-Massillon football game. He will continue to follow the 'Cats' games, either in person or on the radio, depending on his treatments.

 This corner had the privilege of working side-by-side with Dick during my 37 years at The Plain Dealer. We were the regular coverage tandem for The PD, along with columnist Bill Livingston, at nine of the Wildcats' 10 state-championship game victories. To sum up the influence Dick has had on me as my friend and mentor, I will just say he has not only helped me become a better reporter, but a better person as well.

 Ask God to be with Zip and his family as he undergoes his treatments.
 
 - Eddie Dwyer

 -30-

 SAINT IGNATIUS AT WARREN HARDING VARSITY FOOTBALL PREVIEW

 Story was posted on 10/7/09 at 1:20 a.m.

 Another quick and skilled football team awaits the Wildcats.

 The Players of the Week for the Massillon game are announced.

 Saint Ignatius’ lineage is playing a major role in Stanford’s success.

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Oct. 2009

 As was the case last weekend, Saint Ignatius is facing a program on Saturday night that it had little difficulty defeating the past few seasons.

 However, as the Wildcats discovered in their gut-wrenching, 26-21 come-from-behind victory over Massillon on Oct. 3, the past doesn’t always equal the present.

 Saint Ignatius (6-0), the top-ranked Division I team in the state, the fifth-ranked program in the National Prep Poll and the No. 1 team in the all-important Ohio High School Athletic Association Region 1 computer ratings, travels to Trumbull County on Saturday for a 7:30 p.m. encounter with the Warren G. Harding Raiders (4-1-1) in Mollenkopf Stadium.

 The game will be presented live over the Web by the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club and its talented tandem of Jacob Corrigan '10 and Michael Watts '11. WHKW 1220AM will join the game in progress after airing Bowling Green State University football. Dick Russ, Mike Gibbons and David Bly will describe the action.

 For the Raiders, Saturday night’s game is the first of two crucial matchups that will probably determine their playoff status. Harding, the fifth-rated team in Region 1, travels to Massillon on Oct. 16. Massillon (5-1) is rated third in Division I, Region 2. The top eight teams in each of the state’s 24 regions at the end of the regular season qualify for the OHSAA regional-quarterfinal playoffs.

 Raiders coach D.J. Dota, who was in Parma last weekend scouting the Saint Ignatius-Massillon game, emphasized that his players are well aware of the computer ratings and will focus on themselves – getting better each week and taking care of business.

 Harding, which is coming off impressive victories over Euclid, 35-7, and Bishop Tonnos of Ontario, Canada, 48-7, has gone about its business in fine fashion this fall.

 The Raiders, whose last playoff appearance was in 2006, have outscored their opponents, 210-83. They have displayed a balanced attack that has produced 882 yards passing and 895 yards rushing. Harding has yielded 578 yards on the ground and 570 yards through the air. A good chunk of the 578 rushing yards was given up in the 31-6 loss to perennial power Youngstown Cardinal Mooney. The Raiders and the Shaw High Cardinals played to a 24-24 tie on opening night, a game in which Mother Nature would not allow the teams to go on.

 “We’re going into another situation where certainly skills and speed are definitely there,’’ said Saint Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle ’69, referring to the Harding Raiders and last week’s opponent, the Massillon Tigers. “These are kids (the Raiders) who have stuck with it (through the past two years). Their receivers are very effective and the quarterback is a veteran. He knows what’s going on in the offense and does a nice job with it.

 “And they have another young man (senior DeAver Williamson) who is the 100-meter dash champion in the state of Ohio. So they got a little speed and we’re addressing that issue. With Massillon, there were times when that (one-on-one) matchup hurt us a little bit.’’

 In dominating the Titans from Bishop Tonnos last weekend, Harding’s 5-foot-11, 210-pound senior quarterback Jordan Miller was 11-of-12 passing for 221 yards and three touchdowns. His TD strikes went to Edward Killingworth, a 6-3, 195-pound junior wideout, Marvin Logan, a 6-3, 215-pound senior tight end, and the versatile Andrew Zitnik, a 5-11, 170-pound senior wide receiver/defensive back. And oh, by the way, that blur that went through the Titans’ defense for a 62-yard touchdown was the 6-1, 175-pound Williamson, a major threat running and catching the ball.

 “Defensively, their coverage is good,’’ said Coach Kyle of the Raiders’ 4-3 package. “I think we’ll see some zone mixing in with some man. Over the years, they’ve handled it differently. Some years they blitz a lot and send the ship, and some years they don’t. So we’re going to have to be ready for either one.

 “This is a dangerous game,’’ Kyle continued. “They have potential for big plays, they have good size and, when you get to the seventh game of the season, teams are getting used to it. They’re not going to make as many mistakes. At this point, you’re taking on everyone’s best effort.’’

                        PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

                      OFFENSE AND ALL-AROUND

 Yes folks, on the offensive side of the ball the corner is coming right back this week with junior tailback Bobby Grebenc, whose four touchdowns and 210 yards rushing helped key the five-point victory over Massillon, and the young men who helped make it possible – senior tackles Stewart Ross and Joe Lavelle, junior guard Mike Ramos, senior guard Chris Chapek and senior center Drew Gatian.

 In a special honor this week, the corner is recognizing senior wideout/defensive back Anthony Luvison, who excelled on both sides of the ball against the Tigers.

 Anthony’s clutch 13-yard reception in the first half helped lead the way to Grebenc’s second touchdown – a 3-yard run. With the Wildcats trailing, 21-14, in the fourth quarter, Luvison came up with a perfectly timed interception at the Saint Ignatius 46-yard line. Six plays later, he hauled in a 23-yard pass from senior quarterback Mark Myers that set up Grebenc’s game-tying touchdown run of 1 yard.

 Shortly after Grebenc scored the winning touchdown off a 10-yard draw play with two minutes remaining, Luvison, one of the ‘Cats’ four captains, made a quick move on the ball and sealed the deal by knocking a pass away on fourth down.

                                    DEFENSE

 Standing tall on the corner are senior defensive end Gerry Ramella, whose savvy play and discipline all night drew the praise of Wildcats’ veteran coordinator and defensive line coach Dan Corrigan ’78, senior linebackers Scott McVey, Jake Ryan and Owen Callahan, and senior safeties Kevin Hopkins and Kory Gillissie.

 McVey made seven tackles, had a highlight-reel, leaping one-handed interception in the end zone in the first half and six quarterback hurries. Ryan totaled six tackles, including five solos and two sacks, and Callahan had six tackles and made an athletic play in helping deflect a pass during Massillon’s final possession. “Hoppy’ came up with an interception on the game’s first series and was involved in eight tackles, including one for a loss, and Gillissie was in on seven tackles. 

                STANFORD HAS PLENTY OF LUCK THIS SEASON

 Helping the Stanford Cardinal to a 4-1 start this season, including a 3-0 mark in the PAC-10, is red-shirt freshman quarterback Andrew Luck.

 Does the last name sound familiar? Andrew is the son of former Saint Ignatius great Oliver Luck ’78.

 A John J. Wirtz Award Winner and a member of the Saint Ignatius Athletic Hall of Fame, Oliver Luck was an outstanding quarterback at Saint Ignatius and West Virginia. He set numerous passing records for the Mountaineers, was a two-time Academic All-American and a Rhodes Scholar finalist.

 In his senior season at West Virginia, Oliver Luck led the Mountaineers to a victory over Florida in the Peach Bowl. He was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the second round of the 1982 NFL Draft and played with the Oilers from 1982 through 1986.

 As for Andrew Luck, the 6-4, 235-pound signal-caller has thrown for 940 yards and four touchdowns. He has completed better than 62 percent of his passes. In Andrew Luck and USC freshman Matt Barkley, the PAC-10 features two of the most promising young quarterbacks in the nation.

 -30-

 Massillon versus Saint Ignatius varsity football recap.

 Story was posted on 10/4/09 at 1:40 a.m.

 A test of faith

 Bobby Grebenc and Anthony Luvison help the Wildcats rally past the Tigers.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Standing just outside the Saint Ignatius locker room, Bobby Grebenc said it was his offensive line and the adrenaline that kept him going on Saturday night.

 That, and a bundle of talent and hard-nosed courage came to the fore as the gritty and gifted junior put together one of the most impressive performances by a running back in Saint Ignatius’ rich football history.

 The Wildcats, with Grebenc carrying the ball 39 times for 210 yards and four touchdowns, and senior captain Anthony Luvison excelling on both sides of the ball down the stretch, turned back an extremely talented and emotional Massillon team, 26-21, in front of a crowd of more than 10,000 in Parma’s Robert M. Boulton Stadium.

 Saint Ignatius, which trailed, 21-14, entering the fourth quarter, improved to 6-0 and extended its winning streak to 20 games. Massillon, which trailed, 14-0, with just over 10 minutes remaining in the first half, lost for the first time in six games. It marked the last regular-season meeting between the Wildcats and the Tigers, at least for the time being.

  Massillon is not renewing the contract. And that’s unfortunate because if ever there was a game in which both teams left it all on the field, the Wildcats and the Tigers did so in style Saturday night.

 “There was a lot of momentum flying around in that game,’’ said Saint Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle ’69, whose program now leads the series with Massillon, 12-1. “Hey, they’re a great football team and they’re going to be in the playoffs. Who knows? We can try to work hard so maybe we can get together again (in the playoffs).’’

 The Wildcats and the Tigers have met three times in the postseason, all three being state-semifinal encounters. But none were more intense than the 13^th matchup between the storied programs.

 Saint Ignatius, which entered Saturday’s game ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Division I state poll, sixth in the National Prep Poll and No. 1 in the all-important OHSAA Region 1 computer ratings, controlled the early going behind an awesome display of power football.

 Dominating the line of scrimmage, the Wildcats put together drives of 70 yards on 10 plays and 80 yards on 13 plays. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Grebenc, who is blessed with power, balance, vision and deceptive speed, capped off those marches with touchdown runs of 1 and 3 yards. A clutch 13-yard reception by Luvison off a crossing pattern helped set up Grebenc’s second TD.

 Saint Ignatius’ defense took center stage after Massillon elected to pass up a field-goal attempt and go for it on fourth down and 1 yard to go from the Wildcats’ 11. Senior All-Ohio linebacker Scott McVey read the play perfectly and made a one-handed leaping interception in the end zone.

 Starting on its 20, Saint Ignatius turned to Grebenc again and drove into Tigers’ territory. However, a holding penalty and an incomplete pass on third down and less than a yard to go thwarted the drive and Massillon, behind the passing of senior quarterback Robert Partridge, captured the momentum late in the first half.

 Partridge, who finished with 263 yards passing and was intercepted three times, highlighted an 80-yard march by hooking up with the versatile Bo Grunder on a 5-yard scoring play with 40 seconds left in the first half.

 Carrying their momentum into the third quarter, the Tigers stunned the Wildcats with touchdown runs of 71 and 3 yards by sophomore tailback Alex Winters. Winters’ 71-yard burst came off a fourth down-and-less than a yard to go from the Massillon 29 and his 3-yard scoring jaunt was set up by an 82-yard pass down the left sideline from Partridge to multitalented junior wideout Devin Smith. Smith finished with four receptions for 132 yards.

 “They made the adjustments and they were going to their receivers,’’ said Coach Kyle of the Tigers’ second- and third-quarter surges. “They’ve got some skilled guys and that was a concern, obviously, for us the whole week. And they hit a few.

 “We made some mistakes, things that were kind of demoralizing for a bit to be honest with you,’’ Kyle continued. “But the kids kept their faith. And we just kept banging it in.’’

 Helping supply the bangs were Luvison, senior wideout Tucker Sorrell and, of course, the resilient Grebenc.

 Luvison’s perfectly timed interception at the Saint Ignatius 46 led to Grebenc’s third score – a 1-yard run with 8:41 left. Sorrell helped keep the drive alive by making a diving catch along the sideline on a fourth down-and-4 from the Tigers' 33. Luvison then combined with senior quarterback Mark Myers on a 23-yard pass play and two plays later Grebenc made it a one-point deficit, 21-20.

 “We just had to pull through and I owe a lot of credit to my offensive line (tackles Joe Lavelle and Stewart Ross, center Drew Gatian and guards Mike Ramos and Chris Chapek),’’ said Grebenc, whose previous career high was 172 yards rushing against Clayton Northmont during Week 2. “Without them, I would have had negative yards tonight. They were amazing.''

 Saint Ignatius, taking advantage of a favorable bounce off a punt by the Tigers and a defensive holding call that wiped out a possible game-clinching interception by Massillon, scored the winning touchdown on a 10-yard run by Grebenc off a text-book draw play with two minutes remaining to be played.

 Luvison, one of the Wildcats’ four captains, sealed the deal when he made a quick move on the ball from his defensive secondary position and batted away a fourth-down pass with slightly more than a minute left.

 “You know their crowd is going to be a huge factor whenever or wherever you play them,’’ said Luvison of the Massillon faithful, who for the better part of the second quarter and the entire third quarter seemed to be in control of the noise level inside Boulton Stadium. “You’re doing everything you can to take that momentum back. I thought we did a very good job of stepping up, making plays and just battling the whole game.’’

 And what a battle it was.

 A will-testing encounter that we would all be fortunate to see again, should the opportunity present itself in late November.

 -30-

  MARK MYERS GIVES VERBAL TO THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH (9/30/09)

 JACK McLINDEN BOUND FOR BUCKNELL (10/1/09)

 Congratulations go out to Saint Ignatius standout senior quarterback Mark Myers, who has accepted a football scholarship from the University of Pittsburgh. Mark will be joining classmate Brendan Carozzoni at Pitt. Carozzoni, a gifted tight end, committed to the Panthers during preseason.

 A 6-foot-5, 220-pound southpaw, Myers has passed for 795 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. He will lead the Wildcats against Massillon this weekend (see preview below) in a matchup of undefeated teams.

 Mark, who is also a very talented forward for Coach Sean O'Toole's varsity basketball team, was being recruited strongly by Toledo and Ball State, and the interest in his powerful and accurate arm was growing rapidly.

 The football website pantherlair.com reported that Pitt offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti was looking for a pro-style quarterback from the Class of 2010, and Mark definitely fits that bill.

 Again, congratulations to Mark, his parents and the rest of the Myers family.

 - Eddie Dwyer

 McLINDEN COMMITS TO BUCKNELL: Senior Jack McLinden, whose pitching has helped Saint Ignatius' baseball program to a school-record three consecutive Division I state final four appearances, will further his education and pitching career at Bucknell next year.

 "Jack is pumped for his decision,'' said head coach Brad Ganor of his 6-foot-6 right-hander. "In his career, Jack is 8-0 with 1 save. He will be our first four-year letter winner since Ben Jurevicius and Derek Dietrich in 2007.''

 Ganor, who will be entering his sixth season as the Wildcats' skipper, has helped hone the skills of 18 Division I baseball recruits.

 Congratulations to Jack and the McLinden family.

  - Eddie Dwyer
  -30-
 MASSILLON VERSUS SAINT IGNATIUS FOOTBALL PREVIEW

 STORY WAS POSTED ON 9/29/09 at 11:54 p.m.

 WILDCATS PREPARE FOR THE SKILLED, QUICK AND VASTLY IMPROVED TIGERS

 THE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK FOR THE ST. FRANCIS GAME ARE ANNOUNCED AND WE GIVE YOU A LITTLE CORNER HISTORY AND COMMENTARY

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Sept.-Oct. 2009

 It is a rivalry that was fueled in 1989, when Saint Ignatius’ All-American quarterback Joe Pickens ’90 led the Wildcats past Massillon, 42-21, in a Division I state-semifinal matchup on what was a near frozen turf in the Akron Rubber Bowl.

 Now, nearly 20 years after their first encounter, the Tigers and the Wildcats are preparing for what will be their last regular season meeting, at least for the time being.

 Saint Ignatius and Massillon, names synonymous with Ohio high school football, will match 5-0 records on Saturday at 7 p.m. on Parma’s Byers Field in Robert M. Boulton Stadium.

 The game will be presented live by the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club. Michael Watts ’11 will send his candid play-by-play over the Web waves and the crafty Jacob Corrigan ’10 will be ready to audible at any time.

 WHKW 1220AM will join the game in progress after broadcasting Bowling Green State University football at 4 p.m. Legendary television and radio personality Dick Russ and the veteran tandem of Mike Gibbons and David Bly will provide the action for WHKW.

 While some of the previous meetings between the Tigers and the Wildcats have been memorable, Saint Ignatius leads the series, 11-1. That mark includes the 1989 state-semifinal triumph and state-semifinal victories by the ‘Cats in 1991 and 2001.

 The first regular-season meeting between Massillon and Saint Ignatius took place during Week 6 of 2000, as both teams were 5-0. The Wildcats came away with a 36-21 victory at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.

 Last season, Saint Ignatius, en route to a record 10th Division I state championship, defeated the Tigers, 49-7, in another Week 6 game at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. The Wildcats led, 35-0, after the first quarter and 49-0 at halftime. Massillon’s only victory in the series came during the regular season of 2005 – 29-26 at Byers Field.

 Former Ravenna Southeast, Brush and Nordonia coach Jason Hall is in his second season as the head man in Massillon. He looks upon Saint Ignatius as a great measuring stick for his program and the type of game that Massillon wants to play in. That doesn't appear to be the case for everyone in Tiger Town, however, as Massillon is not renewing the contract with the Wildcats.

 While the hoopla surrounding Saturday’s game is already thickening, Hall, who did an outstanding job at Southeast, Brush and Nordonia, wants to put the focus on his team and how it can improve. 

 Through five weeks, the Tigers are doing just fine, thank you.

 In displaying a balanced attack, Coach Hall’s team has averaged 180.6 yards rushing per game. The Tigers are picking up 5.5 yards per carry and have scored 13 rushing touchdowns. Showing the way on the ground are sophomore tailback Alex Winters and versatile senior quarterback Robert Partridge.

 Winters has rushed for 588 yards and nine touchdowns on 89 carries, and Partridge has 92 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.

 Partridge, who has thrown for 830 yards and 10 touchdowns, is blessed with some quick, rangy and sure-handed receivers. Junior Devin Smith, a transfer from Akron Ellet and a big-time prospect, leads the Tigers' wideouts with 18 receptions for 355 yards and seven touchdowns. Justin Olack has 12 receptions for 210 yards and hard-nosed all-purpose back Bo Grunder has 10 catches for 137 yards. Smith has also returned two punts for 47 yards and a touchdown, and has eight kickoff returns totaling 194 yards. Grunder has returned 11 punts for 105 yards.

 “I’m sure they’ve had this game circled on their calendar,’’ said Saint Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle ’69. “I think they have been practicing against our defense. Just looking at their previous opponents, in all honesty, they figured they were probably going to win these previous five games. So I’m sure they have been doing a little work against us.

 “Offensively, Alex Woods, who coached for years in the college ranks, is now their offensive coordinator,’’ Coach Kyle continued. “Alex coached at Miami of Florida and several other places and brings with him, contributing with Jason Hall, an offense that is pretty interesting. They have tall and athletic receivers (6-foot-2 to 6-foot-3 range), who we didn’t see last year. That’s a challenge, especially the one-on-one matchup. So I’m sure they’re going to run some hitches and some fades to try to create that issue.’’

 Coach Kyle emphasized that the Tigers are always tough defensively, always physical. The Wildcats did move the ball well against Massillon last year, totaling 373 yards in the first half. But, as Kyle said, the Tigers have had 365 days to make adjustments.

 Leading the Massillon defense are senior defensive back Josh Remark (36 tackles), senior linebacker Spencer Leno (35 tackles), Grunder (23 tackles, 4 interceptions) and junior linebacker Aaron Robey (21 tackles).

 The Tigers’ “D’’ will be challenged by Wildcats standout senior quarterback Mark Myers, who has thrown for 795 yards and 11 touchdowns, junior tailback Bobby Grebenc, who is averaging 5.2 yards on 83 carries, senior tight end and University of Pittsburgh recruit Brendan Carozzoni, and underrated wideouts Tucker Sorrell, David Joseph and Sean Nugent.

                    THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS

 While area, state and national polls are nice conversation pieces, the only numbers that count are in the weekly OHSAA Harbin computer ratings. This week, Saint Ignatius, riding a 19-game winning streak, continues to hold down the top spot in Division I, Region 1. Massillon is second in Division I, Region 2, so there will be plenty of computer points at stake on Ridge Road and Day Drive Saturday night.

 The top eight teams in each of the state's 24 regions at the end of the regular season qualify for the OHSAA regional-quarterfinal playoffs.

                        PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
                                OFFENSE

 We are going with a repeat from earlier in the season in junior tailback Bobby Grebenc and we’re also honoring two of the young men who helped show the way for Bobby – 6-5, 260-pound senior tackle Joe Lavelle and 6-4, 270-pound junior guard Michael Ramos.

 Grebenc, displaying balance, strength and exceptional vision on a muddy and rain-drenched field in Athol Springs, N.Y., rushed for 129 yards on 24 carries. He enabled the Wildcats to pull away from a spirited St. Francis team, 30-14, by scoring on runs of 9 and 22 yards in the second half.

 Both of Grebenc’s touchdowns and several of his other yards came behind Lavelle and Ramos, whom Coach Kyle said did some real nice things on the left side for assistant coach Adam Rini’s O-Line. Rini is from the Class of 1999.

                                    DEFENSE

 The call from the corner is another repeat in senior outside linebacker Jake Ryan. Sharing the honor with Jake is one of his partners in disruption – senior mike linebacker Owen Callahan.

 Ryan made seven tackles, including four solos and two behind the line of scrimmage. He batted down three passes in key situations – plays that helped slow down a capable Red Raiders passing attack – had a quarterback hit and two QB hurries.

 Callahan gave his support to the tune of six tackles, including three for minus yardage. Owen was also in the passing lanes as he broke up two throws and hurried the quarterback on a couple of occasions.

                      DURING THIS WEEK IN 1963

 The front sports page of The Plain Dealer featured stories on Lakewood knocking Valley Forge from the undefeated football ranks, the Kansas City Athletics defeating the Indians, 3-1, behind the two-hit pitching of Dave Wickersham and, stripped across the front sports page on Saturday was the large bold-face headline: “ST. IGNATIUS NAILS 3RD IN ROW, 38-6.’’

 Behind the “bull-like rushes of Dan Milligan and a rock-ribbed defense,’’ the Wildcats thwarted “inspired’’ West High, 38-6, in a West Senate football opener before an overflow crowd at West Tech Field.

                   THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN

 I have said it before, and others have repeated my words since then, but, with Massillon coming to town on Saturday night, I will say it one more time – the greatest defensive player I ever had the privilege of seeing and covering was Tigers All-Ohio, All-American and National Player of the Year Chris Spielman. Chris, who played his linebacker position with fire, pride, savvy and an abundance of skill, went on to an All-American and Lombardi Award-winning career at Ohio State and an All-Pro career in the NFL. He was recently inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and does an outstanding job as an analyst for ESPN’s coverage of college football. His candor and knowledge of the game are much appreciated by this old-timer.

 In Scott H. Shook’s entertaining and informative book, “Massillon Memories,’’ there is a quote from Chris that I feel sums up the passion he brought to the field. It reads: “I played for them. I played for Massillon, for the town, consciously, not subconsciously. Hey, I didn’t want this guy going home, or going to work at Superior’s, thinking, ‘Man, we shouldn’t have lost.’ I wanted to carry that burden for them and make them go to work happy.’’

 And no, it is not a stretch when I say that same Spielman passion is evident in a group of special young men on West 30th St.

 - 30-

  Saint Ignatius at St. Francis varsity football recap – posted on 9/27/09 at 4:39 a.m.

 Strong second half sends the Wildcats home victorious.

 The undefeated Massillon Tigers are looming.

 CROSS COUNTRY AND SOCCER TEAMS CONTINUE THEIR WINNING WAYS

 By Eddie Dwyer

 ATHOL SPRINGS, N.Y. – There were spurts in the second quarter and throughout the second half on Saturday night where Saint Ignatius resembled the football team that is ranked No. 1 in Ohio in Division I by the Associated Press.

 But it was the inconsistencies and the inability to take advantage of early opportunities that left Coach Chuck Kyle ’69 wanting.

 “I thought we were sluggish in the beginning,’’ said Kyle, after his Wildcats improved to 5-0 and extended their winning streak to 19 games by turning away a spirited St. Francis team, 30-14. “No excuses. I don’t care how long (three-plus hours) it takes to get to a game. We have to come out and play.

 “Blown opportunities,’’ Coach Kyle continued. “That’s the difference between the first half and the second half. When we had opportunities in the second half, yeah, fine, touchdowns. We were putsin around too much in the first half.’’

 Late in the first quarter, the Wildcats turned the ball over on downs at the Red Raiders’ 10-yard line. Early in the second quarter, Saint Ignatius, on the strength of a strong punt return by junior wideout David Joseph and a late hit on St. Francis appeared to be in business at the Red Raiders’ 19.

 The next three plays would produce just five yards, however, and the Wildcats settled for a 31-yard field goal by senior Jesse Franklin.

 Saint Francis (2-2), which has been dominated by Saint Ignatius in recent meetings, turned to the passing of quarterback Mike Chuchla and the receiving of versatile split end Adam Redden.

 With Redden making three big-time catches, Coach Jerry Smith’s team marched from its 35 to a first-and goal at the 5. Redden finished with 193 yards receiving.

 After two inside running plays put the ball on the 2, senior outside linebacker Jake Ryan, who is having an all-state caliber season for the Wildcats, came firing up the middle and batted down a pass by Chuchla.

 Now faced with a fourth-and-goal from the 2, the Red Raiders elected to pass up a possible tying field goal and decided to go for the touchdown and the momentum.

 However, one of St. Francis' linemen jumped and now Coach Smith and Co. had to negotiate a fourth-and-goal from the 7. Again, the Red Raiders went for the touchdown and Chuchla’s pass fell incomplete.

 It could easily be said the game was won or lost there.

 Saint Ignatius, riding the wave of its defensive stand, drove 93 yards in just six plays and took a 10-0 lead on a 26-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Mark Myers to senior tight end Brendan Carozzoni and an extra-point kick by Franklin.

 Helping key the drive was junior tailback Bobby Grebenc, who ripped off a 38-yard run over the left side on first-and-10 from the 7.

 On the first possession of the second half, the Wildcats forced St. Francis to punt from the back line of its end zone.

 Taking over at the Red Raiders’ 37, Saint Ignatius, aided by a clutch reception by junior wideout Sean Nugent, took a three-score lead on a 20-yard TD strike from Myers to senior wideout Tucker Sorrell with 8:22 remaining in the third quarter. Myers was 12-of-22 passing for 185 yards.

 At that point, the Wildcats played a little special-teams surprise that seemed to take the air out of the St. Francis faithful.

 On the kickoff after Sorrell’s score, Franklin got off a text-book pooch kick and the ball was recovered by standout senior safety Kevin Hopkins at the Red Raiders’ 32. Five plays layer, Grebenc, off what veteran offensive coordinator Nick Restifo described as a “great read’’ by Myers, swept the left side, juked a would-be tackler and tip-toed his way along the sideline and into the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown.

 “We called that right before (it happened),’’ said Hopkins of the pooch kick. “I said, ‘Hey Jess, get me a good one.’ And he put the ball right at the kid’s feet. It bounced around, Markus (senior defensive back Markus Primes) put a hand on it and knocked it down, and I just jumped on top of it. It was a great kick by Jesse.’’

 Chuchla, who completed 20 of 48 passes for well over 200 yards, put St. Francis on the board with a 10-yard touchdown pass to wideout Roland Kerr with 1:07 left in the third quarter. He also scored the game’s final TD on a 1-yard keeper with 14 seconds remaining to be played.

 In between those Red Raiders scores, Grebenc, who carried the ball 24 times for 129 yards, gave the ‘Cats a cushion by scoring on a 22-yard run in which he displayed exceptional balance and vision.

 “The conditions (on and off again heavy rain) weren’t great for passing,’’ said Grebenc, who has been one of Coach Kyle’s steadiest performers through five games. “We did what we had to do.’’

 Grebenc, who emphasized the Wildcats have a lot of work ahead of them in order to be sharp for Saturday’s 7 p.m. encounter with Massillon (5-0) at Byers Field in Robert M. Boulton Stadium, credits his success to Saint Ignatius’ veteran running backs coach Dale Polick.

 “We can’t afford that (a sluggish start) next week and the kids know it,’’ said Coach Kyle of what will be the last regular season meeting between Saint Ignatius and Massillon, at least for the time being. The Tigers will not be renewing the contract.

 “If people think this is the same Massillon team as last year, it isn’t,’’ Kyle said, referring to last season’s 49-7 victory at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. “They’re much better, they’re good. So we’re going to have a real battle ahead of us.’’

 SON OF A COACH: Turning in a solid defensive performance on Saturday night was St. Francis lineman Joe Smith, the youngest son of Coach Smith. Joe was active all night as he finished with eight tackles and two key sacks.

 A LOCAL TIE: Browns offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is a 1993 graduate of St. Francis and played under Coach Smith. 

 CROSS COUNTRY: Congratulations go out to Coach Mike Gallagher '71 and the Wildcats' varsity runners. Saint Ignatius' depth took its toll on Satruday as the state's No. 1-ranked team brought home first place in the All-Ohio Catholic race in Kettering, Ohio.

  SOCCER
 DEFENDING STATE CHAMPS LAY DOWN THE "D,'' AGAIN!: In what was a matchup of the state's No. 1 (St. Ignatius) and No. 3 programs, Coach Mike McLaughlin's Willdcats defeated the Polar Bears from Massillon Jackson, 3-0, on Saturday night at Wasmer Field.

 In recording its ninth shutout of the season, the nation's third-ranked team rode two goals by Alec King and a score from Yianni Sarris and improved to 11-0. All three goals were scored in the first half.

 -30-

 St. Edward at Saint Ignatius varsity soccer recap. Posted on 9/23/09 at 11:10 p.m.

 CASTRIGANO, SPURRIER, HOLOWATY AND KALT HELP LEAD THE ‘CATS PAST THE EAGLES IN A PHYSICAL ENCOUNTER AT WASMER FIELD.

 KALT ADDS TO HIS SHUTOUT MARK AS SAINT IGNATIUS IS NOW A PERFECT 10! 

 Yes, it did seem like there were almost as many penalties as memorable plays, and even a few yellow cards were thrown in.

 But, as every veteran area high school sports fan knows, when Saint Ignatius and St. Edward get together on an athletic field, things do have a tendency to get physical. For that matter, if the Wildcats and the Eagles were playing checkers the board would probably get flipped over a few times.

 And there are two other items of note that the Wildcats’ faithful are very aware of – No. 1, Coach Mike McLaughlin has had his way against Saint Ignatius’ staunch rival and No. 2, the nation’s third-ranked soccer team isn’t about to be intimidated.

 Wednesday night at Wasmer Field, Saint Ignatius, ranked third in both the ESPN Rise Fab 50 national poll and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America rankings, went toe-to-toe with the Eagles and came away with a 2-0 victory before a packed house in Ohio City.

 The undefeated Wildcats, who have now shutout eight of their 10 opponents this season and have allowed just two goals, presented Coach McLaughlin with his 17th victory in the program’s last 19 meetings with St. Edward. A 1985 graduate of Saint Ignatius, McLaughlin has guided the ‘Cats to three Division I state championships, including the 2008 Ohio crown, and a national title in 2005.

 In a first half that was described by the candid and colorful Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club as extremely physical, the Wildcats took a 1-0 lead when gifted senior Paul Castrigano sent home a rebound. It was Castrigano’s ninth goal of the season.

 Thanks to some active and hard-nosed defense, and a diving one-handed stop by brilliant senior goalie Joe Kalt, it remained 1-0 until midway through the second half. At that point, crafty senior Vaughn Spurrier, the team’s Offensive MVP in ’08, scored off a penalty kick for his team-leading 10th goal.

 The second half also saw senior Dennis Holowaty, one of the top defenders in Ohio, take away a scoring opportunity from the Eagles with a crowd-pleasing move.

 Kalt, who came up with his 36th career shutout, broke the school career record for shutouts in last weekend’s 7-0 triumph at Mentor. The previous mark was 34 by Nick Tsipis ’07.

 Speakiing of goalies, a tip of the cap goes out to St. Edward’s Toby Frohlich, who kept his team in the game all night and prevented further damage with three impressive saves after Spurrier’s goal.

 Things don’t get any easier for Coach McLaughlin and his Wildcats as Saint Ignatius, the top-ranked team in Ohio, faces the state’s third-ranked program, Massillon Jackson, on Saturday night at 7 on Wasmer Field.

 WHO SAID IT'S LONELY AT THE TOP?: Entering this weekend's action, the Wildcats' varsity cross country, football, golf and soccer teams were each ranked No. 1 in Ohio in their respective sports. Now that's a fearsome fallsome.

 - “The Corner’’

 SAINT IGNATIUS AT ST. FRANCIS FOOTBALL PREVIEW

 Story was posted on 9/23/09 at 12:30 a.m.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 After a near flawless performance against the highly regarded Mentor Cardinals in Mentor last weekend, Saint Ignatius (4-0) will pack up the buses on Saturday afternoon and prepare for a four-hour trip to Athol Springs (N.Y.), where they will face the 2-1 Red Raiders from St. Francis.

 The kickoff is slated for 7 p.m., and the informative and entertaining trio of Ed Daugherty, Mike Gibbons and David Bly will brodcast the action live over WHKW 1220AM beginning with the pre-game show at 6:45 p.m.  

 Coach Chuck Kyle’s Wildcats, who controlled every facet of the game in defeating Mentor, 47-7, enter the St. Francis game as the top-ranked Division I team in Ohio by the Associated Press and the fifth-ranked program in the National Prep Poll.

 And, in the only poll that really matters, Saint Ignatius is No. 1 in Region 1 in the Ohio High School Athletic Association computer ratings. The top eight teams in each of the state’s 24 regions at the end of the regular season qualify for the OHSAA regional-quarterfinal playoffs. The 10-time state champion and three-time national champion Wildcats are seeking a remarkable 22nd consecutive postseason appearance.

 “First of all, offensively they have a good running back (Brandon McClain), very quick and a kid who has made some big plays for them in earlier games,’’ said Coach Kyle of the Red Raiders, who are the Monsignor Martin Association defending large-school playoff champions. “And their receivers have good speed.’’

 Another playmaker for St. Francis is Roland Kerr, an athlete who can catch and run, and also defend as a lockdown corner. Kerr’s 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown helped ignite a big comeback in the 25-21 victory over Bethlehem (Pa.) Catholic on opening night. In a 38-13 victory over Cardinal O’Hara in Week 2, Kerr hauled in two of quarterback Mike Chuchla’s three touchdown passes and totaled 111 yards receiving. The elusive McClain keyed the ground game against Cardinal O’Hara with 129 yards rushing.

 Last weekend, however, St. Francis ran into the pride of Rochester, New York – defending Section V Class A champion Aquinas (3-0) – and couldn’t deal with the Little Irish. Aquinas led, 29-0, at halftime and coasted to a 37-6 victory.

 Four starters returned on the offensive line for St. Francis’ 22-year head coach Jerry Smith, led by Pat Reichert, a 6-foot-5, 308-pound senior. The Red Raiders did graduate two mainstays from last season – multi-skilled quarterback Delano Fabor, who accepted a scholarship from the University of Buffalo, and all-purpose player Luke Tasker, who is attending Cornell. Luke Tasker is the son of former Buffalo Bills great Steve Tasker.

 “They are a five-man front, and they will rush five to six guys,’’ said Coach Kyle of a defense that has helped St. Francis to an eighth-place ranking in The Buffalo News’ top-10, large-school poll. “Their idea of stopping the pass is to not let you throw it. They’ll stay pretty much four deep (in the secondary), give you the short pattern and come up and tackle you. But they figure they’re going to get a sack or two along the way, so they’ll twist and blitz backers.

 “Their idea is to apply pressure,'' Kyle continued. "So that’s a good challenge for our offensive line and backs, just to make sure we hold the fort there a little bit and let Mark (standout senior quarterback Mark Myers) get in a groove. The last few games, I thought our pass blocking was pretty good. And when Mark gets in the groove, we see the results. He’s been just lights out the last two games.’’

 Saint Ignatius has dominated six of its last seven meetings with St. Francis, including a 49-14 triumph last year. The Red Raiders, behind a strong second half by defensive lineman and current Ohio State Buckeye Doug Worthington, defeated the Wildcats, 28-13, at Byers Field in 2004. In attendance that night was Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel.

 -30-

 HERE ARE THE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK FOR THE MENTOR GAME

                                  OFFENSE

 The honor goes to Mark Myers, who completed 12 of 18 passes for 273 yards and five touchdowns in the 40-point victory at Mentor. Mark, who displayed poise, pocket presence and a big-time arm, fired TD passes of 50, 15 and 64 yards to gritty junior wideout David Joseph and scoring strikes of 12 and 27 yards to senior tight end and University of Pittsburgh recruit Brendan Carozzoni. And all of that was accomplished in less than three quarters.

 Mark also got off two soaring punts that resulted in fumble recoveries by senior defensive back George Newrones, special-teams plays that resulted in touchdowns.

 “Mark gets a good feel for where the protection is happening and, as you saw him do a couple of times (against Mentor), he stepped up in the seams and launched huge passes. That’s what he really keeps getting better and better at – keeping active, feeling where the seam is in the protection and keeping his eyes up field.’’ – Coach Kyle ’69.

                                  DEFENSE

 Earning their well-deserved spot on ‘The Corner’’ are the ‘Cats’ fearsome foursome, the boys up front, if you will.

 This active and underrated all-senior unit – another in a long line of hard-nosed defensive fronts developed by assistant coach Dan Corrigan ’78 – made it a long night for Mentor’s offensive line. Senior ends Pat Dowd and Gerry Ramella and senior interior linemen Cameron Ventling and Tom Krukemeyer controlled the line of scrimmage and allowed the Wildcats’ talented linebackers the opportunity to roam and ruin.

 Dowd, one of the Wildcats’ four captains, was in on eight tackles, including three for minus yardage. He batted down a pass, hurried the quarterback and had a quarterback hit. His partners in disruption helped contain Mentor’s powerful running game, as Ramella had five tackles, including one for a loss, and Ventling came up with four solos, a sack and another stop behind the line of scrimmage.

                               ONE FOR THE AGES

 On Oct. 26, 1985, Chuck Kyle, in his third season at the varsity helm of his alma mater, led his Wildcats against All-Ohio quarterback Larry Wanke and the Benedictine Bengals. Benedictine entered the game with an 8-0 record and a second-place ranking in the Associated Press state poll. Coach Kyle’s Wildcats were 6-2.

 In a game that attracted a standing-room-only crowd to John Marshall Field, the lead change hands eight times, including six times in the second half, before Wanke’s desperation pass from the Saint Ignatius 30-yard line with three seconds remaining fell incomplete in the end zone. The Wildcats prevailed, 34-32.

 There were many memorable performances on both sides, as leading the way for the Wildcats were tailback Pete Landino, quarterback Scott Spicer, special-teams and defensive secondary standout Kevin Cook and Jim Healy (14 tackles and an interception), Bruce Ianni (12 tackles) and Chris Petrus (10 tackles and an interception).

 Landino rushed for 178 yards on 33 carries and scored four touchdowns, including the game-winning score on an 8-yard burst with 34 seconds remaining.

 As a side note to the game, high school reporters at The Plain Dealer were without the benefit of computers at that time. We would either race back to the office to type up our stories or, if time was of the essence, we would write the story by hand, find a phone and dictate our report.

 The latter was the case that night at John Marshall Field and yours truly dictated my story on this classic game from a pay phone in front of a Convenient Store on Lorain Avenue.

 As I was dictating my last paragraph, I looked over at my car, which was parked on a side street near the store, and noticed that three young men were breaking into the car.

 Well, first things first. I wrapped up my story, distracted the vandals by yelling at them and went over to my car. My only losses were a small crack in my driver’s side window, 73 cents and a “Bengals Roar’’ Benedictine football program.

 But hey, I made my deadline under trying circumstances and, if I do say so myself, put together a pretty good story in the short time allowed on a game that will be remembered for quite some time.

 Just ask Kevin Cook.

 -30-

 ‘CAT PAWS, BY THE NUMBERS
 COPYRIGHT, SEPT. 2009

 Déjà vu on Center Street

 - Eddie Dwyer, 9/20/09

 Veteran Mentor fans had seen it before.

 And, it was so familiar that some of the Cardinals’ faithful thought they were experiencing time travel.

 In 1989, en route to their second Division I state championship and the first of three national titles, the Saint Ignatius Wildcats defeated the Cardinals, 43-2, in a season opener at what was known then as Mentor Cardinal Stadium.

 That night, All-Ohio senior quarterback Joe Pickens played his gifted right arm through, around and over the Cardinals’ defense to the tune of 276 yards and five touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Pickens, who is now a successful attorney for the firm of Chester Willcox & Saxbe in Columbus, Ohio, made his case on 17 of his 23 passing attempts.

 This past Friday night, another big, strong and power-armed Wildcat signal-caller - senior Mark Myers - put together an almost identical performance as the Wildcats (4-0) overwhelmed the Cardinals, 47-7, at Mentor’s Jerome T. Osborne Sr. Stadium. (SEE THE RECAP OF FRIDAY'S GAME IN A STORY BELOW.).  

 The 6-5, 225-pound Myers unleashed the lion early and often, and finished with a career-best night – 12 of 18 for 273 yards and five touchdowns.

 After Pickens dominated Mentor in late summer of ’89, Mentor’s head coach at the time, Hall of Famer Dick Kerschbaum, said to The Plain Dealer: “That's as good a high school quarterback as you'll see.’’ 

 Following Myers’ outstanding effort on Friday, Cardinals 13-year head coach Steve Trivisonno described the smooth southpaw as being the best Saint Ignatius quarterback he has seen.

 As “The Corner’’ reported in this weekend’s Saint Ignatius-Mentor game recap, Trivisonno’s words are high praise. Especially when you consider the Wildcats have produced 15 quarterbacks who have received All-Ohio recognition, including All-Americans Tom Forrestal, Pickens and Scott Mutryn.

 Myers’ 273 yards passing ranks him 18th on Saint Ignatius’ all-time list for passing yards in a game. The all-time, single-game leaders are Nate Szep with 389 in 2001, Brian Hoyer with 375 in 2003 and Szep again, with 370 in ’01. Hoyer is currently the back-up quarterback to New England Patriots All-Pro Tom Brady.

 HIGH FIVE: Prior to Friday night, the last time a St Ignatius quarterback threw five touchdown passes in a game was Sept. 23, 2005, when Rudy Kirbus touched up Mishawaka Penn High School in a 41-19 triumph in the shadows of the University of Notre Dame’s Golden Dome. The week prior, 9-16-05, Kirbus threw four touchdown passes, all to Robby Parris, in a 20-point victory at Mentor. That was Mentor’s last home loss until this past Friday’s 40-point defeat at the paws of the Wildcats.

 EMERGING ‘CAT: Junior wideout David Joseph had 159 yards receiving to go along with his three touchdowns against Mentor on Friday night. That is the best effort, receiving yards-wise, since Robby Parris' 163 yards against Mentor in ’05. Joseph now has the eighth-best receiving day in Wildcats history. Number one is Robby Parris with 240 yards versus Mishawaka Penn High in ’05.

 JUST IN CASE YOU’RE WONDERING: With the mid-point of the regular season at hand, we thought we would let you know the Wildcats are 22-4 in Week 5 games under Coach Chuck Kyle. The last Week 5 loss was in 2004 to the St Francis Red Raiders, the Wildcats’ opponent on Saturday night at 7 in Athol Springs, N.Y. In that ’04 game, Doug Worthington, now a mainstay at Ohio State, led the way for St. Francis in the second half. And he did it with Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel in attendance at Byers Field.

 MORE FACTS TO PONDER THIS WEEK: Since 1983, the Wildcats are 150-5 when holding an opponent under 10 points and 84-2 when scoring 40 or more points.

 The five under-10 setbacks were: 1983, lost 9-0 to Lake Catholic; 1986, lost 7-6 to Valley Forge; 1987, lost 7-0 to St Joseph; 1987, lost 6-3 to Lake Catholic; and 1991, lost 8-0 to Villa Angela-St. Joseph.

 The two losses when scoring 40 or points came in back-to-back weeks in 2001 – 44-41 to St Edward in overtime at Lakewood Stadium and 42-41 to Cincinnati St. Xavier at Byers Field.

 And last, but not least, the Wildcats’ current winning streak of 18 games, which dates back to Week 2 of last season, is slightly ahead of the 18-game unbeaten streak compiled by the 1949 and '50 squads. Those teams combined for a 17-0-1 mark, with the tie coming in the 1950 Charity Game against Benedictine.

 The 1962 and ’63 teams combined on a 19-game winning streak, going 10-0 in ’62 and 9-0 in ’63 before losing to Benedictine in the Charity Game.

 Of course, Saint Ignatius’ all-time best winning streaks are 39, 38 and 25 games, all under Coach Kyle.

 In closing, our thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with the Murphy Family at this time. May Daniel Rest in Peace.  

  God Bless, Eddie.

 Saint Ignatius at Mentor
 Week 4 varsity football recap 
 Story was posted on 9/19/09 at 2:48 a.m.

 Mark Myers’ powerful arm, the soft and sure hands of Brendan Carozzoni and David Joseph, George Newrones’ nose for the ball and a Scott McVey-inspired defense.

 It all added up to a dominant response and a 40-point victory at Mentor’s Osborne Stadium.

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Sept. 2009

 Saint Ignatius football coach Chuck Kyle ’69 stressed all week how his Wildcats needed more consistency.

 Friday night, Saint Ignatius traveled to Mentor’s Jerome T. Osborne Sr. Stadium and, after a couple of missed lines in the early going, the state’s top-ranked Division I team put on a performance that was consistent, overpowering and deserving of the ovations it received from its faithful.

 The Wildcats, with senior quarterback Mark Myers firing five touchdown passes, senior defensive back George Newrones recovering two special-teams fumbles that set up TDs and All-Ohio senior linebacker Scott McVey doing his thing after missing two games with a shoulder injury, dominated the Cardinals, 47-7, in Northeast Ohio’s non-league headliner.

 Saint Ignatius, which outscored Mentor, 40-0, over the final three quarters, improved to 4-0 and ended the Cardinals’ 22-game home winning streak.

 The Wildcats, who lead their all-time series with Mentor, 8-2, were also the last team to defeat the Cardinals at Osborne Stadium prior to the streak. Behind a pass-and-catch show by Rudy Kirbus and Robby Parris, Saint Ignatius won at Mentor, 55-35, in 2005.

 “It’s just a great feeling,’’ said Myers of the timing he had all night with his receivers, especially standout senior tight end Brendan Carozzoni and elusive junior wideout David Joseph. A 6-foot-5, 225-pound southpaw, Myers was 12-of-18 for 273 yards as the Wildcats extended their winning streak to 18 games, a mark that dates back to last year’s record 10th big-school state championship.

 Mentor (2-2), the Division I state runner-up in 2006 and ’07, held a 7-0 lead after junior tailback Mike Korecz scored on a fourth-and-1 and junior kicker Greg Klisuric tacked on the extra point.

 That score by the Cardinals, which came with 8 minutes, 17 seconds remaining in the opening quarter, was the last bright spot for the perennial Lake County power.

 Flashing its state-championship credentials, Saint Ignatius marched 80 yards in nine plays and tied the score on a perfectly executed 12-yard touchdown pass from Myers to Carozzoni. A 6-5, 225-pound University of Pittsburgh recruit, Carozzoni caught the ball in stride, powered his way into the end zone and the extra point by senior Jesse Franklin knotted the score at 7 with 4:12 left in the first quarter.

 Carozzoni, who helped set up his first touchdown of the night by making a smooth and authoritative catch of 22 yards on a fourth-and-3 from the Mentor 35, finished with five receptions for 91 yards. He also was on the receiving end of a 27-yard TD toss from Myers early in the second half.

 “At no time at all (this week) did we talk about streaks or breaking a streak,’’ said Coach Kyle of Mentor’s success at home. “We’ve played at a lot of away stadiums. I don’t know what their streak is, I just know they’re a good program and you have to find out a way to beat a good program, to just play football. Offensively and defensively, I was very pleased with what happened tonight.’’

 With McVey, fellow senior linebackers Jake Ryan and Owen Callahan, and senior linemen Pat Dowd, Gerry Ramella and Cameron Ventling helping keep the Cardinals grounded, the Wildcats rode their special teams to a commanding lead.

 Mentor, which was coming off a four-point loss at Solon, couldn’t handle a towering and deep punt by Myers. The ball was fumbled and recovered by Newrones inside the Cardinals’ 4. Two plays later, junior tailback Bobby Grebenc fought his way over the right side and into the end zone from 5 yards out. Franklin’s second extra point made it 14-7 with 8:13 to go in the first half.

 Saint Ignatius senior safety Kory Gillissie got in the act by outmaneuvering the intended receiver and coming up with a text-book interception at the Wildcats’ 15. Gillissie redeemed himself right after he gave the ball over to Mentor on a fumbled punt.

 Coach Kyle’s special teams then came to the fore again and leading the way was none other than the 5-9, 165-pound Newrones.

 Newrones was, as Time Warner Cable’s talented color commentator Patrick Pierson said, “Georgie on the Spot again’’ as he pounced on another fumbled punt, this time at midfield.

 Newrones’ second fumble recovery led the way to a play that saw Myers avoid the rush, step up in the pocket and hit the 5-8, 160-pound Joseph in stride for a 50-yard touchdown. Myers and Joseph also hooked up on scoring passes of 15 and 64 yards, as the gritty, quick and sure-handed Joseph totaled four receptions for 159 yards.

 Time Warner Cable’s “Player of the Game,’’ Joseph accounted for the final point with a kick that followed an impressive touchdown run by senior tailback Christian Sanders with 3:27 left. All of the Wildcats’ skill players singled out their offensive line, which put together another rock-solid game. Senior Kevin Smith was among the O-Linemen who relished a couple of key blocks.

 “I was just trying to get down the field as fast as possible,’’ said Newrones of his two huge special-teams plays. “I saw the ball, saw my opportunity and just pounced on it. Usually I have two guys on me. This week, it was nice, there was only one guy blocking me.

 “This is awesome, just to play against the best teams,’’ Newrones continued. “Everybody wants to play and when they get the chance, it is full-go. No, I’ve never had two fumble recoveries before. I don’t think I ever had one.’’

 While the triumph over the Cardinals was one the entire team can enjoy this weekend, no one savored being part of it more than McVey.

 “It felt great, oh God,’’ said McVey of being able to get back on the field and compete in the game he loves and plays with a passion that is admired by his opponents. “We came out a little slow, but it was a blast out there making plays and being in the huddle with all of my buddies. I needed that first big hit to kind of get me going again and hopefully I can progress and get back to where I was next week (Saturday at St. Francis in Athol Springs, N.Y.).’’

 As Coach Kyle said of McVey’s return: “The warrior is back.’’ 

 An Ohio State recruit, McVey helped the Wildcats outgain the Cardinals, 432 to 177, and shut down Mentor's potent running game. He finished with nine tackles, including two behind the line of scrimmage.

 HIGH PRAISE: After Mark Myers shredded the Cardinals’ secondary, Mentor’s veteran coach Steve Trivisonno described Mark as the best Saint Ignatius quarterback he has ever seen. Coach “Triv’’ couldn’t say enough about Myers’ powerful and accurate throws.

 Trivisonno’s words are certainly high praise, especially when you consider Saint Ignatius has produced 15 quarterbacks who have received All-Ohio recognition, including Brian Hoyer, the back-up to the New England Patriots’ All-Pro signal-caller Tom Brady, and high school All-Americans Tom Forrestal, Joe Pickens and Scott Mutryn.

 -30- 

  Saint Ignatius at Mentor
  Week 4 football preview
  Story was posted on 9/15/09 at 11:52 p.m.

 The Wildcats, ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press' initial Division I state poll for '09, travel to Mentor on Friday to face the Cardinals’ diverse offense.

 Lake County power is riding a 22-game home winning streak.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Anyone who has dealt with Saint Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle ’69 for any length of time realizes the 27-year veteran speaks openly and honestly when discussing an opponent.

 As a mid-September sun was making itself comfortable on the Wasmer Field turf late Tuesday afternoon, Kyle spoke about the Mentor Cardinals and the challenges his Wildcats face when going up against Coach Steve Trivisonno’s tough, talented and well-schooled team.

 “There are always programs that you know are going to come to play big games all of the time, and certainly that’s Mentor,’’ said Coach Kyle, who will send his Wildcats (3-0) against the Cardinals (2-1) on Friday at 7 p.m. in Mentor’s Jerome T. Osborne Sr. Stadium. “They’re used to playing big football games. So they’ll be prepared.’’

 How intense is Mentor’s preparation for the Wildcats? Well, if you go to the school's football website you will see that the Cardinals and their faithful are counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds to Friday’s kickoff.

 “This year, they’re certainly giving you the spread and they do it extremely well,’’ Kyle said of an offense that has helped Division I Mentor to a 22-game home winning streak and state runner-up finishes in 2006 and ‘07. “And with their no-huddle offense, they can hurry it and they can take their time with it. They handle the tempo. Their quarterback, Sam Mayse, is a big, tall, strong-armed guy. So he can hit you for a big play anytime.

 “He (Mayse) came in during the second half against us last year. He’s a good football player.’’

 As is the case with all of the Cardinals’ opponents, the discussion quickly turned to Mentor’s running game and the gifted and hard-nosed junior tandem of Mike Korecz and Ricky Hanzlik.

 “They’re really making a statement,’’ Kyle said of Korecz and Hanzlik, who complement each other as well as any 1-2 punch in Northeast Ohio. “They have speed and they’re strong. They are getting great yardage, and that’s a concern we have right now.

 “Sure, they spread you all out. We’ve gone over all of the patterns and the hitches, and so on. Meanwhile, they’ll hit a quick little counter play with their running backs and the guy gains 30 yards or 40 yards. They’re patient with that and they’ve made some big plays.’’

 The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Hanzlik will take a double-figure, yards-per-carry average into Friday’s game. He is also a sound blocker and a more than capable receiver out of the backfield.

 Korecz (5-11, 187), who blossomed on the area football scene last fall, rushed for 131 yards on 26 carries in the Cardinals’ opening-night victory over Saint Edward. He had 101 yards on 24 carries in a Week 2 win over Strongsville and in last weekend’s hard-fought loss at Solon he picked up 87 yards on 21 carries.

 Although Saint Ignatius leads the all-time series with Mentor, 7-2, the Wildcats and the Cardinals have split their last two meetings. Mentor came on strong late in the first half and pulled away for a victory at Osborne Stadium in 2007 and, en route to their record 10th Division I state championship, the Wildcats prevailed at Byers Field last year, 28-14.

 Saint Ignatius was the last team to defeat the Cardinals in Mentor, as Rudy Kirbus ’06 and Robby Parris ’06 put on a pass-and-catch show in the fall of 2005.

 “They’re giving more of a 4-2 look this year,’’ said Kyle of a Cardinals defense that features senior lineman Dan Cowdrick (6-1, 265) and one of the top underclassmen in Northeast Ohio in sophomore end Tom Strobel (6-5, 225). “They’ll rush four and once in awhile they’ll commit to the blitz. They’ll do some zone blitzes, where they’ll drop a lineman and send a linebacker. And, as usual, their kicking game is very good.

 “Solon was able to beat them,’’ Kyle continued. “But we practiced with Solon and they’re a very good team. And Mentor had a chance to win it.’’

 Coach Kyle pointed out this is the Wildcats’ only Friday night game of the season. Although people will say it’s only one day, Kyle said as a coach you really feel that one day, that preparation is just rushed.

 “We’re constantly reminding the kids that we have to get everything out of this (practice) drill,'' said Kyle. "This is a game that has a lot of focus in Ohio.’’

 It is projected there will be three to four radio stations broadcasting the Saint Ignatius-Mentor game live and two to three television venues doing it on a delayed basis.

 The talented and savvy duo of Patrick Pierson and Dave Wilson will describe the action for Time Warner Cable of Northeast Ohio at 11 p.m. on Friday. Time Warner Cable will also replay its Friday telecast on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., and on Sunday at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

 And of course, Saint Ignatius’ tenacious trio of Ed Daugherty, Mike Gibbons and David Bly will broadcast the game live over WHKW 1220AM, with the pre-game set for 6:45 p.m.

 McVey update: “As we sit here on a Tuesday, he is in equipment and he’s practicing and learning what we’re doing (in preparation for Mentor),’’ said Coach Kyle of his All-Ohio and MaxPreps All-American senior linebacker Scott McVey, who has been sidelined the past two weeks with a shoulder injury. “So I’m going under the aspect that he will play some. We’re going to monitor it. If he starts to feel something, then we have to back up. But he is practicing. And our intention is that he is going to play some, and we’ll go from there.’’

 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK FOR GAME THREE

                OFFENSE

 Garnering his place on “The Corner’’ is junior tailback/defensive back/kick returner Anthony Mascia. The 5-foot-9, 145-pound Mascia got an opportunity to show his skill and speed in the 50-8 victory over Canisius (Buffalo, N.Y.) and he responded by putting together runs of 59 and 54 yards, and averaging better than 20 yards per carry for the night. His 59-yard effort, which was his first varsity carry, set up a touchdown by senior running back Joe Gorczyca and his 54-yard scamper went for a touchdown and helped cap off the Wildcats’ 17th consecutive victory. Mascia’s speed comes as no surprise to Coach Kyle and Saint Ignatius’ track and field fans, as Mascia led off last spring’s state-qualifying 4x100 meter relay team.

                                 DEFENSE

 Making his case for the defense was senior defensive back George Newrones. The 5-9, 165-pound Newrones helped the Wildcats frustrate the Crusaders’ cause by making five tackles, including four solos, coming up with an interception in the end zone with 18 seconds remaining in the first half and recording an impressive hustle sack in the second half. He also had another tackle for a loss.

 “George might be pound for pound our toughest player,’’ said Wildcats defensive backs coach Bryan Massinen ’98 as part of Newrones’ player profile in the Saint Ignatius Media Relations Guide. “He is scrappy and fearless on the field and loves to compete. His toughness and competitive nature make up for his lack of size.’’

 SOME HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY FROM MORE THAN 40 YEARS AGO

 Heading into Week 4 of the 1963 season, Saint Ignatius Hall of Fame inductee Dick Zunt ’50 published his second edition of “Hi-School Sports,’’ a monthly magazine from September through June that presented recaps and features on the area’s high school sports scene, major announcements related to high school athletics, tips on health and injuries and even sports-related comic strips. The magazine sold for 30 cents per copy and $2.50 for a yearly subscription.

 In the second edition’s report on West Senate football, Saint Ignatius led off the first three paragraphs. It read: “Saint Ignatius, defending West Senate and city champion, displayed an overpowering offense to shock Parma, 58-20, Cathedral Latin, 28-0 and West High, 38-6.

 “Coach John Wirtz and his Wildcats were accorded the district’s No. 1 ranking on the basis of this impressive showing. The Ignatius offense revolves around a junior backfield, headed by the brilliant quarterback, Brian Dowling, who was throwing passes and running with the finesse of a veteran.

 “Halfbacks Dan Milligan and Jim Grace and fullback John Minnillo, together with ends Tom Furlong and Mike Gaul give Ignatius an awesome punch which their opponents are finding hard to defense.’’

 If you think the cost of the magazine was a steal, Richman Brothers, which was one of the magazine’s major advertisers, had quilted nylon jackets on sale for $14.95, corduroy car coats with shawl collars on sale for $24.95 and “Bavarian Inspired’’ ski sweaters listed at $12.95. I don’t have to tell you what similar items would cost today.

 Have a good week and we'll see you at the Osborne on Friday.

 -30-

 'Cat Paw numbers to ponder and how Joe Eitel sees the early returns (posted on 9/14/09).

  By Eddie Dwyer

  You know the saying, “Great minds -----.’’

 All kidding aside, Ed Daugherty, the veteran radio voice of Wildcats football, and yours truly were on the same Labor Day wavelength.

 Driving home from the Sept. 5 game against Clayton Northmont, I kept wondering if the Wildcats’ comeback that night was the greatest (in terms of the 20-point deficit) in Saint Ignatius’ rich football history. Having followed high school football in this area since the late 1950s, I couldn't recall a bigger comeback victory (in terms of point deficit) by the 'Cats. 

 Well, after some holiday-weekend research, it turned out the comeback against Northmont was definitely a record performance. The “two Eds are better than one,’’ Daugherty and Dwyer, came up with the same top-six comeback victories in Wildcats football history. The list was posted on “The Corner’’ on Labor Day afternoon.

 Don’t say it. Area high school football fanatics like Ed and I already have been told many times that we need a life. While most of the nation was cooking hot dogs and hamburgers, the “two Eds’’ were flipping and turning archives.

 In case you are having a dull Monday afternoon, Ed Daugherty sent me what I call his “Fab 50 points’’ on Saint Ignatius football. I threw in some other numbers to whet your appetite for the trip to Mentor on Friday. Enjoy!

 Saint Ignatius scored 50 or more points for the 25th time in Chuck Kyle’s tenure, with its 50-8 win over Canisius (Buffalo, N.Y.) on Saturday night. The Wildcats are obviously 25-0 in those games. And one of those games was the 55-35 victory over the Mentor Cardinals on Sept. 16, 2005, the Cardinals’ last loss at home.

 The 90 points scored in the 2005 Mentor encounter were the most combined points ever scored in a St. Ignatius game. The previous record was 85, set in 2001 in the 44-41 overtime loss to St. Edward, and in 2003 with the 56-29 victory at Shaker Heights. 

 And, in a few more “Fab 50 points,'' the Wildcats have scored 50 or more points three times against both Canisius and St. Francis (Athol Springs, N.Y). Saint Ignatius’ record for 50-or-more points against an opponent is five versus three different teams. The Wildcats did it five times against Lincoln High (1957, ‘59, ‘62, ’65 and ‘67), five times against West High (1957, ‘59, ‘60, ‘61 and ‘64) and five times against West Tech (1963, ‘64, ‘68, ‘73 and ‘84).

 In a little note from this corner, the old Lincoln Presidents and West High Cowboys were merged to become Lincoln-West. West Tech, which was one of the top public high schools in the nation at one time, and the site of some of the most memorable sporting events in the history of Cleveland-area high school athletics, is now that apartment building (“West Tech Lofts’’) you see while going east or west on I-90.

 Here are a few more numbers to chew while standing on “The Corner.’’

 Saint Ignatius has scored 206 points in its four meetings with Canisius. The 206 points tie a school record for most points scored in four consecutive games against an opponent, equaling the mark set against the West High Cowboys between 1959 and 1962.

 The 17-game winning streak the Wildcats are currently on ties for the seventh-longest unbeaten streak in school history. Saint Ignatius’ all-time winning marks are 39, 38 and 25 in a row, also set in the Coach Kyle era.

 Coach Kyle is now 25-2 in Week 3 games and he is 24-2 in Week 4 games. The last Week 4 loss came at Mentor in ’07. The Wildcats are now 39-9-1 all-time versus out-of-state-opponents and entering Friday’s game at Mentor, they are 17-8 all-time versus teams from Lake County (7-2 vs. Mentor, 9-6 vs. Lake Catholic and 1-0 vs. Wickliffe).

 Mentor has a 22-game home winning streak. Last year, Saint Ignatius traveled to Cincinnati St. Xavier’s Ballaban Field and ended the Bombers’ 26-game home winning streak with a gut-wrenching overtime victory.

 AS JOE SEES IT, FOR NOW – Although the first week of the official OHSAA computer ratings won’t be released until after the Week 4 games, computer playoff guru Joe Eitel has listed his Division I, Region 1 ratings based on the first three games. 

 His top 10 after three games are: 1. Saint Ignatius; 2. North Royalton; 3. Solon; 4. Mayfield; 5. Shaw; 6. Brush; 7. Austintown-Fitch; 8. Warren Harding; 9. Parma; and 10. Glenville. The top eight teams in each of the state's 24 regions at the end of the regular season qualify for the OHSAA regional-quarterfinal playoffs.  

 -30-

 Canisius-Saint Ignatius varsity football recap. Story was posted 9/13/09 at 1:30 a.m.

 A couple of “firsts’’ highlight the Wildcats’ all-around performance against the Crusaders.

 Several players earn their ‘Cat Paws, if you will, in a dominant triumph.

 Soccer and cross country teams continue their success in what could be a fall to recall.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Copyright, Sept. 2009.

 Like many of his teammates, Saturday night was Anthony Mascia’s time.

 Moments the 5-foot-9, 145-pound junior tailback/defensive back will cherish for years to come.

 Mascia, whose elusive, quick and strong-balanced runs were part of a solid 48-minute performance by the entire Saint Ignatius team, entered the lineup in the second quarter and left his mark on a 50-8 victory over the visiting Canisius Crusaders from Buffalo, N.Y.

 “It’s an unbelievable feeling,’’ said Mascia, whose first varsity run from scrimmage resulted in a 59-yard gain to the Crusaders' 25-yard line, an effort that helped set up a 1-yard touchdown run by senior running back Joe Gorczyca. “The first time I got out there, of course I was a little bit nervous. It was unexplainable, unexplainable!’’

 The good-natured Mascia, who took some kidding from his coaches for being tackled from behind on his first carry – a run that was set up by a fumble recovery by junior linebacker Ryan Gibbons – said he wasn’t going to let it happen twice.

 In capping off his special night, Mascia rambled for a 54-yard touchdown with two minutes, four seconds remaining and classmate Mark Kuczmarski’s extra-point kick put the seal on the Wildcats’ 17th consecutive victory.

 “I’m happy that I got to go out there and that I had the opportunity to give it my all,’’ Mascia said. “I got the first-game jitters out now. So hopefully the next time, if I get another opportunity, I can show them again what I can do.’’

 Saint Ignatius’ first-team wasted little time in showing what it is capable of as the Wildcats (3-0), ranked 11th in this past week’s National Prep Poll, came up with a 21-point first quarter.

 Standout senior middle linebacker Owen Callahan set the tempo by recovering a fumble off a botched punt attempt inside the Canisius 5-yard line and taking the ball into the end zone for a touchdown. Callahan’s effort was followed by the first of four extra-point kicks by senior Jesse Franklin.

 A lineman in grade school at Gesu, Callahan revealed that Saturday night’s touchdown was the first in his football career.

 “It was great,’’ said Callahan, referring to the ability of the starters to take care of business early and give their teammates and backups the opportunity to display their skills. “They work so hard in practice, too. And not a lot of the fans get to see that.

 “Yeah, it was great to see them get out there. A lot of them did well. Kids you never even heard about before, like Mascia, stepped up and that was good to see.’’

 After Callahan’s memorable six, Saint Ignatius rode the strong left arm of gifted senior quarterback Mark Myers, the running of senior tailback Kevin Johnson and junior tailback Bobby Grebenc, and the sure hands of senior tight end Brendan Carozzoni, junior flanker David Joseph and senior wideouts Tucker Sorrell and Danny Kray to a 28-0 lead early in the second quarter.

 Myers scored the game’s second touchdown on a 1-yard keeper, Kray hauled in a perfectly thrown ball by Myers for a 16-yard TD strike and Grebenc scored on a 2-yard blast over the right side. In his brief action, Myers was 5-for-5 passing for 96 yards.

 From there, Coach Chuck Kyle ’69 turned to his bench and got several solid minutes from his reserves and junior-varsity call-ups.

 One of the other upperclassmen who also turned in a solid night was senior defensive back George Newrones. Newrones came up with an interception in the end zone in the final seconds of the first half and recorded an impressive hustle sack early in the second half.

 Mark Myers’ twin brother, Matt, a senior wideout, got in the scoring act by combining with junior quarterback Joe Greco on an 8-yard TD pass with 7:32 to go in the fourth quarter.

 Canisius (0-2), whose punting game betrayed it several times in the first half, avoided the shutout when All-Catholic running back Ricky Pringle scored on a 71-yard run with 5:01 remaining to be played.

 “We got everybody in who was healthy,’’ said Coach Kyle, whose attention is now focused on a very talented 2-1 Mentor team and its outstanding running game. Saint Ignatius travels to Mentor on Friday for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Wildcats and the Cardinals have split their last two meetings, with Mentor coming on strong late in the first half and winning at home in 2007.

 “I wanted every kid to play quality football,’’ Kyle said of the Canisius game. “And a lot of the young kids did do some nice things. So that’s good to see. Anthony (Mascia) leads off our 4x100 meter relay, so he’s got speed. We kidded him a little bit when the guy caught him in the first run. But they didn’t catch him the next time.’’

 A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME?: Earlier this week, Saint Ignatius’ junior-varsity team defeated Glenville’s jayvees, 19-18, at Wasmer Field. Oh well, just another routine one-point thriller between the Tarblooders and the ‘Cats. 

 ‘CATS SOLVE THE CELTICS: Junior midfielder Luke Blades led the way with two goals and fellow junior midfielder Ryan Ivancic provided Saint Ignatius’ third score as the nationally ranked Wildcats improved to 7-0 with a 3-1 victory over a highly touted Dublin Jerome team at Wasmer Field on Saturday afternoon.

 SETTING A NEW MARK: Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick ’88 reported that Dr. Mike Gallagher’s deep and talented cross country team won both the A and B races during Saturday’s highly competitive Tiffin Invitational. The Wildcats became the first school in 15 years to win both races at Tiffin.

-30-

 SOCCER ‘CATS CONTINUE THEIR OUTSTANDING PLAY (posted on 9/11/09).

 Coach Mike McLaughlin’s nationally ranked soccer team traveled to Hudson on Thursday night and came away with a 4-1 victory over the Explorers.

 The Wildcats got two goals from Paul Castrigano, and Ryan Ivancic and Vaughn Spurrier each tallied a goal as the defending Division I state champions improved to 6-0. The 'Cats have shutout five of their six opponents.  

 Saint Ignatius will play host to a talented Dublin Jerome program on Saturday at 3 p.m. The Wildcats' Broadcasting Club will present what should be an entertaining matchup live over the Web.  

 -30-
 Brian Hoyer is preparing for a role he battled for and deserved (posted on 9/10/09).

 Mike Burke will be shuffling off to Buffalo in 2010 (posted on 9/9/09).

 For the football preview on Canisius, Players of the Week and other weekly highlights, see stories below.

 As we reported on “The Corner’’ last week, former Saint Ignatius football and baseball standout Brian Hoyer ’04 has earned the position as back-up quarterback to New England Patriots All-Pro signal-caller Tom Brady.

 With New England’s season opener against Buffalo just four days away, Brady and Hoyer are the only quarterbacks on the Patriots’ 53-man roster.

 “I don’t want to say I’m surprised,’’ Hoyer told Christopher L. Gasper of the Globe Staff in a story that appeared Thursday on www.boston.com. “I expected to be on a team somewhere back in April. Even though circumstances were a little bit different than I thought they would have played out after the draft, I couldn’t be happier to be here. It’s a great opportunity, and I got to keep learning and there is a long way to go. I’m just going to try to learn as much as I can from Tom and [quarterbacks] Coach [Bill] O’Brien and Coach [Bill] Belichick, and what three great guys to learn football from.’’

 After a solid career at Michigan State, Hoyer signed a free-agent contract with the Patriots in April and out-battled three other candidates in landing what many coaches and players refer to as a dream situation – honing your skills and picking up the pro game behind one of the outstanding quarterbacks in NFL history.

 “He has worked hard, he’s smart, he understands the system, he makes quick decisions,’’ Patriots Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio told Gasper. “I think it was good to see (Brian) in live situations in the preseason just to see how he handled some of those situations. I think he handled them fairly well, and we feel comfortable with where we are with him.’’

 Along with Hoyer, this corner has the privilege of covering and reporting on Caserio when he was an academic and athletic standout at University School and John Carroll University. Caserio was a teammate of Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels while attending John Carroll.

 Hoyer, whose pitching and hitting helped lead the Wildcats to the Division I state baseball championship in 2002, said he is preparing this week “like I have to be ready to play.’’ During the preseason, Brian was 29-of-44 for 354 yards and a touchdown.

 As Gasper pointed out, the Patriots have a history of developing overlooked and undervalued quarterbacks. Brady was a sixth-round pick out of Michigan in 2000. A seventh-round pick in 2005, Matt Cassel, last year’s starter after Brady was injured, was a backup at the University of Southern California.

 And yes, that proud father you saw last Saturdy night (NFL cutdown day) wearing a smile wider than Byers Field was none other than the knowledgeable and savvy Axel Hoyer.

  - Eddie Dwyer 

  -30-
 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Sept. 2009

 After helping Saint Ignatius to a school-record third consecutive appearance in the Division I state final four this past spring, senior first baseman/pitcher Mike Burke has accepted a baseball scholarship from the University of Buffalo.

 Burke, who is coming off a banner junior season in which he batted a school-best .573, becomes the 17th player in Coach Brad Ganor’s five seasons as the ‘Cats’ skipper to earn a Division I college scholarship.

 The Wildcats’ co-Offensive MVP with catcher/pitcher Neil Butara (now at Eastern Michigan), Burke also produced eight doubles, five home runs, a triple and 36 runs batted in. His sizzling .573 average broke the mark of .553 set by Jeff Drabik in 1991.

 One of the catalysts in a 25-victory season, Burke garnered first-team All-Cuyahoga River Baseball Conference honors and was selected to The Plain Dealer’s seven-county All-Star Team.

 -30-
 Saint Ignatius-Canisius football preview – story was posted on 9/08/09 at 11:57 p.m.

 Comebacks make great conversation. But four quarters of solid football are what the Wildcats’ coaching staff is striving for.

 Players of the Week for game two are announced, this week in Wildcats history and by the numbers.

 By Eddie Dwyer
 Copyright, Sept. 2009

 As he talked about this week’s opponent, the Canisius Crusaders from Buffalo, N.Y., Saint Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle quickly turned to his own team.

 “We want to play 48 minutes this week, not 28,’’ said Coach Kyle, as he was running the ‘Cats through Tuesday’s practice drills. “It’s about our selves, our concentration and our focus.’’

 The reference to 48 minutes was related to last weekend’s heart-pounding comeback against a talented Clayton Northmont team, an effort that saw Saint Ignatius (2-0) rally from a 20-0 deficit with five minutes, 8 seconds remaining in the second quarter and go on to a 27-20 victory. In extending their winning streak to 16 games, the Wildcats established a record for the biggest comeback victory (in terms of point deficit) in their rich football history.

 “Just play the play right in front of you, let’s all be on the same page, play with some intensity for that play and things will work,’’ said Kyle of the composed message he delivered to his team at halftime of the Northmont game. “Well, they did. But I don’t want to be placed in that situation too many times.

 “That (Northmont) was a very good team. They’re going to win seven, eight or nine games. They certainly plan on being in the playoffs (for what would be the eighth time since 2001), and I think they will. I like the way we played in the second half. We came out defensively and just took the intensity level to where we want to play.’’

 Saint Ignatius, which also rallied to a 14-13, season-opening victory over Glenville, will be playing its third consecutive home game when it takes on Canisius on Saturday at 7 p.m. on Byers Field in Parma’s Robert M. Boulton Stadium. The game will be aired live over the Web by the Wildcats’ energetic and quick-witted Broadcasting Club and will be broadcast live by WHK 1420AM. Providing the action for WHK will be Mike Gibbons, David Bly and one of the most knowledgeable and talented radio/television sportscasters in Ohio, the venerable Ron Jantz.

 The Crusaders from Canisius opened their season on the road last weekend and were defeated by Rochester (N.Y.) power Aquinas, 19-0. The Little Irish of Aquinas have won three consecutive Class A championships.

 Canisius has an impressive list of notable graduates, including a man this corner truly admired – the late Tim Russert. Russert was a renowned journalist, author and commentator, and a former host of NBC’s “Meet the Press.’’

 Founded in 1870 with historical ties to Canisius College, Canisius is also a Jesuit high school. The Crusaders are members of the Monsignor Martin Association League.

 In defeating the Crusaders, 40-0, in Buffalo last year, the Wildcats presented Coach Kyle with his 250th career victory. Kyle ’69, now in his 27th season as the head coach at his alma mater, enters Saturday night’s game with 264 career wins.

 “The score ended up 40-0, but the first quarter going into the early part of the second quarter it was a 6-0 ballgame,’’ Kyle said. “They were playing pretty well and then we got on a roll and started getting to them.

 “We haven’t seen that much of them (on film), and that’s one of the concerns. Right now in our possession we have a scrimmage (on film), which is like 20 plays on offense. As much as we know about them, they’ll be in a four-man front (defensively) and they will be blitzing quite a bit. Offensively, they have a couple of nice running backs, tough kids.

 “Last year, they threw the ball pretty well. I think they’re a running team this year, but we’ll see.’’

 Among the Crusaders who play with a cause are All-Catholic running back Ricky Pringle, defensive lineman Bernard Williams and linebackers Jimmie Gaines and Paul Rubino.

 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK FOR THE NORTHMONT GAME

 OFFENSE

 Junior tailback Bobby Grebenc: The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Grebenc was a workhorse in the 27-20 record comeback, rushing for 172 yards on 22 carries. He scored the tying touchdown on a 3-yard burst over the right side with 1:45 left in the third quarter. Coach Kyle said if you saw Grebenc’s touchdown run on film, you would appreciate even more what a powerful effort it was.

 Grebenc displayed power, balance and exceptional vision in the second half against Northmont, coming up with 93 of those 171 yards. In the 14-13, opening-night victory over Glenville, Bobby rushed for 75 yards and averaged 5.8 yards per carry.

 DEFENSE

 Senior strong safety and special-teams standout Kevin Hopkins: “Hoppy’’ was all over the field, making 12 tackles, including eight solos and a tackle for a loss.

 A 5-10, 175-pound quad-captain, Hopkins came up with one of the game’s biggest plays in the third quarter after Northmont recaptured the momentum by executing a fake punt that resulted in a first down at the Wildcats’ 29-yard line. On the next play, Hopkins made a jarring shoulder tackle that knocked the ball loose at the Saint Ignatius 23, where it was recovered by senior cornerback Kevin Johnson. Ten plays later, Grebenc scored the tying touchdown.

 “With Scott being out, people had to step up,’’ Hopkins said, referring to AP All-Ohio and MaxPreps All-American senior linebacker Scott McVey, who was resting a shoulder injury. “I felt the urgency that we were down a guy, we were down 20 points and someone had to step up. And that’s where (senior linebackers) Jake Ryan and Owen Callahan came up big, stop after stop. Like Jake said, we just exploded in the second half.

 “It is a big challenge, trying to come in and fill big shoes,’’ said Hopkins of the Wildcats’ 2008 all-senior defensive secondary that featured two All-Ohio safeties – Dan Fox (now at Notre Dame) and Pat Hinkel (now at Miami of Ohio). Last year, they won a state championship, and that’s what we want to do. That was the senior leadership and camaraderie they taught us – how to get to that game. Do it right and, as Coach 'Mass' (Bryan Massinen ’98) always says, play fast.’’

 BY THE NUMBERS: Along with the defensive efforts by Hopkins, Ryan, Callahan, Johnson and senior ends Pat Dowd and Jim Ramella, Saint Ignatius saw senior free safety/wideout Kory Gillissie and junior linebacker Tyler Kette take part in 12 and 10 tackles, respectively.

 THIS WEEK IN WILDCATS HISTORY: Senior quarterback and Strongsville native Geoff Panteck completed 17 of 28 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown, and a relentless pass rush keyed by senior Chris Hovan was more than the Strongsville Mustangs could deal with as Saint Ignatius defeated the Mustangs, 19-7, in a 1995 regular-season matchup at Lakewood Stadium.

 “We were on Leonard (Strongsville quarterback Ken Leonard) all night,’’ said Hovan, who had four of the Wildcats’ nine sacks. “You have to credit the whole line. We’re a team, not individuals.’’

 -30-

 ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS!

 ‘Cats comeback victory against Clayton Northmont the biggest (in terms of point deficit) in Saint Ignatius football history.

 Posted by Eddie Dwyer on 9/07/09 at 3 p.m. Copyright, Sept. 2009 

 Here is an all-time list of the Wildcats’ impressive comebacks.

 Trailing Northmont, 20-0, with 5:08 to play in the second quarter – won, 27-20.

 Trailed Glen Mills (Pa.), 30-11, at halftime on Oct. 29, 1999 at Lakewood Stadium – won, 31-30.

 Trailed Massillon, 21-3, midway through the third quarter on Sept. 13, 2002 at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium – won, 29-21, with Anthony Gonzalez ’03 almost single handedly leading the charge.

 Trailed Toledo St. John’s, 14-0, after the first quarter on Sept. 23, 1995 at Lakewood Stadium – won, 33-29.

 Trailed Centerville, 21-9, at halftime in the Division I state championship game on Dec. 1, 1991 at Fawcett Stadium – won, 24-21.

 Trailed Euclid, 30-19, on Nov 11, 1989 at Finnie Stadium with 10:01 to play in the Region 1 final – won, 31-30.

 On a personal note, I agree with the radio (WHK 1420) voice of Saint Ignatius football – Ed Daugherty – that the Euclid comeback, in terms of drama, emotion and what was at stake, still has to rank as one of the greatest in the history of Ohio High School football. After defeating the Robert Smith-led Panthers, the ‘Cats went on to win their second consecutive Division I state championship and their first national title.

 To read about Saturday’s record comeback against Northmont, see the story below.

 -30-

  Clayton Northmont versus Saint Ignatius varsity football recap.

  Story was posted on 9/06/09 at 1:50 a.m.

  A TESTAMENT TO CHARACTER AND COMPOSURE

 Ryan, Grebenc, Hopkins, Callahan, “K.J.’’ and Sorrell help Coach Kyle’s Wildcats reach from within.

 By Eddie Dwyer
 
 Copyright, Sept. 2009

 There was no yelling or screaming in Saint Ignatius’ locker room during halftime on Saturday night.

 As Wildcats head coach Chuck Kyle ’69 emphasized, “We don’t do that.’’

 Instead, Coach Kyle pointed out that there was no need to change a lot of things. What was important, he said, was to do those things right.

 Trailing, 20-0, with 5 minutes, 8 seconds remaining in the first half, Saint Ignatius corrected the mistakes that hampered it throughout most of the first 24 minutes and stormed back to defeat a very talented Clayton Northmont team, 27-20, in another tense matchup on Byers Field in Parma’s Robert M. Boulton Stadium.

The Wildcats, who were coming off a dramatic one-point, opening-night victory over perennial power Glenville, solved Northmont’s defense with a 13-play, 78-yard drive in the final moments of the first half. A 13-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Mark Myers to senior wideout Tucker Sorrell and the ensuing extra-point kick by senior Jesse Franklin enabled Saint Ignatius to cut the deficit to 20-7 by halftime. Sorrell, who made several clutch catches in the second half, did an exceptional job of grabbing the throw from Myers and keeping his balance in the right corner of the Day Drive end zone.

 “We made so many mistakes (in the first half), lined up wrong some times or messed up a block,’’ Kyle said after his team extended its winning streak to 16 games. “When we just did things right, like the last drive of the first half, we were fine and everybody was settling down.’’

 Northmont (1-1), which lost just two games in 2008 – one to defending Division I state champion Saint Ignatius in the regular season and one to Division I state runner-up Cincinnati Elder in the regional playoffs – stunned the Wildcats with the big play in the early going.

 The Thunderbolts, who have made four consecutive appearances in the Ohio High School Athletic Association playoffs, and seven in the last eight seasons, scored their first touchdown on a nice catch and run by junior Paul Winkler off a perfectly executed screen pass from junior quarterback Robert Sakosky.

 Northmont, which has won seven consecutive Greater Western Ohio Conference divisional titles, pulled off a text-book fake punt in pushing its lead to 13-0. The fake came off a third-and-11 from the ‘Bolts 33-yard line and saw senior defensive back Xavior Johnson run for a first down at the Wildcats’ 39. The fake helped set up a leaping touchdown reception by 6-foot-2, 224-pound junior wideout Josh McClain, who caught the ball between two defenders before coming down with it in the end zone.

 Eight seconds later, Saint Ignatius fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Northmont sophomore linebacker Kaleb Ringer scooped up the loose ball and returned it to the Wildcats’ 11, where gifted senior cornerback/wideout Quintin Cooper scored on a counter reverse over the left side at the 5:08 mark of the first half.

 “We knew if we came out in the second half and played Saint Ignatius football, we would be right back in the game,’’ said senior strong safety and quad-captain Kevin Hopkins, who, along with senior outside linebacker Jake Ryan and senior middle linebacker Owen Callahan, led one of the strongest defensive charges in Wildcats history in the second half. “Coach Kyle told us to put everything in the first half behind us and move forward.’’

 Saint Ignatius’ defense, which in the words of assistant coach Bryan Massinen ’98 “took over the game,’’ played like it could have moved mountains in the second half.

 On the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, the 6-3, 225-pound Ryan nearly took the handoff as he blasted both the quarterback and the ball carrier for a 5-yard loss coming off the edge on a blitz. After Callahan, who made several key stops in both halves, tackled the ball carrier for a minus 1 yard on second down, assistant coach Ryan Franzinger ’02 sent Ryan from the same blitz formation on a third-and-16 from the Northmont 14.

 Blowing past two would-be blockers, Ryan hit the quarterback with a pad-rattling tackle that could be heard on Day Drive, jarred the ball loose and standout senior defensive end and quad-captain Pat Dowd recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown. Franklin’s second extra point was high and true, and the ‘Cats trailed, 20-14, with 10:28 remaining in the third quarter.

 “Every single down we went 100 percent,’’ said Ryan, who after making 15 tackles against Glenville came up with seven solo stops on Saturday night. “We were just really mad at ourselves at the end of the half. We came out in the second half and exploded.’’

 Callahan, who along with his teammates did his best in trying to make up for not having All-Ohio senior linebacker and quad-captain Scott McVey (sidelined by a shoulder injury), talked about how Saint Ignatius rebounded from the Thunderbolts’ quick strikes in the first half.

 “We played okay (in the first half), but we could have played a lot better,’’ Callahan said. “We came out in the second half with the attitude that there was no way we were going to lose. We really stepped it up. It was a lot of fun out there tonight.’’

 The Wildcats had to step it up again after Northmont pulled off another fake punt that Johnson executed flawlessly by running for a first down at the Saint Ignatius 29.

 But just when the ‘Bolts appeared to have recaptured the momentum, a solid shoulder tackle by Hopkins (12 tackles) caused a fumble that was recovered by Wildcats senior cornerback/running back Kevin Johnson at the Saint Ignatius 23.

 From there, the Wildcats’ offense, keyed by the hard-nosed, second-effort running of junior tailback Bobby Grebenc and some clutch receptions by Sorrell, marched 77 yards in 10 plays. The 5-11, 195-pound Grebenc tied the score on a 3-yard run over the right side and Franklin, who kicked the winning extra point against Glenville, put the ball through the uprights again for a 21-20 lead with 1:45 to go in the third quarter.

 Kevin Johnson also ran with authority down the stretch as “K. J.’’ gave Saint Ignatius some breathing room by capping off a six-play, 61-yard drive with an authoritative 6-yard TD run up the middle with 6:35 remaining to be played.

 “Coach Kyle really inspired us,’’ said Grebenc, who rushed for 171 yards on 22 carries, with 93 of those yards coming in the second half. “They were a great team, so we started to really pick it up. I just try to get the first down and whatever I get after that is extra.

 “I really just think that it’s a big honor that they gave me this opportunity,’’ Grebenc continued. “And to play along side Mark Myers, who is being looked at by a ton of colleges, is just unbelievable.’’

 Yes, unbelievable.

 Some of Northmont’s faithful shared the same sentiment as they headed for their buses after the Wildcats, in another display of class, ended the game by kneeling down and running out the clock deep in Thunderbolts territory.

 -30-

 CORNER UPDATES!

 (POSTED ON 9/04/09)

 BRIAN HOYER MAKES A STRONG PITCH AND SECURES A SPOT WITH THE PATRIOTS.

 NICK YAKO'S KICK IS HIGH AND TRUE.

  By Eddie Dwyer

 Former Saint Ignatius and Michigan State standout Brian Hoyer '04 has solidified a position as the backup quarterback to New England Patriots All-Pro signal-caller Tom Brady.

 In rallying the Patriots from a three-touchdown defiicit in Thursday night's final preseason game against the New York Giants, Hoyer, playing the entire game, completed 18 of 25 passes for 242 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. New England pulled it out, 38-27. After wrapping up his career at MSU, Hoyer signed a free-agent contract with the Patriots in April.

  New England cut its roster to the mandatory 53 players early Saturday evening, and Brady and Hoyer were the only quarterbacks among the 53.

  Ccngratualtions go out to Hoyer and another former Wildcat Nick Yako '08. Yako sent a 32-yard, game-winning field goal through the uprights as time expired in Villanova's 27-24, come-from-behind victory over Temple on Thursday night.

 -30-
 No time to savor the dramatic triumph over Glenville; ‘Cats prepare for a visit from playoff-tested Clayton Northmont.

 “The Corner’’ makes its first Player-of-the-Week pick; Kory was right at home; Billy O’Malley is getting his kicks with the Trojans; this week in Wildcats history; by the numbers; and the Ringer connection.

 Stories posted on 9/02/09 at 12:50 a.m.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Are you ready for some Week 2 football?

 And, are you ready for a Labor-Day weekend visit from “Gang Green?’’

 The Thunderbolts from Clayton Northmont, the pride of Montgomery County, are hoping Wildcat lightning doesn’t strike twice as they travel to Parma’s Robert M. Boulton Stadium on Saturday for a 7 p.m. matchup with Saint Ignatius on Byers Field.  

 As always, the game will be aired live over the Web by Saint Ignatius’ colorful and crafty Broadcasting Club and will be broadcast live by WHK 1420 AM, with the pre-game set for 6:45 p.m. Veterans Ed Daugherty, Mike Gibbons and David Bly will describe the action.

 En route to their record 10th state-championship season, the Wildcats took a bus ride to Clayton during Week 2 last year and returned home with a 23-3 victory over the ‘Bolts.

 Northmont, which is coming off a 7-6, opening-night victory over Lakota West, is expected to bring a large and enthusiastic contingent to the intersection of Ridge Road and Day Drive. Leading the ‘Bolts faithful will be arguably the most energetic fan base in the Southwest District – “Gang Green.’’ The nickname stems from the school colors of green and white.

 “Again, we’re going against a team with very good skills,’’ said Saint Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle, who guided his ‘Cats to a tension-filled, 14-13 opening-weekend victory over nationally ranked Glenville at Byers Field. “Northmont’s one defensive back (Quintin Cooper) has already committed to Ball State and three out of their four (defensive) secondary people are back. So that’s veteran there.

 “They graduated some linebackers and some of their defensive linemen, so that’s a matchup we have to see early how we can handle it. Hopefully, we do a good job there.’’

 Coach Kyle emphasized that Clayton runs a spread offense and does a good job with misdirection, screens, countering and pulling guards and tackles.

 “It’s the type of offense where you really have to play smart football,’’ Kyle said. “And their kicking game is very good. They have both kickers back from last year and their kickoffs most of the time go into the end zone.

 “This is a team that last year lost two games, one to Saint Ignatius and one to Cincinnati Elder. They lost to the two teams who were in the state championship. They’re a very, very good program.’’

 Northmont, which lost to Elder, 13-10, in the 2008 regional semifinals, has a record of 73-37 under 11th-year head coach and offensive coordinator Lance Schneider. Schneider has led the ‘Bolts to four consecutive Region 4 playoff appearances and seven since 2001. Northmont has also won seven consecutive Greater Western Ohio Conference divisional titles.

 In defeating Lakota West, the ‘Bolts struck in the final nine minutes on an 11-yard touchdown run by junior Paul Winkler, a blocked extra point by senior defensive back Xavior Johnson and an interception by Cooper. Coach Schneider also got solid performances from senior quarterback Tyler Kerlin, senior offensive lineman Reuben Victoria (5-foot-11, 272 pounds) and senior defensive lineman Terence Chambers (6-1, 232).

 “We’re recovering, physically, and so is Glenville actually,’’ said Coach Kyle. “I saw Ted (Tarblooders coach Ted Ginn Sr.) today and that’s the one thing. It’s a great football game (Saint Ignatius versus Glenville) and both teams learn a lot. It’s just that we have to look at the idea of physically, you start getting injuries on the first game and you have a long way to go.

 “You don’t want kids having a chronic problem for the rest of the season,’’ Kyle continued. “So we have to be a little careful with whose coming back this week, and we’ll just do it that way.’’

 Coach Kyle emphasized how bad he feels about the injury to senior linebacker, long snapper and special-teams standout Dan Likavec, whom Kyle said was diagnosed with a torn knee ligament.

 “It’s sad, Danny’s a great team guy,’’ said Kyle. “We’re going to have to work hard to try to fill his void. We’re sorry, because he was so pumped up about the season.’’

 At this point, Coach Kyle said All-Ohio and All-American senior linebacker Scott McVey (shoulder injury) is about 50-50 as far as playing this week. Kyle emphasized that he and his staff are going to be very conservative, again looking to avoid a season-long chronic injury that does no one any good.

 AND THE WINNER IS: In what is something new this fall, “The Corner’’ is going to pick a Player of the Week from each Wildcats game. It was one of my responsibilities, during my 36-plus years at The Plain Dealer, to select Players of the Week every Sunday morning throughout the school year. So here goes.

 While there were many, many strong candidates, the pick for Week 1 is senior Jake Ryan. Ryan, a 6-3, 225-pound outside linebacker, was a consistent force in the one-point victory over Glenville. He made 15 tackles, including nine solos, had five tackles for losses, recorded a sack and had two quarterback hurries. And, in what was one of the game’s most memorable plays, Ryan ran down Tarblooders’ Mr. Everything,’’ Christian Bryant, and stopped him inches short of a crucial first down with just over six minutes remaining.

 “Coach (Ryan) Franzinger tells us to treat every game like it’s the championship game,’’ said Ryan, referring to how he and his teammates, with Northmont coming up, had little time to savor the gut-wrenching victory over the talent-laden Tarblooders. “You just have to put the first win behind you, think about this weekend and play 100 percent, every single play.’’

 A two-year varsity mainstay, Ryan has received scholarship offers from Ball State, Toledo, Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green State University. He also has drawn the interest of other Mid-American Conference schools, such as Ohio University and Kent State, and Purdue University of the Big Ten.

 RIGHT AT HOME: Wildcats versatile senior defensive back, wideout and special-teams player Kory Gillissie will probably never forget his tying touchdown reception against Glenville – a 16-yard toss from standout senior quarterback Mark Myers in the left corner of the Day Drive end zone in Parma’s Byers Field. Gillissie brook free behind the safety and made a sure-handed diving catch on a fourth-and-9 play with just over two minutes remaining.

 Adding to the excitement is the fact that Gillissie grew up in the Parma school system and was no stranger to Byers Field when he enrolled at Saint Ignatius.

 “My first year ever playing there was sixth grade in a tri-city league in Parma,’’ Gillissie said. “In the final game of the season, we would get to play at Byers Field. In the seventh and eighth grade, we got to play the other Parma city schools there. So I played in two games there (for Hillside Middle School) in both the seventh grade and eighth grade.’’

 IT’S FIGHT ON FOR FORMER ‘CAT: Axel Hoyer, father of former Wildcats and Michigan State standout quarterback Brian Hoyer ’04 (currently with the New England Patriots), said he has learned from Bill and Mary Beth O’Malley that their son, Billy ’06, has been named the starting punter for coach Pete Carroll and the University of Southern California Trojans.

 Billy O’Malley punted for the Wildcats and also was a standout baseball player for Coach Brad Ganor’s program. After enrolling at USC, O’Malley went out for spring football and made the team as a walk-on. After two seasons, he is now listed as the Trojans’ starting punter.

 THIS WEEK IN WILDCATS HISTORY: Led by the running of All-Ohio senior tailback Eric Haddad and a relentless defense, Saint Ignatius opened its 1993 varsity football season with a 39-6 victory over Akron Buchtel at Lakewood Stadium. The game attracted a crowd of 9,500.

 The Buchtel Griffins, who won consecutive Division II state titles in 1987 and ’88, couldn’t cope with the 6-1, 205-pound Haddad, who rushed for 60 yards on nine carries while playing just the first half. The Wildcats’ first-team defense held the Griffins without a first down in the first half. Buchtel had a total of minus 35 yards in the first 24 minutes and was forced to punt from its end zone four times in the first half. Saint Ignatius entered the season as the top-ranked team in the nation by USA Today and finished the same way, giving Coach Kyle his second national title and his fifth Division I state championship.

 BY THE NUMBERS: We’ll begin with the Wildcats’ junior-varsity team, which started its 2009 season with a 21-0 victory over Youngstown Cardinal Mooney. The JV ‘Cats forced five turnovers. Now here are some other numbers to chew on. 

 Chuck Kyle is now 24-3 in Week 1 games. He is 22-4 in Week 2 games with the last loss coming in 2002 to Boardman.  

 When St Ignatius holds its opponents under 20 points, the ‘Cats are an amazing 221-21-1 since 1983. During the current 15-game winning streak, only Cincinnati Elder has scored 20 or more points on the ‘Cats – exactly 20 in the 2008 Championship Game.

 The last four games against Glenville have been decided by 3 points or less – 26-23 and 20-17 victories for the Tarblooders, and 8-7 and 14-13 triumphs for the Wildcats.

 The current 15-game winning streak ties a mark set by the 1925 and 1926 teams, who combined for 15 in a row between Oct. 10, 1925 and Nov. 21, 1926. The streak started with a victory over University School and ended with a loss to Cathedral Latin School.

 A LIVE RINGER: Now stay with us on this one: Korey and Kaleb Ringer are both playing for Northmont this season. Their brother, Kevin, played in last year's game against Saint Ignatius and is now at Baldwin-Wallace College playing for the Yellow Jackets.

 The boys’ dad, Kevin, played football at Iowa and their uncle, Javon, is currently with the Tennessee Titans after starring at Michigan State. Javon Ringer was the tailback in the same backfield with Brian Hoyer at MSU.

 Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend and be sure to out-cheer "Gang Green.'' Remember what that little frog my granddaughter used to watch on TV says: "It aint easy being green.''

 -30-

 Glenville versus Saint Ignatius varsity football recap.

 Story posted on 8/30/09 at 2:57 a.m.

 WILDCATS CALL ON ANOTHER WILL TO WIN.

 Russo’s clutch punt, Myers’ TD strike to Gillissie, Franklin’s extra point and relentless defensive pressure down the stretch show the way in another dramatic victory over Glenville.

 Victory vaults 'Cats from 29th to 11th in the latest National Prep Poll.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 As he stood outside the Wildcats’ locker room late Saturday night, Saint Ignatius’ gifted senior Kory Gillissie relished a moment most high school athletes can only dream about.

 Gillissie, wearing a smile that would have lit up Parma’s Byers Field, yelled, “Oh yeah, definitely,’’ when asked if it was the biggest catch of his young athletic career.

 The catch, a diving effort in the back of the end zone off an outstanding, across-the-body throw under pressure by standout senior southpaw quarterback Mark Myers, and the ensuing extra-point kick by senior Jesse Franklin were the final points in a 14-13, heart-pounding victory over the talent-laden Glenville Tarblooders.

 The decisive pass, catch and kick came with 2:06 remaining and, after Franklin sent the ensuing kickoff into the end zone, the Tarblooders, pinned deep in their territory, couldn’t cope with a Saint Ignatius pass rush that was fueled by seniors Tom Krukemeyer, Cameron Ventling and Gerry Ramella. The dramatic victory was put on ice when junior linebacker Tyler Kette reacted quickly and broke up a fourth-down pass across the middle.

 In an opening-weekend game that matched the area’s No. 1 (the Wildcats) and No. 2 teams, another large and enthusiastic crowd packed Byers Field. And, the majority of that crowd rose to its feet as Myers took the snap on a fourth-and-9 from the Tarblooders’ 16-yard line.

 Rolling away from Glenville’s relentless pressure, Myers stepped forward and whistled a strike to Gillissie, who got behind the coverage and provided his quarterback with what Wildcats Coach Chuck Kyle ’69 described as a second or third option on the play call.

 “Once I cut it behind the safety, I saw Mark step up a little bit, I saw the ball coming and I knew, just catch the ball,’’ said Gillissie, who is better known for his prowess as a defensive back and a special-teams player. “Just get it in (my hands), that’s all I had to do.

 “It’s like Coach Kyle always says. A football is in a weird shape for a reason. It bounces all different ways. And it bounced our way tonight.’’

 Coach Kyle, who watched his Wildcats win their 15th consecutive game, a mark that dates back to last season’s record 10th Division I state championship, was quick to point out the effort of a young man who was called on in a crucial situation – backup punter Peter Russo.

 After Myers, the regular punter, was shaken up a bit, Saint Ignatius was forced to punt from deep in its territory. Kyle called on Russo and the 6-foot-1, 150-pound junior stepped up with a 57-yard kick that was downed at the Glenville 27 with 4:30 left.

 Losing yards against a defensive charge sparked by Wildcats senior linebacker Jake Ryan and Ventling, and committing some crucial penalties, the Tarblooders were faced with a punting situation from their end zone. Glenville Coach Ted Ginn Sr. also had to call on his second punter (junior quarterback Cardale Jones) after senior Christian Bryant, the Tarblooders’ “Mr. Everything,’’ was injured and helped from the field with just over three minutes to go.

 With Saint Ignatius sending the house, Jones barley got off a shank punt that went out of bounds at the Glenville 17 and set the stage for the Myers-to-Gillissie tension toss.

 “Every year, it just goes like this, great competition,’’ said the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Myers, referring to the Wildcats’ past seven meetings with the Tarblooders, which included an 8-7 triumph by Saint Ignatius in last season’s regional semifinals. Glenville had defeated the Wildcats, 20-17, in last year’s season opener at Byers Field.

 “They’re great guys, a great team,’’ Myers said of the Tarblooders, who entered Saturday’s game ranked fifth in the National Prep Football Poll. “It really is a great rivalry.’’

 Saint Ignatius, which hosts a talented and playoff-rich Clayton Northmont team on Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. in Byers Field, had some other bright spots on Saturday night.

 There was the impressive inside and outside running of junior tailback Bobby Grebenc, the clutch interception by senior cornerback Kevin Johnson, the steady play of senior “mike’ linebacker Owen Callahan, who came up with a key sack in the first half, and the big-time defensive stop by Ryan, who tackled Bryant inches short of a first down at the Wildcats’ 36 with just over six minutes left.

 Grebenc’s hard-nosed runs helped set up the Wildcats’ first touchdown, a 1-yard pass from Myers to All-Ohio senior linebacker/fullback Scott McVey. The TD pass to McVey, which came off Saint Ignatius’ first offensive series, was also a fourth-down play. McVey did not play the final 10:28 after injuring a shoulder during a quarterback pressure.

 Although they committed more than 100 yards in penalties, the Tarblooders flashed their credentials on two field goals by Bryant of 37 and 19 yards, and a blocked punt by senior wideout/defensive back Aaron Morris that resulted in a go-ahead touchdown by senior defensive end Chris Harvey with 3:39 remaining in the first half. After Morris came free up the middle for the block, the ball rolled more than 40 yards to the Wildcats’ 1, where Harvey scooped it up and took it into the end zone.

 A highlight-film scramble by Bryant, which saw Bryant pick up the loose football, avoid the rush of four defenders and fire a pass 28 yards behind the line of scrimmage that was deflected and caught on the run by junior tailback Robert Walton Jr., set up the 19-yard field goal by Bryant. The 19-yarder made the score 13-7 with slightly more than four minutes left in the third quarter.

 “These are great games, aren’t they?’’ said Coach Kyle, who is in his 27th season as the head football coach at his alma mater. “Coach Overton (Tablooders offensive coordinator Tony Overton), I saw him right before the game, and he said, ‘Yeah, it’s probably going to come down to one point.’

 “And I’m not changing my story,’’ Kyle continued. “I said before, look, it’s the first game. Whoever wins, that’s good. They’re going to get some computer points. I think last year, if you take a look, the losing team (Saint Ignatius) learned something.

 “You play a game like this, you learn a lot. You really do.’’

  A TIP OF THE CAP: Congratulations go out to the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club, Sports Information Department, Athletic Department, Moderator Jeff McCormick '83 and students Michael Watts '11, Jacob Corrigan '10 and Marty O'Malley '10 for the outstanding job they did putting together the Wildcats' 2009 Media Relations Guide for football.
 
  The colorful and information-stacked guide is a keepsake for the Wildcats' faithful and a great service to the newspapers, websites and radio and television stations covering the '09 'Cats.

 Gentlemen, take a bow!

 -30-

 It’s Saint Ignatius versus Glenville. Here we go again!

 Kevin Hopkins is honored as the Wildcats’ fourth captain; nationally ranked soccer ‘Cats open with a shutout over University School; Coach Dan Hess’ golf team is as advertised.

 Stories posted on 8/26/09 and updated on 8/27/09. 

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Although it didn’t take a center stage until 2003, the Saint Ignatius-Glenville football rivalry has become, in the words of Wildcats senior defensive linemen Pat Dowd and Gerry Ramella, “a special game.’’

 After four consecutive nail-biting losses to the Tarblooders, including three in the regional playoffs, Saint Ignatius came up with some special moments of its own and turned back Glenville, 8-7, in last year’s Division I, Region 1 semifinal at Lakewood Stadium.

 A will-testing effort by the defense, some timely special-teams play, a memorable diving catch by wide receiver Connor Ryan ’09 and the reliable leg of place kicker Seamus Hennessey ’09 enabled the Wildcats to avenge a three-point, regular-season setback to the Tarblooders. The dramatic one-point victory was part of Saint Ignatius’ record 10th state-championship season.

 As was the case last year, the Wildcats and the Tarblooders are ranked 1-2, respectively, in The Plain Dealer’s seven-county preseason Top 25 poll. And, just like August of 2008, the perennial city powers, which are less than 10 miles apart, are squaring off during the opening weekend of the season.

 In front of what is expected to be another large and enthusiastic crowd in Parma’s Byers Field, Glenville and Saint Ignatius will kickoff their 2009 seasons on Saturday night at 7 p.m. SportsTime Ohio will televise the game on a delayed basis at 11 p.m., and it will be aired live over the Web by the Wildcats’ knowledgeable and enthusiastic Broadcasting Club.

 The Tarblooders enter the game ranked fifth in the initial National Prep Poll for 2009. Saint Ignatius, which will take a 14-game winning streak into Saturday’s action, was ranked 29th in the same poll. Since 2003, when the Wildcats prevailed, 24-21, in a regional quarterfinal, the Saint Ignatius-Glenville series stands at 4-2 in favor of the Tarblooders.

 “Glenville always has a lot of heart,’’ said Dowd, one of Coach Chuck Kyle’s four captains for this season. “Of course, they’re always one of the most talented teams in the area. But they also play hard-nosed football for the entire game.’’

 Dowd, who, when called upon, can also double as an offensive lineman, points to the Tarblooders’ vaunted running game, athleticism at quarterback and exceptional skill and speed at the wideout positions. He looks upon the Wildcats’ ability to contain the running and put together a consistent pass rush as being crucial on Saturday night.

 “I don’t know how it started (the Saint Ignatius-Glenville rivalry), but one day we both realized that we’re the best in our area,’’ Dowd said. “And it’s probably going to be that way for a long time.

 “It is two different types of football,’’ Dowd continued. “They have the athleticism and we’re always known for our technique and stuff like that. It is a game that brings out the best in both teams, a real physical game with an atmosphere that is a lot of fun to play in.’’

 Ramella, whose brother, Jim, was an all-state and Plain Dealer All-Star defensive lineman on the 2004 Saint Ignatius team that lost a hard-fought regional final to Glenville, said the Tarblooders’ speed, size and strength makes them “like no other team you play.’’

 “Lining up against them last year it was like, woe!’’ Ramella said of Coach Ted Ginn Sr.’s large and imposing offensive linemen. “They’re good kids; they’re fun to play against. We do some talking to each other on the field, nothing bad or anything, but yeah, they’re good kids.’’

 Graduation definitely took its toll in the Wildcats’ defensive secondary and at the wide receiver positions. That said, Ramella, who was involved in 48 tackles last season, including 23 solos, five sacks and 12 other tackles for losses, sees things beginning to mesh for the 2009 ‘Cats.

 “Coming into the season, there were definitely a lot of questions,’’ Ramella said. “We knew who was going to play, but we weren’t sure how they were going to play. But through the preseason, we definitely have seen the new players grow and mature.’’

 While the steady maturity and development Ramella referred to have always been evident in Chuck Kyle’s teams, the man who has begun his 27th season as the head football coach at his alma mater put the emphasis on one word while discussing another meeting with his friend, Coach Ginn Sr. – “matchups.’’

 “Certainly there’s a concern about matchups,’’ Coach Kyle said. “People always talk about matchups, and can this guy matchup with that guy? Glenville, within its offense, does a good job of spreading people out with various formations. And there comes a point where somebody is going to be matched up one on one with their guy. And there are some concerns with that.

 “That’s part of what Glenville will want to do (Saturday night) and will want to do all season with every team they play,’’ continued Kyle. “So hopefully we can get help where help is needed – certain keys that we can get from patterns, where the free safety can help with who the primary receiver is. And maybe the safety cheats a little bit and helps us out there.’’

 That “help’’ and pressure on the quarterback fueled by All-Ohio senior linebacker Scott McVey, senior linebacker Jake Ryan, Ramella and Dowd is what Coach Kyle is counting on defensively.

 “People talk about Glenville’s skills in its offense,’’ said Kyle, who has 262 career victories, including a 55-11 mark in the playoffs, and has guided his ‘Cats to a state-best 21 consecutive playoff appearances. “But defensively, they’re hard to score on because they’re big, they’re strong. You create a seam, but their linebackers and secondary are so quick, they recover.’’

 Offensively, Kyle and his staff will ask standout senior quarterback Mark Myers and Co. to control the football and eat some clock. The Wildcats will also look to play a field-position game, where they call on big-game tested senior kicker Jesse Franklin and the punting of Myers.

 “To me, the real problem with a first game (of this magnitude) is that neither team is peaking right now technique-wise,’’ Kyle said, as he was running his Wildcats through Tuesday afternoon’s practice. “They have some guys who didn’t start last year, and we do to. We’re not at a playoff caliber yet in terms of technique.

 “At this time of the year last season we weren’t a state-championship team, technique-wise. But by the end of the year we were, because we kept working.’’

 HOPKINS IS NO. 4: Congratulations go out to gritty senior safety and special-teams standout Kevin Hopkins, who this week was selected as Coach Kyle’s fourth and final captain for 2009. Hopkins, who also is a mainstay for Coach Brad Ganor’s perennial state-contending baseball program, joins McVey, Dowd and senior defensive back/wide receiver Anthony Luvison as the Wildcats’ on- and off-the-field leaders.

 COACH MCLAUGHLIN’S DEFENDING CHAMPS ENTER THEIR SEASON OPENER AMONG THE NATION’S BEST AND GO ON TO BLANK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL; COACH HESS’ SAVVY VETERANS GET PLENTY OF SOPHOMORE SUPPORT:

 Saint Ignatius Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick ’88 reported on Tuesday that Coach Mike McLaughlin's defending Division I state champion soccer team has earned a ranking of third in the nation. McLaughlin '85, who has guided his Wildcats to three state championships (2004, ’05 and ’08) and a national crown in 2005, watched his team open its 2009 season with a 4-0 victory at University School on Wednesday.

 Senior forward Vaughn Spurrier, the 'Cats' Offensive MVP last season, scored two goals and junior midfielders Ryan Ivancic and Yianna Sarris also found the mark. Standout senior goalie and quad-captain Joe Kalt came up with three saves.

 Many opponents have labeled Saint Ignatius’ golf team as the program to beat in Ohio, and Coach Dan Hess ’88 and his linksmen have done nothing to disappoint.

 In starting their season at 4-0, the Wildcats were dominant in capturing the Saint Ignatius Invitational at Red Tail, the Kenston Invitational at Punderson, the Gran Invitational and the University School Invitational at Windmill Lakes.

 Sophomore Matt Gerard shot a medalist round of 70 at the Kenston Invitational and sophomore Beau Titsworth had a medalist round of 69 at the Gran Invitational and a medalist round of 72 at the US Invitational. The Wildcats finished third at last season’s state tournament.

 -30-

 Chuck Kyle's Wildcats garner the area's top preseaon ranking; five 'Cats are among the seven-county "Top 40.'' Posted on 8/19/09.

  The Saint Ignatius Wildcats will begin their 2009 football season as the No. 1 team in The Plain Dealer's Top 25 poll.

 Five players who helped the 'Cats to a record 10th Division I state football championship last season have been rated by The Plain Dealer as being among the top 40 in the seven-county coverage area.
 
 All-Ohio senior linebacker and Ohio State recruit Scott McVey was rated No.1, senior quarterback Mark Myers was 11th, senior tight end and University of Pittsburgh recruit Brendan Carozzoni was 16th, senior linebacker Jake Ryan grabbed the 21st spot, and senior cornerback/tailback Kevin Johnson was picked as the area's 37th-best player.

 After flying West to see my beautiful daughter, Melissa, exchange vows with North Royalton fireman Jason Jurcak, this corner will return early next week with a preview on the highly anticipated season opener against the area's second-ranked Glenville Tarblooders. The Aug. 29 kickoff will be at 7 p.m. in Parma's Byers Field.

 Tickets for the Glenville game will go on sale Monday (8/24) at 7:30 a.m. in the Wildcats' athletic office. The game will be televised by SportsTime Ohio and aired world-wide over the net by the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Club.

  My son-in-law to be Jason is still talking about Coach Kyle, Team USA and Fawcett Stadium, as he and my other son-in-law, Chris Murphy, joined me at last month's IFAF Junior World Championship Gold-Medal domination of Team Canada.
 
 Just nine more days, my friends, until those Friday and Saturday night lights glow. "Hey Chavo, you be perfect!''

 - Eddie Dwyer

 WILDCATS SOCCER PREVIEW 

 Nine returning starters, a strong senior class and one of the top goalies in the Midwest will spell more success for Ohio’s defending Division I state champions (posted on Aug. 17, 2009).

 By Eddie Dwyer

 After winning their third state soccer championship since 2004 last fall, Coach Mike McLaughlin’s Saint Ignatius Wildcats are again the team to beat in Northeast Ohio.

 In the words of Coach McLaughlin ’85, quad captains Dennis Holowaty, Kayvon Afsarifard, Vaughn Spurrier and Joe Kalt have assumed the "reigns of responsibility'' on the field.

 Saint Ignatius enters the 2009 season having played 21 games without a loss. The ’09 ‘Cats will look to surpass the school record of 30 games without a loss, which was set over 2004 and 2005.

 Leading another stellar defense will be Afsarifard, Holowaty, fellow senior defenders Kailum Ijaz, Steve Vamospercsi and Dylan Mook, junior Greg Kurtz and sophomore Zach Martin. Afsarifard was the team’s Defensive MVP in 2008.

 The midfield will be handled by seniors Matt Sanda, Brendan O’Brien, Brian Anderson, and Liam Pender, and juniors Luke Blades, Yianni Sarris and Ryan Ivancic. Sanda, Sarris, Ivancic and Blades are a ball-hawking foursome.

 Spurrier and classmates Alec King and Paul Castrigano are the mainstays at the forward line. Spurrier and King are both top point earners from last season, with Spurrier’s 13 goals and 14 assists earning him the Wildcats’ Offensive MVP honor. King garnered the prestigious Magis Award for the effort and hard work he displayed in ’08.

 And then there is Kalt – one of the top goalies in the history of Ohio high school soccer.

 Coming off a remarkable '08 season, in which he set the school record for most shutouts in a season with 19 and established a season record of fewest goals against with 5, Kalt boasts 29 career shutouts. The five goals allowed by the '08 Wildcats are among the all-time, top-10, single-season defensive efforts in the nation.

 “We will once again play one of the toughest schedules in Ohio, facing Strongsville, North Royalton, Massillon Jackson, Walsh Jesuit, and Dublin Jerome, all of whom will be in the top 10 in the state,’’ said McLaughlin, who enters his 15th season with 220 career victories.

 Along with the three state crowns, Coach McLaughlin has guided his alma mater to 10 district championships, six state final fours and a national championship in 2005. Last fall, the Wildcats were again recognized by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America for their academic prowess. The state champs carried an accumulative grade-point average of 3.65.

-30-

 Wildcats play their entire roster; the new faces take some lumps from an experienced Twinsburg squad (posted on 8/14/09 at 10:15 p.m.).

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Saint Ignatius football coach Chuck Kyle '69 was pleased to “get about 115 kids’’ into Friday’s scrimmage against a highly regarded Twinsburg program at Wasmer Field.

 Two thing stood out – one, that Twinsburg is as good as The Plain Dealer hinted in its preseason previews last week and two, that the Wildcats’ new faces have to keep working on their technique and assignments.

 “We’re getting there,’’ Coach Kyle said. “We’re missing assignment stuff where you say, ‘Okay, come on, come on, we practiced that.’

 “Throwing the ball, we’re fine. We’re still mixing in a lot of different receivers. There is a basic three or four guys that we know will start when the whistle blows. But then we have to give them a blow.’’

 Kyle emphasized that he and his staff are also mixing in a lot of players in the defensive secondary, an area where Saint Ignatius was hit hard by graduation. To Twinsburg’s credit, it took advantage of some of the miscues in the ‘Cats secondary. The Tigers feature a veteran nucleus from last season’s 9-3 Division I, Region 2 playoff team.

 “We have to get a look at a lot of guys there (in the secondary),’’ said Kyle. “We’re going to play playoff-caliber teams. Twinsburg plans on going pretty far in the playoffs.

 “With our situation, we need to replace some guys. I like the idea that we are scrimmaging playoff-type teams. Because you can control it, you’re not going to get dinged up too badly in scrimmages. But it really helps technique wise.

 “Against some teams you can get away without really good technique, but against good teams, no! When you see the mistakes, you can see why.’’

 The 2009 Wildcats, like many of Saint Ignatius’ successful teams in the past, have good, but not great size and decent, but not burning speed. So, as Coach Kyle emphasized, they have to execute and be very sharp in technique.

 “It’s what has carried us over the years, and we have to keep working on it,’’ Kyle said.

 The Wildcats’ final scrimmage is against a vastly improved Canton McKinley team on Friday night at Fawcett Stadium. The start of the varsity scrimmage will be between 7 and 7:30.

 It’s the final tune-up for the season opener against Glenville, which takes place on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. in Parma’s Byers Field. The Tarblooders are ranked fifth in the National Prep Poll.

-30-


 Wildcats and Comets test the preseason waters (posted on 8/11/09 at 4:10 p.m.).

  By Eddie Dwyer

 "There's work to be done.''

  That’s how Coach Chuck Kyle '69 summed up Tuesday morning's competition against Coach Jim McQuaide's Solon Comets at Wasmer Field.  

 The teams went through situational punting, kicking and blocking, did some 7-on-7 passing and then worked 11-on-11 with pass rushing allowed, but no sacking of the respective quarterbacks permitted. Each team scored twice in the 11-on-11.

 “Solon’s a playoff-caliber team and so are we,’’ Kyle said. “A lot of mistakes and physically, some guys found out that this was a little more intense than working against the jayvees. We threw the ball okay, did not run the ball like we need to and the defense, I don’t know, spotty.’’

 The Wildcats will be tested again on Friday, when they host the highly touted Twinsburg Tigers in another scrimmage at Wasmer Field. The respective junior-varsity teams will compete at around 10 a.m., followed by the varsity squads.

 “Twinsburg plans on being pretty dominant in that Region (Division I, Region 2),’’ said Kyle. “They have a number of guys back.’’

 The Tigers qualified for the playoffs by finishing fourth in Region 2 last season. They went 8-2 during the regular season and 9-3 overall.

 ONE OF THE BEST: Helping tutor the Solon quarterbacks is former Canton McKinley and Warren Harding coaching legend Thom McDaniels. Thom McDaniels is the father of Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels and Broncos assistant coach Ben McDaniels.

 It didn’t take long to see the calming, yet confident influence Thom McDaniels has had on Comets gritty and talented senior signal-caller Jake Voigt, especially in the intermediate passing game.

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 THE 2009 FOOTBALL, CROSS COUNTRY AND GOLF PREVIEWS.

 Scott McVey and Co. look to continue “the tradition,’’ Kyle Kmiecik leads one of the strongest golf teams in school history and 22 lettermen will show the way in cross country.

 It should be another fall to recall for the Wildcats’ faithful. 

 Posted on 8/03/09 at 11:57 p.m., and updated on 8/06/09.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Taking a short break between Monday’s double-session practices, Saint Ignatius’ gifted senior linebacker Scott McVey sat in the Wirtz Pavilion and talked about one of the Wildcats’ motivations this season.

 “We definitely want to honor all of the past teams,’’ said McVey, referring to the state-record 10 Division I state championships the Wildcats have captured under Coach Chuck Kyle ’69. “They put the work in and, if we get our acts together, I think we can do the same thing they did.’’

 The 6-foot-1, 220-pound McVey speaks from experience and appreciates the type of work ethic required to win a big-school title in a talent-laden football state like Ohio.

 With McVey helping show the way as an Associated Press All-Ohio and MaxPreps All-American outside linebacker, Saint Ignatius ran off 14 consecutive victories last year en route to the 10th crown.

 “I just try to never be satisfied,’’ said McVey, who emerged on the area football scene with an 18-tackle performance against perennial power Cincinnati St. Xavier late in his sophomore season. “I’m trying to get better in every aspect of the game and do whatever I can do to help out the team.’’

 When asked what specific areas the 2009 Wildcats have to put an emphasis on in order to maintain the program’s standard of excellence, McVey, one of Coach Kyle’s captains this season, never blinked.

 “Mostly just maturity,’’ said the Ohio State recruit. “We just have to focus and realize that we’re not as good as we think we are. In order to keep it going, we have to put our work in.’’

 Despite his impressive junior season, a year that saw him total 140 tackles, 17.5 sacks, 43 tackles for losses, force three fumbles, return a fumble 58 yards for a touchdown and make a momentum-changing, leaping one-handed interception in the state-championship game victory over Cincinnati Elder, McVey prefers to place the emphasis on the team.

 And that is one of the attributes that led to him being selected as a captain.

 “I’m not a real vocal guy,’’ McVey said. “But I do like it when people look up to me for an example.’’

 Like McVey, Wildcats senior tailback/defensive back Kevin Johnson doesn’t put a lot of stock in pre-season rankings or polls. Sure, he enjoys looking at them, as most young players do.

 But K.J., as Johnson is referred to by some of his teammates and coaches, realizes that if you take care of your own backyard, the polls and the postseason honors will reflect that effort.

 In the initial National Prep Poll for 2009, Saint Ignatius was not ranked among the top 25 teams. Glenville, the Wildcats’ opening-night opponent, grabbed the fifth spot in the nation and Elder is 13th. Saint Ignatius was ranked 29th nationally and third in the Midwest, behind Glenville and Elder.

 With graduation hitting the Wildcats hard at the wide receiver positions, in the defensive secondary and at nose tackle, Saint Ignatius' absence in the National Prep Poll's top 25 comes as no surprise. But then history speaks louder than rankings.

 “I think we can do a lot better than what people are saying right now,’’ said Johnson, who has been offered a football scholarship from the University of Louisville and plans to make a few other college visits before deciding on his future. Recruited by Louisville as an athlete/defensive back, the 5-11, 190-pound Johnson ran a personal-best 10.87 100 meters at this past spring’s state track meet.

 “Sure, we’re going to have some nicks and knocks here and there, but we can fix those throughout the season,’’ Johnson said.

 A young man with a maturity beyond his years, Johnson looks at the whole picture when referring to his high school.

 “A lot of kids come up to me and ask me a lot of questions about Saint Ignatius,’’ Johnson said. “I tell them the truth, straight up, about what’s going on here and there. I think it’s a wonderful school. I love playing sports. It keeps me active and my schoolwork keeps me focused.

 “After school, I go right to practice, I go home, do my homework and things like that, go to sleep, get up and do it all over again. I love it.’’

 No one loves Saint Ignatius more than the man who has been the architect of the greatest run in the history of the Ohio High School Athletic Association football playoffs. And leave it to Coach Kyle to put everyone’s preseason outlook in perspective.

 “I wouldn’t sit here on Aug. 3 and say hey we’re a state-championship team,’’ said Kyle, who enters his 27th season as the Wildcats’ head coach with 262 career victories, including a 55-11 postseason mark, and an Ohio-best 21 consecutive playoff appearances. “But I don’t think I would have said that last year. I would have said we’re a very good team.

 “I’m hoping by Dec. 3 we can say that.’’

 Kyle, who last month guided Team USA to the gold medal in the IFAF Junior World Championship, said he and his staff will build around five to six players who saw significant action on offense last year and five veterans on defense.

 “And we played 15 games (last season) and that was good, because there were some games, even in the playoffs, where we were able to get some of the other guys in,’’ Kyle said. “Being in the playoffs and going 15 games, it is five more weeks of practice and just a lot of other things that add up and really do help.’’

 Among the big-game tested players on offense are standout senior tight end and University of Pittsburgh recruit Brendan Carozzoni (6-4, 225), senior quarterback/punter Mark Myers (6-5, 225), Johnson and senior offensive linemen Stewart Ross, Joe Lavelle (6-5, 270) and Chris Chapek.

 The 6-5 Ross, who played at about 195 pounds last season and is now around 220, is one of the most technically sound linemen in the area.

 Coach Kyle emphasized that the left-handed throwing Myers, who backed up All-Ohio signal-caller Andrew Holland last year, is definitely a Division I college quarterback. Myers did an exceptional job during his sophomore season while filling in for an injured Holland.    

 “On the defensive line, Ryan Carr was a great football player for us,’’ said Kyle of the graduated force at nose tackle. “But when you look at it, we do have defensive ends back with (seniors) Pat Dowd and Gerry Ramella. The ends in our defense have to make plays, and those two guys are very, very good.

 “Scott McVey made a lot of plays (last year) and will continue to make plays. Jake Ryan (6-3, 225-pound senior) got a lot of experience at linebacker last year and is being recruited by several of the Mid-American Conference schools. So we'll be all right. But some other guys have to step up.’’

 One of the guys who stepped up last year was senior Kory Gillissie, who helped hold the defensive secondary together after injuries sidelined a couple of starters.

 A versatile performer, Gillissie will team with Johnson, senior Co-Captain Anthony Luvison and hard-nosed senior Kevin Hopkins in the secondary, and also will contribute as a wide receiver and a punt returner. Luvison is another candidate at wide receiver and looked solid there during Thursday night's  7-on-7 drills. 

 Helping solidify the linebacker corps will be senior Owen Callahan, the kicking game has plenty of experience in Myers and senior Jesse Franklin, and senior Christian Sanders and junior Bobby Grebenc bring depth, skill and toughness to the running game.

 “Owen (Callahan) will fill in there right now at the ‘mike’ linebacker,’’ said Kyle. “He knows the job. He’s been doing it for four years. Owen is not going to make any mistakes. He’s a good athlete and he’s a basketball player, so he has good feet.''

 Although some of the players trying out for wide receiver are names most Saint Ignatius fans aren't familiar with, at least not yet, Coach Kyle sees promise and strength in the numbers.

 "The speed is good, they're gaining knowledge and it could be that we say, 'OK, we'll get a lot of rotation going.' As long as Mark (Myers) can get a feel for enough of them that it doesn't disrupt him. Certainly when the hitting starts we'll see which guys step above. That's a real key for our offense right now, to find the receivers.''

 For a complete breakdown on the Wildcats' always-demanding schedule, see the story below from 7/16/09.

 As for those of you who have inquired about future schedules, Saint Ignatius' new opponents in 2010 and beyond will be John Gibbons' Bedford Bearcats and the Elks from Centerville. The Wildcats defeated Centerville, 24-21, in the 1991 Division I state championship game at Canton's Fawcett Stadium. 

 GOLF

 After a third-place finish in last year’s state competition, the Saint Ignatius Wildcats have been labeled by many area golf coaches as being the “strongest’’ team in Ohio for 2009.

 Coach Dan Hess ’88 welcomes back a talented core, including four players who have handicaps below zero (scratch).

 “We’re looking to three-peat as district champs,’’ said Coach Hess. “We missed winning states by three strokes and we missed runner-up by one stroke.’’

 Leading the way for the Wildcats is one of the top 50 players in the nation – senior Kyle Kmiecik.

 Described by Hess as “arguably the best high school player in the state right now,’’ Kmiecik is coming off another strong summer and has earned a golf scholarship from the University of Mississippi.

 “He’s the base and anchor of the team,’’ Hess said of Kmiecik, who finished seventh as an individual at last year’s state tournament.

 Also swinging the clubs with confidence and authority is senior Andrew Bailey.

 Bailey was in the top third of the field at states last fall and had a solid average throughout his junior season.

 “Andrew will always shoot in the mid-70s,’’ Hess said. “He’s gained a lot of strength this year, and he’s got a great short game. He’s a real lynchpin to our success.’’

 Coach Hess can’t hide his enthusiasm when referring to the endless potential of savvy sophomores Beau Titsworth and Matt Gerard.

 Titsworth, who had the lowest average on the team last year, has been putting up scores in the low 70s all summer. He garnered fifth place in the SAP Junior Open at Red Tail.

 “If there is a better 15 year old in the state, I haven’t heard from him,’’ said Hess of Titsworth. “He’s the best freshman (last year) we’ve ever had. Beau is a fierce competitor and is intensely serious about golf. I would not want to face him in match play.’’

 Every successful golf team needs that guy who can take the edge off, loosen things up and, at the same time, perform well.

 That is the case with Gerard, the Wildcats’ “heart and comedian.’’

 “Matt lets adversity roll off his back and has a real calm approach to the game,’’ Hess said. “He averaged below 80 last year and his scores continued to drop this summer. His handicap has dropped four strokes. If he goes low, we are very hard to beat. There is not a better four man in the state.’’

 Hess, who guided his Wildcats to six tournament wins last year, said the program has the biggest crop of freshmen trying out in five years. He added that there are currently two junior-varsity teams, but only three spots open on the varsity.

 CROSS COUNTRY

 As is the case with varsity golf, optimism runs deep, and hopefully time-setting, with Dr. Mike Gallagher ’71 and his 2009 Saint Ignatius cross country team.

 Coach Gallagher’s harriers are coming off a season that saw them finish 10th in the state, second at the district meet and third in the regional competition.

 Other highlights from 2008 were victories at the All-Catholic Meet in Dayton and the Sim Earich Invitational. The Wildcats earned second-place finishes at the Avon Lake Early Bird, the Boardman Spartan Invitational and the Medina Invitational.

 Gallagher and his staff will build on 22 runners who earned their varsity letter last season by running under 18 minutes.

 “Our top five runners are returning,’’ Gallagher said. “That group includes seniors Evan Baum (Most Valuable Junior in 2008) PR 16:12, Chris Manuszak (Most Improved Junior in 2008)16:17, Nick Kobunski (co-Most Improved Junior in 2008) 16:24 and Jordan Tropf 16:28, and junior John Sweeney (Most Valuable Sophomore in 2008) 16:25.’’

 Gallagher is looking for seniors Pat Grodach, Wyatt Crowell, Bob Higgins, Jack Holzheimer, Oliver Matheson, Mike O'Connor, Bob Paponetti and Joe Polin to bring depth and talent to every meet. The veteran coach emphasized that juniors Myles Snider, Seamus Kelleher, Nick Bartram and Chris Williamson have the talent and speed to break into the varsity 7.

 “Super Sophs Mitch Baum, Drew Galang, Brian Keaton, Ben Radeff, Sam Slingluff, John Sullivan and John Whitmore all have fast times and big meet experience gained from their freshman seasons,’’ said Gallagher.

 In what will be another demanding schedule, the Wildcats open at the Hilliard Summer Bash on Aug. 29. At Hilliard, they will be running against state ranked Hilliard Davidson, Toledo St. John’s Jesuit, Medina, Cincinnati St. Xavier and Michigan Pickney. Pickney finished third last year at the Michigan state meet.

 On Sept. 5, Gallagher will split his team between the Avon Lake Invitational at Lorain Community College and the Mentor Cardinal Classic, and on Sept. 12 it’s off to the Tiffin Invitational to race against the top Division I teams from around the state. 

 "The entire team will run at Forest Hills on Sept. 19 to challenge local teams on the fabled Rockefeller Hill,’’ said Gallagher. “Then we travel to Dayton on Sept. 26 to defend our 2008 All-Catholic title.’’

 In what is a new meet on the schedule, the ‘Cats will run at the Meet of Champions in Columbus on Oct. 3. It will be a showcase of the top cross country teams in the Midwest region.

 And, there is nothing like the "Legends" meet on Oct. 10.

 Run at the Trumbull County Fairgrounds, the “Legends’’ race winds through stables, meadows and the horse track for one of the most challenging courses on the Wildcats’ slate.

 The varsity harriers will begin their run to the state meet at the district at Lorain County Community College on Oct. 24. The regional meet will be at Tiffin on Halloween and, as Coach Gallagher said, “All roads lead to the state meet on Nov. 7th at Scioto Downs.’’

 -30-

 ‘Cats Luvison honored as a captain while Coach Kyle wraps up his pre two-a-day camp. Fall previews are simmering (posted on 8/01/09).

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Saint Ignatius senior defensive back Anthony Luvison couldn’t hide a wide, but humble smile as his teammates applauded him at the end of Friday’s summer camp.

 Luvison joins all-state senior linebacker Scott McVey and standout senior two-way lineman Pat Dowd as three of the Wildcats’ captains for the 2009 football season. Coach Chuck Kyle ’69 said a fourth captain, from the area of special teams, will be chosen during this month’s two-a-day practice sessions.

 Coming off a state-record 10th Division I state championship, the Wildcats begin that will-testing part of the season on Monday afternoon at Wasmer Field. Coach Kyle emphasized he is employing afternoon/early evening double sessions this summer so some of assistant coaches can fulfill their job commitments. The evening practices can also be a benefit when it comes to heat and hydration issues.

 “It will be a challenge,’’ Coach Kyle said to his Wildcats, reminding them that he and his staff will be putting them through some serious conditioning on Monday.

 Coming off a demanding late winter, spring and early summer as the head coach of Team USA’ s gold-medal winning squad in the IFAF Junior World Championship, Kyle was as spirited as this corner has ever seen him in preseason.

 As Coach Kyle and the ’09 ‘Cats will tell you, “Tradition never graduates.’’

 The Wildcats, who are ranked 62nd in the RivalsHigh.com preseason 100, will be practicing with Coach Jim McQuaide’s Solon Comets on Aug. 11. Preseason scrimmages will take place on Aug. 14 against Twinsburg at noon on Wasmer Field, and Aug. 21 at Canton McKinley at 7:30 p.m.

 Then it is the highly anticipated season opener on Aug. 29 against yet another talent-laden Glenville squad. The kickoff from Parma’s Byers Field will be 7 p.m.

 For a complete schedule, check out the story from 7/16/09 below.

 This corner will begin its preseason previews this coming week, starting with football and cross country. Then we will have reports on Coach Mike McLaughlin ’85 and his defending Division I state champion soccer team and Coach Dan Hess ’88 and his always-strong golf program, which finished third in Ohio last fall.

-30-

 St. Joseph's Prep of Philadelphia and state champion Cleveland Central Catholic are among the new faces on Saint Ignatius’ 2009-10 varsity basketball schedule (posted on 7/24/09 at 6:30 p.m.).

 By Eddie Dwyer

 After a season in which they surprised everyone but themselves, the Saint Ignatius Wildcats will be taking on one of the most demanding schedules in their rich basketball history.

 Former Wildcat standout Sean O’Toole ’87 will begin his second season at the varsity helm on Dec. 11, when Saint Ignatius plays host to the Massillon Tigers at Sullivan Gymnasium.

 The Wildcats, who put together an 18-5 record last season and garnered a sixth-place ranking in the seven-county area, will play five consecutive home games to start their season.

 John Adams, a team to watch this winter, visits Sullivan Gym on Dec. 18 and the tradition-rich Canton McKinley Bulldogs and their basketball-savvy fans will have Sully rocking on Dec. 19.

 A pre-Christmas Eve matchup with Coach Jim Rucki’s Findlay Trojans and a visit from Detroit Jesuit on Dec. 30 complete the early five-game home slate.

 Things continue to heat up after the first of the year, as Saint Ignatius travels to Wheeling (WV) Jesuit University on Jan. 2 to face St. Joseph's Prep from Philadelphia. The 2:05 tipoff is part of the Cancer Research Classic.

 On Jan. 10, one of the most anticipated games of the season will take place as the Wildcats and the Ironmen of Cleveland Central Catholic match their skills in the Ohio Classic at 6:45 p.m. in Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center. Coach Kevin Noch’s Ironmen are Ohio’s defending Division III state champions.

 The first game in the annual home-and-home series with rival Saint Edward is scheduled for Jan. 15 at the Eagles Nest. Saint Ignatius travels to Gannon University on Jan. 22 to play Erie (Pa.) Cathedral Prep and the Bombers from Cincinnati Saint Xavier, led by football and basketball standout Luke Massa, will be at Sullivan Gym on Jan. 23.

 The Wildcats close their regular season with two rugged road games – at Villa Angela-St. Joseph on Feb. 20 and at Benedictine on Feb. 27. The Benedictine Bengals have an array of prime-time players.

 Saint Ignatius, Saint Edward, Central Catholic and Benedictine should again be among the top-10 teams in the seven-county area.

 Saint Edward will be led by its 1-2 junior punch of 6-foot-10 post James Price and 6-1 guard Delbert Love, and Central Catholic returns two of Northeast Ohio’s best in multitalented 6-8 junior post Anton Grady and 6-3 senior guard/forward Chall Montgomery.

 As for the Wildcats, Coach O’Toole and his staff will welcome back a strong, physical and big-game tested nucleus, and will secure depth from a junior-varsity team that finished 14-5 last winter and ended its season on a nine-game winning streak.

 Among the veterans who helped Saint Ignatius limit opponents to an average of 47.1 points per game last season are senior guard Tom Parker (the Wildcats’ 2008-09 co-Defensive MVP); 6-6 junior forward Shonn Miller (last season’s co-Offensive MVP); 6-5 senior forward Mark Myers (last winter’s co-Rotation Player MVP); 6-5 senior post/forward Rich Austin; 6-1 senior guard/forward Kyle Wise; 6-2 senior guard/forward Luka Papalko; swing guard Charles Farris; senior guard Owen Callahan; and the energetic duo of 6-4 senior post/forward Vito Sosic and senior point guard Tyler Hammond, who shared last season’s Most Improved Player award.

 Here is the Wildcats’ schedule (unless noted, varisty games are preceded by 6 p.m. junior-varsity games. The star signifies home games).

 *Friday, Dec. 11 Massillon

 *Friday, December 18 John Adams

 *Saturday, December 19 Canton McKinley

 *Tuesday, December 22 Findlay

 *Wednesday, December 30 Detroit Jesuit 

 Saturday, January 2 St. Joseph's Prep of Philadelphia. Cancer Research Classic at Wheeling Jesuit University (varsity only) 

 *Friday, January 8 Perrysburg

 Sunday, January 10 Cleveland Central Catholic. Ohio Classic at the CSU Wolstein Center (varsity only)

 Friday, January 15 St. Edward

 Friday, January 22 Erie Prep at Gannon University

 *Saturday, January 23 Cincinnati St. Xavier

 *Friday, January 29 Shaker Heights 

 Saturday, January 30 Warren Harding

 Friday, February 5 Rhodes

 *Saturday, February 6 Walsh Jesuit

 *Friday, February 12 St. Edward

 Saturday, February 13 Olmsted Falls

 *Friday February 19 Glenville

 Saturday, February 20 VASJ

 Saturday, February 27 Benedictine

 -30-

 Ruggiero bound for Niagara (posted on 7/22/09 at 6:30 p.m.)

 SI honors the 'Cats for the second time in five years (posted on 7/20/09 at 2:27 p.m.)

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Perseverance has paid big dividends for Saint Ignatius’ Anthony Ruggiero ’09, as the former Wildcat is bound for Niagara University on a baseball scholarship.

 A reserve infielder on a Saint Ignatius team that set a school record by advancing to the Division I state final four for the third consecutive season this past spring, Ruggiero was cut from the varsity as a junior.

 Undaunted, Ruggiero honed his skills against some strong summer competition and earned his spot on Coach Brad Ganor’s 2009 roster.

 “I worked hard in the off-season, so it paid off in making the team this year,’’ Ruggiero said in a pre-final four story that appeared on “The Corner’’ in early June. “I played in the summer (of 2008) for Fielder’s Choice out of Brecksville, played in a lot of games and got looked at by a lot of colleges.’’

 Ruggiero said he has taken a lot from his experiences with Coach Ganor’s program.

“How to handle pressure, just go out there and play your game, and focus on what’s inside the white lines and nothing else,’’ he said as the Wildcats were preparing for the state-semifinal game against eventual state champion Cincinnati Moeller. “I’ll take that with me to college.’’

 In the Purple Eagles of Niagara, Ruggiero is joining a program that finished in a tie for fourth place in the MAAC with a 14-10 record. Coach Rob McCoy’s club was fourth in the conference in both batting average and team ERA.

 “Anthony’s a great kid with a lot of potential,’’ said Coach Ganor, who has produced 16 scholarship players in his five seasons as the Wildcats’ skipper.

 Ruggiero joins right-handed pitcher Luke Farrell (Northwestern), middle infielders Frank DeSico (Notre Dame) and Brad Clement (Kansas State) and catcher/right-handed pitcher Neil Butara (Eastern Michigan) as the top baseball recruits from the Class of 2009.

-30-

Wildcats honored by SI.com.

 By Eddie Dwyer (posted on Monday, July 20 at 2:27 p.m.)

 Sports Illustrated has recognized Saint Ignatius as having the top athletic program in Ohio for the school year of 2008-09.

 SI.com's list includes the premier program in each state and the District of Columbia.

 The results are based on “sifting through state tournament results of the ’08-’09 school year, contacting athletic directors from top programs, examining all-around success rates as well as weighing the importance of producing star athletes and teams that excelled on the national level.’’

 In sports sanctioned by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, the Wildcats captured a state-best 10th Division I football championship, brought home their third big-school state championship trophy in soccer, set a school record by advancing to the state final four in baseball for the third consecutive season and in golf and wrestling, the ‘Cats garnered third- and fourth-place finishes, respectively, in Ohio’s state-wide Division I tournaments.

  Saint Ignatius and rival Saint Edward, in what was one of the most dramatic matchups in the history of Ohio high school ice hockey, battled for more than four hours and six overtimes before the Eagles prevailed, 3-2, in the record-setting district championship game at the Coyne Recreation Center in Brooklyn.

 Coach Sean O'Toole '87, in his first season at the helm of the varsity basketball team, guided his 'Cats to the Division I district finals, an 18-5 record and a sixth-place ranking in the seven-county area. 

 Coach Chuck Kyle’s 2008 Wildcats were chosen by MaxPreps as the national runner-up in football and Coach Mark Sullivan’s wrestling program featured two state champions – Jerome Robinson ’10 at 112 pounds and David Habat ’10 at 145 pounds. It marked the first time since 1993 that Saint Ignatius' wrestling team produced a state champion(s).

 Kyle ’69 also guided the Wildcats’ track and field team to a championship at the Ravenna Division I District and to a second-place finish at the Amherst Regional. The Wildcats' cross country team ran to another top-10 finish in the state and Coach Ed Wolff's tennis program compiled an overall mark of 22-4, including a 14-2 varsity record.

 Coach Matt Previts '97 and the 'Cats crew team continued their standard of excellence, as the Wildcat Navy produced a sixth consecutive Midwest Scholastic Rowing Championship. It was the program's eighth Midwest title.

 This marks the second time Sports Illustrated has honored Saint Ignatius as Ohio’s all-around best in athletics. In 2005, SI rated the Wildcats No.1 in the state and 18th in the nation.

 In the final “Ohio High Cup’’ standings, an honor presented yearly by Ohio High magazine, Saint Ignatius finished second to University School. The Preppers won state championships in golf, swimming and ice hockey, and were third in the Division II state wrestling tournament.

 -30-

 Wildcats-St. Francis game to be played on Sept. 26 (posted on 7/16/09).

 Saint Ignatius’ varsity football game at St. Francis (N.Y.) has been moved to Saturday, Sept. 26. The kickoff will be at 7 p.m. The game was originally scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25.

 Wildcats Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick said playing the game on a Saturday night works out better, as Saint Ignatius will not have to make arrangements to allow the players to be dismissed early from school. St. Francis is located in Athol Springs, near Buffalo.

 The Red Raiders are the defending AA champions of the Monsigner Martin Association League.

 Here is the Wildcats’ 2009 schedule.

 PRESEASON SCRIMMAGES

 Aug. 14 – Versus Twinsburg at noon at Saint Ignatius’ Wasmer Field.

 Aug. 21 – At Canton McKinley, 7:30 p.m.

 REGULAR SEASON

 Aug. 29 – Versus Glenville at 7 p.m. at Parma’s Byers Field.

 Sept. 5 – Versus Clayton Northmont , 7 p.m. at Byers Field.

 Sept. 12 – Versus Buffalo Canisius, 7 p.m. at Byers Field.

 Sept. 18 – At Mentor, 7 p.m.

 Sept. 26 – At St. Francis (N. Y.), 7 p.m.

 Oct. 3 – Versus Massillon, 7 p.m. at Byers Field.

 Oct. 10 – At Warren Harding, 7:30 p.m.

 Oct. 17 – Versus Inkster (Mich.), 7 p.m. at Byers Field.

 Oct. 24 – Versus Cincinnati Saint Xavier, 2 p.m. at John Carroll University’s Don Shula Stadium.

 Oct. 31 – Versus Saint Edward, 7 p.m. at Lakewood Stadium

- Eddie Dwyer

 Carozzoni commits to Pitt (posted on 7/08/09).

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Congratulations go out to Saint Ignatius football standout Brendan Carozzoni ‘10, who made an oral commitment to further his education and football career at the University of Pittsburgh.

 A 6-foot-4, 225-pound tight end, Carozzoni also considered West Virginia, Indiana and Mid-American Conference schools Bowling Green, Marshall, Buffalo, Ball State, Toledo and Ohio University before deciding on the Panthers.

 In helping the Wildcats to an Ohio-best 10th Division I state championship last season, the versatile Carozzoni hauled in 22 passes for nearly 400 yards. He hooked up with quarterback Andrew Holland ’09 for the first touchdown in the 28-20 victory over Cincinnati Elder in the Nov. 29 state-title game.

 Another in a long line of talented tight ends to come out of Coach Chuck Kyle’s system, Carozzoni has the ability to run deep patterns and is a more than capable blocker.

  "Brendan has a huge capacity for growth,'' said Coach Kyle '69. "He is very athletic and has good speed. On the college level, he is going to fill out.

 "Pitt could probably put 30 or 40 pounds on Brendan without him losing any of his athleticism. He has the frame to do it.''

  Carozzoni becomes the second football player from the Class of 2010 to make his college commitment, as All-Ohio and All-American linebacker/fullback Scott McVey committed to Ohio State Coach Jim Tressel during the Buckeyes' spring game in April.

 Among other Wildcats being courted by major-college programs are tailback/defensive back Kevin Johnson '10, linebacker Jake Ryan '10 and quarterback Mark Myers '10. As we mentioned on "The Corner'' during track season, Johnson has been offered by Louisville.

 Saint Ignatius will open its regular season on Aug. 29 against the talent-laden Glenville Tarblooders. The kickoff from Parma’s Byers Field will be 7 p.m. 

  TEAM USA IS GOLDEN

 Coach Kyle guides the United States to the IFAF Junior World Championship (posted on 7/05/09 at 7:40 p.m.).

 Petty is perfect as Team USA wears down Canada.

 Pat Hinkel shares his final thoughts.

 By Eddie Dwyer

 CANTON, OHIO – Nearly eight months ago, Chuck Kyle ’69 walked off the field in legendary Fawcett Stadium having guided his Saint Ignatius Wildcats to an Ohio-record 10th Division I state football championship.

 Sunday afternoon, Kyle brought his winning ways back to the legendary Stark County facility, which sits adjacent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

 Only this time it was on an international level in which the man they call “Chico’’ added to his already rich coaching legacy.

 The United States, wrapping up a successful debut in the eight-nation IFAF Junior World Championship, wore down Canada, 41-3, in the Gold Medal Game.

 In outscoring its three tournament opponents – France, Mexico and Canada – 174-3, Team USA, in the words of standout quarterback Bryce Petty, showed everyone that football is America’s sport.

 “Coming into this, I think that was everybody’s motivation,’’ said Petty, who put together a near flawless performance against top-seeded Canada. “That meant everything to me, ever since they pulled out the bracket and I saw we were (seeded) No. 2. This is our sport, always has been. And I think we showed them today.’’

 Petty and Co. wasted little time in showing the 15,473 in attendance just how well they play their sport, as an interception by Ohio State recruit Storm Klein set up a 17-yard touchdown pass from Petty to wide receiver Jamal Davis with less than a minute gone in the opening quarter.

 Two minutes later, the United States extended its lead to 8-0 when Canada, forced to punt from the back of its end zone, elected to take a safety. The Canadians were pinned deep in their territory thanks to the defensive penetration of Team USA’s Jordan Lynch, Chris Payne and Robert Bell.

 After Canada got on the scoreboard on a 38-yard field goal by Lirim Hajrullahu, the United States answered with a perfectly executed 33-yard option play by Petty and Virginia Tech recruit David Wilson.

 Petty, who will further his education and football career at Baylor, took the snap and ran over the right side for 4 yards before delivering a text-book pitch to Wilson. Wilson, the tournament’s most dominant performer, accounted for the final 29 yards with a powerful burst down the sideline and kicker Mike Loftus, who missed his first extra-point attempt, delivered this time for a 15-3 lead with eight seconds left in the first quarter.

 Wilson, a graduate of Danville (VA) George Washington High School, racked up three-game totals of 425 yards rushing and eight touchdowns on 33 carries. He will be reporting to Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer this week for what should be the start of a memorable college career.

 Loftus, an SMU recruit out of Servite High School in Anaheim (CA), extended Team USA’s lead to 18-3 by kicking a 27-yard field goal with three seconds to go in the first half.

 Then it was Petty time again.

With Petty, the pride of Midlothian (TX) High School, holding the hot hand, Coach Kyle’s squad took command on two more TD strikes by Petty in the third quarter. Petty, the game's MVP, was 14-for-14 passing for 190 yards and three touchdowns.

 However, as impressive as the good-natured Petty was, he preferred to turn the attention to his receivers

 “Negative, not even close,’’ said Petty, when reporters asked him if he ever had a “perfect’’ game before. “I mean I’ve had good practices here and there, but nothing like that.

 “The thing about the 14-for-14 that goes unnoticed is that about 12 of those were a 5-yard hitch in which (the receivers) just turned and went up the field. Basically what I’m saying is we have athletes. I’m just so blessed to have been a part of this and to have the athletes around me that can do this.’’

 Team USA would leave no doubt in the fourth quarter, as Coach Kyle’s team, comprised of several standouts from the high school graduating class of 2009, simply had too much skill and savvy for its neighbors up North.

 As he did throughout the historic event, Kyle pointed to the relentless effort of his big, athletic and pad-rattling 3-5 defense, a scheme employed successfully by his teams at Saint Ignatius and the teams under Coach Steve Specht at Cincinnati St. Xavier. Specht was Team USA's defensive coordinator.

 While there is no questioning how dominant and physically gifted the United States was, Coach Kyle, as he always seems to do, put the past month in perspective before joining his team on the field for the Gold Medal ceremony.

 “You know, they take medals and trophies and where do they put them? They put trophies in a case or you take a medal and hang it up somewhere. What stays are the memories and the friendships. These guys will be friends the rest of their lives, they will be. This was a team!’’

 And now, Coach Kyle will be focusing on the team that has been a part of his life since those fall days in the 1960s, when he was an All-City running back for the late John J. Wirtz.

 Yes, it’s that time again when Kyle refuels his passion for the job he wouldn’t trade for any other position – guiding the fortunes of the 10-time state champion and three-time national champion Saint Ignatius Wildcats.

 A LASTING MEMORY: “This was a special part of my life, I mean I never thought I would be playing for my country and playing for Coach Kyle one more time,’’ said Saint Ignatius All-Ohio safety and Miami (Ohio) recruit Pat Hinkel, as he was making his way to the field for the closing ceremonies. “All of the coaches were great guys. They brought different coaching styles to the table and everybody kind of adapted to that.

 “We didn’t want to have any regrets when we look back on it 10 years from now,'' Hinkel continued. "We’re the first United States team to make this history, so we wanted to set an example for all of the other teams. In 2012 (the next Junior World Championship), they can say, ‘Hey, this first team did it right. They got the gold.’

 “Yeah, we wanted to set the bar high.’’

 THE MOTIVATION: For those who are of the opinion that today's youth lack patriotism, Coach Kyle begs to differ.

 "This is what it was all about,'' Kyle said. "These young men wanted to play for their country.''

 OUTSTANDING JOB ALL AROUND: A huge congratulations goes out to Steve Alic and the entire IFAF Junior World Championship staff, the city of Canton, the gracious press box staff at Fawcett Stadium and Walsh University for an outstanding job hosting this historical event.

 The word is that Canton is being seriously considered as the site for the next Junior World Championship in 2012. The four-day attraction drew 40,043 fans to Fawcett Stadium.

 To the football-savvy fans from Stark County, this corner tips its cap, or should we say helmet?

 STORM WARNING: Former Newark Licking Valley standout Storm Klein said he has benefited greatly from enrolling at Ohio State early and taking part in the Buckeyes’ spring practice. The gifted linebacker emphasized how much faster the game is at the major-college level and how much bumping heads with the Buckeyes helped his play throughout the Junior World Championship.

 -30-

  It’s another overwhelming performance by Wilson and Co.

  Victory over Mexico vaults Coach Kyle ’69 and the United States into Sunday’s Gold Medal Game against top-seeded Canada (posted on 7/02/09 at 1:38 a.m.).

 By Eddie Dwyer

 CANTON, OHIO – As the Star Spangled Banner echoed throughout legendary Fawcett Stadium on Wednesday night, Team USA’s gifted offensive lineman Jack Mewhort raised an American Flag in the air and waved it back and forth.

 Mewhort, a 6-foot-6, 285-pound Ohio State recruit out of Toledo St. John’s Jesuit, was standing tall and proud after leading his team onto to the field for a second-round game against Mexico in the IFAF Junior World Championship.

 Twelve minutes later, all 45-players on the United States roster were standing taller than the opposition from Mexico, as Coach Chuck Kyle’s squad powered its way to a 27-point first quarter and went on to dominant third-seeded Mexico, 55-0.

 With the victory, Team USA advances to the game most veterans of international competition have been anticipating – a Gold Medal matchup with Canada, the tournament’s No. 1 seed.

 Seeded second in the eight-nation event, the United States will face Canada on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Fawcett Stadium. The game will be televised by Fox College Sports.

 “This is going to be a true championship,’’ said Coach Kyle of Sunday’s game. “That’s a very, very good football team, Canada. The Canadian kids play football. They play it like our kids. We’re going to have to play better than we have been playing.

 “Looking at these penalties (15 for 160 yards against Mexico), that could really haunt us. I like our talent and everything, but we have to correct that.’’

 In a game that was strikingly similar to Saturday night’s 78-point, opening-round triumph over France, Team USA set the tempo behind another brilliant performance by Virginia Tech recruit David Wilson.

 A multitalented tailback from Danville (VA) George Washington High School, the 6-0, 192-pound Wilson took the handoff on the first play from scrimmage, cut through a huge hole over the left side, bounced outside and went untouched into the end zone from 50 yards. Mike Loftus, an SMU recruit out of Anaheim (CA) Servite High School, kicked the extra point and the rout was on with the game just 16 seconds old.

 Wilson, who has been featured on “The Corner’’ from the first day of practice, added another athletic and graceful TD run of 36 yards with six minutes, 42 seconds remaining in the opening quarter. The United States then silenced the Mexican faithful with a 53-yard scoring pass from quarterback Bryce Petty to linebacker/fullback Robert Bell and a 32-yard interception return for a touchdown by cornerback Shamarko Thomas with 3:34 left in the quarter.

 Petty is a Baylor recruit out of Midlothian (TX) High School, Bell is an East Grand Rapids (MI) graduate headed for Toledo and Thomas, the pride of Ocean Lakes (VA), will play his college football at Syracuse.

 Team USA left no doubt in the second quarter when Wilson, who has accounted for seven touchdowns and 327 yards rushing in two games, powered and spun his way up the middle, broke three tackles and went 25 yards into the end zone. Sixteen seconds later, Bell tacked on his second TD – a 10-yard effort off a fumble recovery.

 Wilson, whose highlight-reel runs were described by Petty as “freakish,’’ carried the ball seven times in the first half for 131 yards and finished with 146 yards rushing on 11 carries. The United States totaled 433 yards on 50 plays and Mexico managed just 35 yards on 43 plays.

 “They were packing the box up front and trying to prevent David Wilson from getting out and running the ball,’’ said Bell of the early defensive strategy by Mexico. “That’s why that draw pass (to me) worked. When they pack it in defensively, I go right to the middle in the seam.’’

 Bell said his fumble return, one of three defensive scores by Team USA, came off a blitz from the outside. He emphasized that Mexico never saw the blitz coming and that he just picked up the ball and scored.

 “The Gold Medal, the first Gold Medal ever played for in the United States in football,’’ Bell said of Sunday’s championship game. “And we’re going to bring it home.

 “Yeah, the best is yet to come. Come back Sunday, and you’ll find out.’’

 After Team USA tacked on two more touchdowns in the second half – a 27-yard interception return by Oregon State recruit Jordan Poyer out of Astoria (OR) High School and a 27-yard pass from Petty to Marshall recruit Aaron Dobson from South Charleston (WV) – Petty emphasized that he and his teammates have all of the incentive they need heading into Sunday’s game.

 “As a team, we’ve been gunning for Canada this entire tournament,’’ said Petty, who completed 6 of 8 passes for 136 yards and two scores. “With them being ranked No. 1 and us No. 2, that’s put a big star on them for us. We’ll be ready for them. That’s for sure.’’

 ONE TO REMEMBER: In what was easily the tournament’s most entertaining matchup so far, Canada, trailing by four points with 1:27 remaining, scored on a 33-yard pass from quarterback Jeremie Doyon-Roch to tailback/wideout Alex Anthony with 16 seonds left and turned back fourth-seeded Japan, 38-35.

 Anthony made a sure-handed catch, spun away from would-be tacklers and, in an impressive display of heart and second effort, dragged defenders with him into the end zone.

 The teams combined for 837 yards, including 461 by Canada. Japan will face Mexico in Saturday’s 7 p.m. Bronze Medal Game.

 SWEDEN BOUNCES BACK: After being outplayed by Mexico in the opening round, Sweden responded with a 24-14 victory over France on Wednesday afternoon. France finished with 202 total yards to Sweden’s 200 yards and had 16 first downs to Sweden’s 12.

 Trailing, 6-0, Sweden outscored France, 17-0, in the second quarter. Both of Sweden’s touchdowns in those decisive 12 minutes came off turnovers – a 42-yard interception return and a 51-yard return with a fumble recovery.

 Sweden, seeded sixth, will face fifth-seeded Germany on Saturday at 4 p.m. The winner will garner a fifth-place finish in the tournament.

 Wednesday's official attendance was 11,218.

  -30-

 USA, USA, USA!

 What more can we say?

 Coach Kyle's United States squad overpowers France. Up next is Mexico on Wednesday (July 1) at 7 p.m.

 Story was posted on 6/28/09 at 1:47 a.m.

 By Eddie Dwyer

CANTON, OHIO – Too much speed, too much skill, too much strength, oh well, you get the point.

 Team USA, under the direction of Saint Ignatius head football coach Chuck Kyle ’69, made a resounding debut in Saturday’s opening round of the IFAF Junior World Championship in legendary Fawcett Stadium.

 Dominating from the get-go, the United States made plays legends are made of in powering its way to a 78-0 victory over France.

 Seeded second in the eight-nation international event, Team USA got an early touchdown from New Castle (DE) William Penn graduate Brian Fields, a Western Michigan recruit, and the enthusiastic and patriotic crowd was roaring from that point on.

 The United States, whose 45-man roster is comprised of several of the top high school graduates from the Class of 2009, had seventh-seeded France on its heels all night.

 Coach Kyle’s deep and gifted squad simply had too many starring roles, as following the first of two touchdowns by Fields, Oregon State recruit Jordan Poyer blocked a punt that resulted in a safety. Poyer, the offensive and defensive Player of the Year in Oregon while excelling as a quarterback/safety for Astoria High School, also had a touchdown off an interception return wiped out by a penalty.

 The 37-point, first-half dominance also featured three impressive touchdown runs by Danville (VA) George Washington tailback David Wilson, a player we talked about on “The Corner’’ last week.

 Wilson, who will be furthering his education and football career at Virginia Tech, scored on powerful and graceful runs of 6, 60 and 5 yards in the first 24 minutes, and had a fourth TD burst of 14 yards early in the third quarter. The 6-0, 192-pound Wilson rushed for 181 yards on just 12 carries.

 Team USA’s final touchdown of the first half came on a 9-yard pass from Lake Hamilton (AR) High School quarterback Phillip Butterfield to Crenshaw (Los Angeles) wide receiver Noel Grigsby. Butterfield and Grigsby are bound for Arkansas State and San Jose State, respectively.

 “David is just an amazing talent,’’ said Coach Kyle of the smooth and forceful Wilson. “Believe it or not, he spent his high school career running the Wing-T (offense), which is quite of a different angle in running the ball. So when he got here, he goes: ‘I never lined up as an I-formation tailback in my life.’

 “And we’re going, well, you’ve got a week and a half to figure it out. 
I think he did, and I think (Virginia Tech coach) Frank Beamer is going to appreciate that we backed him up (behind the line of scrimmage), let him get vision and run. He makes great cuts, has tremendous speed and is just a wonderful kid.’’

 The United States was wonderful in almost every aspect of the game on Saturday night, totaling 610 yards in 60 plays and limiting France to just 7 yards in 47 plays. The quick, athletic and relentless USA defense assembled by Cincinnati St. Xavier coach Steve Specht totally shut down any attempt at a running game by the French, whose final total on the ground was negative 31 yards on 29 rushing attempts.

 “With a week and a half (of practice), that’s about what you can prepare,’’ Coach Kyle said. “We’re going to play aggressive defense, there’s really no other way of doing it. Offensively we were running the ball well, but we did want to work on a passing game. So in the second quarter we decided to go out there, throw it a bit and get into a rhythm.

 “I don’t like games getting like that (so lopsided),’’ Kyle continued. “But I don’t know how I can change that, if you only have 45 guys on your squad. Some of the first round games were higher scores, and certainly the second and third rounds are going to be much closer. But everybody’s OK, everybody’s playing football and I think if you noticed, it was pretty friendly out there.’’

 Team USA, which was welcomed with open arms by the football-savvy fans in Stark County, will face third-seeded Mexico in a second-round encounter on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Fawcett Stadium.

 Mexico, behind the quick and accurate release of quarterback Roberto Isaias Vega, advanced with a 41-0 victory over sixth-seeded Sweden on Saturday afternoon. Vega completed 11 of 22 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns, and also rushed for 37 yards and a touchdown.

 “Mexico will be a challenge because they have some nice speed and a good, good quarterback,’’ said Kyle.

 O CANADA!: Team Canada did nothing to tarnish its No. 1 seeding, as the Canadians dominated early and often in defeating the eighth seed New Zealand, 55-0, in Saturday’s opening game.

 With its impressive victory, Canada advances to Wednesday’s second-round action against fourth-seeded Japan. The kickoff from Fawcett Stadium will be 4 p.m. Japan defeated fifth-seeded Germany, 10-7, in Saturday’s second game.

 Team Canada rolled up 515 total yards and limited New Zealand to 53 yards. The Canadians led, 20-0, with two minutes, 45 seconds remaining in the first quarter and held a 41-0 lead at halftime.

 THE DEFINITION OF JAPANESE FOOTBALL BY HEAD COACH TAKAO YAMAZAKI: “Samurai Football, heart, technique and physical! We will play with discipline.’’

 Japan stayed disciplined throughout Saturday’s game and rallied from a 7-3 deficit after three quarters. The winning score came off an 8-yard quarterback keeper by Kazuma Ando. Ando’s game-winner was set up by some razzle-dazzle – a 26-yard double-reverse pass from Takushiro Hata to a wide open Jumpei Yoshimoto. The crowd-pleaser came off a second-and-5 from Germany’s 34-yard line.

 A TALE OF TWO HALVES: In taking a 7-0 lead to its locker room at halftime, Germany totaled 135 yards on 23 plays and Japan managed just 31 yards on 24 plays. It was almost a total reversal in the second half as Japan gained 152 yards on 29 plays and Germany was held to 43 yards on 19 plays.

 AXEL IN THE HOUSE: Taking in the Germany-Japan, Mexico vs. Sweden and USA-France games was Axel Hoyer, father of former Saint Ignatius football and baseball standout Brian Hoyer ’04. Brian Hoyer, who went on to a solid career as a quarterback for the Michigan State Spartans, is currently competing for a spot on the roster of the New England Patriots.

 Axel Hoyer’s parents, his late father Edward and his mother Auguste, were born in Germany, as was Axel. Axel said he was nine months old when his family moved to the United States.

 In another Hoyer tie with Germany, Brian Hoyer’s current teammate – offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer – represented Germany at the 2002 European Junior Championship and became the first European-trained player to be selected in the NFL Draft when he was taken in the second round by the Patriots (58th player selected overall). Brian Hoyer plans to be on hand for this week’s second-round action in Canton.

 IN STYLE: Also keeping an attentive eye on the USA-France game was Wildcats veteran offensive coordinator Nick Restifo. Coach Restifo was wearing a dapper white derby cap. But then all Cathedral Latin School graduates know how to make a classy appearance.

 OUTSTANDING WORK AS USUAL: By Tim Rogers, my former colleague at The Plain Dealer, whose player profiles, team previews, notebooks, advances and game stories are keeping The PD readers entertained and informed. Tim has been a one-man machine while churning out great material on the IFAF Junior World Tournament.

 A MEMORABLE SCENE: That’s about the best way to describe the opening ceremonies, which took place before the USA-France game.

 All of the eight competing nations marched into Fawcett Stadium and lined up near the 50-yard line on the press-box side of the field, where a large American Flag flowed behind the teams. Team USA was the last competitor to enter the stadium and was led by the multitalented David Wilson, who carried the American Flag.

 The National Anthem was followed by a fireworks display and, in a touching moment, Canton native Ronnie “Mazel’’ Harris, who won a gold medal in the lightweight boxing division at the 1968 Summer Olympics and went on to a professional career, entered the stadium carrying the flaming torch. Harris was greeted by a rousing ovation as he circled the entire stadium.

 A huge tip of the cap, or helmet, if you will, goes out to the entire IFAF Junior World Championship staff for providing a classy and historical moment for all of us who were fortunate enough to be in attendance.

 BY THE NUMBERS: And speaking of attendance, Saturday’s four games attracted a total of 10,145 fans to legendary Fawcett Stadium.

-30-

 A friendly, yet spirited exchange; Team USA and Team Sweden match their skills.

 A preview of what France has to offer.

 USA’s Jordan Poyer: A young man with talents wider than the old Oregon Trail.

 One of the area’s best to officiate during the IFAF Tournament; just a reminder on Chris Spielman.

 The Repository publishes a collector’s item; a tip of the cap for a tremendous effort.

 (Stories posted on 6/23/09 at 12:55 a.m.).

 By Eddie Dwyer

 North Canton, Ohio – It was a humid Monday afternoon on the campus of Walsh University, as Coach Chuck Kyle ’69 and his team from the United States got a small taste of the flavor that accompanies international football.

 Team USA and Team Sweden, who are preparing for this weekend’s first round of the IFAF Junior World Championship Tournament, practiced together, matched up in some hard-nosed one-on-one drills and even did a little scrimmaging, if you will.

 Although Team USA definitely displayed its pigskin superiority, the players and coaches from Sweden didn’t leave the field with a bad taste in their mouths. Sweden did, in the words of its strength coach Niclos Carlson, get a good impression of just how many self-motivated players it has.

 Sweden, the tournament’s sixth seed, could meet the United States again in a more serious venue, providing both teams are successful in their opening-round games.

 Head coach Jan Jenmert will send his Sweden squad against third-seeded Mexico on Saturday at 4 p.m. in Canton’s legendary Fawcett Stadium. The United States, seeded second to Canada, will face seventh-seeded France at 8 p.m. The opening ceremonies are scheduled for 7 p.m.

 If Sweden and Team USA are victorious, they will return to Fawcett Stadium on July 1 for a second-round match-up at 7 p.m.

 “We needed to get a feel for international competition,’’ said Coach Kyle, who has a 26-year career record at Saint Ignatius of 262-58-1 and was recently elected to the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame. “These are high school graduates who are going into college. We’ve never done international before.’’

 Team USA definitely had its appetite for a little pad-rattling satisfied as the size, strength and athleticism of Coach Kyle’s team was on display early and often Monday afternoon.

 However, as Kyle emphasized, his team really didn’t get a chance to hone its play with the 40-second clock or work against the chop block, which also is part of the international game.

 “We’ll have to find some drills (for the chop blocking),’’ Kyle said. “Throw some bags at them or something. But today was just the benefit of not going against ourselves (in practice). That gets old pretty quickly. We got a lot of reps in, and that’s good.’’

 FRANCE AT A GLANCE

 A historical French twist: The first game of American football played in France was in 1919, when American soldiers who remained on French territory after World War I played in the former Parc des Princes stadium. The first French team, Spartacus de Paris, was formed in 1980 and in turn the French Federation of American Football was born in 1983 with nine clubs (teams) and 600 licensed players. In 2004, France earned its first international title when its junior national team won the European Junior Championship. France successfully defended its title in 2006.

 Head coach: Oliver Moret. A resident of the city of Amiens Picardie, Moret, 41, is in his third season as head coach of Team France. He played for the French Senior National Team in 1991 and ’92.

 Players to watch: Quarterback Maxime Sprauel (5-foot-11, 187 pounds); fullback Steven  Joacin (5-10, 207); linebackers Giovanni Nanguy (6-3, 207) and Geoffrey Dieny (6-2, 190); and running back Thomas Ruiz (5-9, 154). Sprauel, 19, is the youngest quarterback at the domestic senior level in France. He is dual threat at passing and running the ball.

 Coach Kyle on Team France: “Again, being the first game I’m concerned about the overall package of international football. The chop blocks, just the whole idea. It is play in when the 40 seconds begin, and our kids have never experienced that. (Sprauel) can do some good things with the ball and defensively they’ll be in a four-man front, where we’ve been going mostly against an odd front (in practices). So we have to start gearing up a little bit more for the even front. I’m going to be very conscious of field position because I think our defense is pretty good and I think we have a real good kicker/punter (Mike Loftus from Anaheim California Servite High School, an SMU recruit).’’

 Kyle on the goal of winning the Gold Medal: “Winning is an earned blessing. You work hard at it, you execute and you don’t make mistakes. You practice hard to get to that level of execution.’’

 Tickets: All-day general admission tickets are $10 and reserved tickets to all 12 games are $50. Tickets for fans 18 and under start at $5. Call (800) 574-5874 for more ticket information. The Bronze Medal Game is scheduled for July 4 at 7 p.m. and the Gold Medal Game will be played on July 5 at 1 p.m. Fox College Sports will provide live television broadcasts of the Bronze and Gold Medal games.

 A passion for his Pacific Northwest

 Jordan Poyer will probably never forget that Thursday night in late September last year.

 “I was at the game, I ran on the field with everybody too, the second it was over,’’ said Poyer of Oregon State University’s 27-21 victory over then undefeated and top-ranked USC.

 It’s a good bet the poised and humble Poyer will have some more memorable nights in Corvallis.

 A standout in Team USA’s defensive secondary, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound graduate of Astoria (Ore.) High School is bound for Oregon State on a football scholarship.

 But first things first, as right now the amiable and gifted Poyer is gearing up for what he hopes will be a Gold Medal memory.

 “It’s a great experience for everyone out here,’’ Poyer said of representing his country in a world-wide event. “I’ve built some pretty good friendships that I will probably have for the rest of my life. People back home said they didn’t know if I could compete with these guys. But I feel like I’m doing a real good job.’’

 Anyone who looks at Poyer’s accomplishments, as Coach Mike Riley of the Oregon State Beavers obviously did, wouldn’t question for a second his ability to compete.

 In leading Astoria to a 14-0 state-championship season, Poyer was named both the offensive and defensive Player of the Year in Oregon. A quarterback and safety during his three-year varsity career, he accounted for 123 touchdowns. And oh, by the way, he also was a three-time all-state selection in baseball and helped Astoria to a state championship in that sport this spring.

 “I love it there,’’ Poyer said of Oregon State. “I’ve been going to camps there since I was in the seventh grade and my mom went to school there. It’s just a great family atmosphere there, and that’s why I like it so much.’’

 Poyer, who was drafted by the Florida Marlins as a center fielder in the 42nd round of this month’s Major League Baseball first-year player draft, said he plans to give both football and baseball a go at Oregon State.

 In referring to the friendships he has made this past week and a half, Poyer talked about one of his defensive secondary partners – Saint Ignatius All-Ohio safety and Miami (Ohio) recruit Pat Hinkel.

 “He’s a great guy, a cool guy,’’ Poyer said of Hinkel, who can share those special feelings of a state-championship season with his new friend from the Pacific Northwest. “I didn’t know what to expect coming here, but all of these guys are making it a lot of fun for me.’’

 Congratulations to one of the best in his profession

 Greg Shields from Cleveland, one of the outstanding football and basketball officials in Ohio, is among the eight officials from the United States who will be working the IFAF Junior World Championship.

 Shields, who brings knowledge, class and sound judgment to both the football field and the basketball court, is among 31 game officials from four continents and 14 countries to be selected.

 Chris Spielman to address Team USA

 Chris Spielman, who was recently elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, was a four-time NFL All-Pro selection, an All-American at Massillon Washington and The Ohio State University, and is currently an ESPN college football analyst, will speak to Team USA tonight (Tuesday) at 8 in the Barrette Business & Community Center on the campus of Walsh University.

 And last, but certainly not least

 This corner would like to commend the Canton Repository for Sunday’s special section on the Junior World Tournament. It is not only a must for every fan who plans to attend the games, but also a keepsake for every coach and player who is competing in the historical event.

 A tip of the cap goes out to sports editor Joe Frollo, page designer John Barns, Bob Kast and Michael Weiss for their cover and illustrations and to all of the outstanding reporters, including three this corner had the sincere privilege of covering games with during my years at The Plain Dealer – Chris Beaven, Todd Porter and Steve Doerschuk.

-30-

 Coach Kyle and Team USA make a lasting impression, on and off the field; the USA, striving for a gold medal, plays its role as the host team with class and character – Story posted 6/18/09 at 11:54 p.m.

  Congratulations to Coach Kyle on his Hall of Fame induction; Chris Spielman to speak to Team USA; another local tie at the IFAF Junior World Championship (posted on 6/19/09).

  By Eddie Dwyer

 Copyright, June 2009

 North Canton, Ohio – A group of little kids from a Canton-area school chanted: “USA, USA, USA!’’

 The little admirers watched with eyes wide open and awe-struck facial impressions as they took in part of Team USA’s Thursday morning practice on the campus of Walsh University.

 In many ways, these children represented the feelings of everyone in attendance, feelings of pride that sometimes we’re all guilty of keeping inside.

 Simply put, Coach Chuck Kyle’s players brought out the little kid in all of us as they displayed the size, strength and skill that will hopefully lead the way to a gold medal in the IFAF Junior World Championship. Team USA is comprised of several outstanding student athletes-major college recruits from the high school graduating class of 2009.

 Coach Kyle ’69, the man who has guided his alma mater, Saint Ignatius High School, to an Ohio-record 10 Division I state championships and three national titles, is currently serving as the perfect ambassador for his country and the sport of football.

 In the words of Steve Alic, USA Football’s Director of Communications, “He is just so genuine.’’

 And that genuine approach came to the fore time and again during Thursday’s double-session practices.

 Team USA, which is making its debut in a 19-and-under international competition that includes teams from France, Mexico, Sweden, Japan, Germany, New Zealand and Canada, has a responsibility, said Coach Kyle, that goes way beyond the gridiron.

 “Sweden is going to pull in here at 10:30 tonight (Thursday),’’ said Coach Kyle, as his players were greeting their little admirers and signing autographs after the morning practice. “And it would be very easy for us to all stay in our dorms (at Walsh University). I am going to say, ‘Look, at 10:30, we’re going to go out there and say hi to them.’

 “Chris Merritt (Team USA defensive backfield coach) knows how to say hello in Swedish. The kids told him, you better make sure,’’ Kyle said, laughing about Merritt’s bilingual talents. “And so we’re going to just break the ice. We’re going to socialize together and practice together (on Monday afternoon).

“You picture those guys coming off the bus and saying, ‘Wow, I’m in a different country,’'' continued Kyle. "You know one small step for mankind and those feelings. So maybe we can make it an easier step by saying, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’ It’s something I would like to do when all of the teams come in here.’’

 Sweden and Team USA will play their first-round games on June 27 at Canton’s legendary Fawcett Stadium, the site for the entire Junior World Championship. Sweden faces Mexico at 4 p.m. and the United States takes on France at 8 p.m. The winners will meet in a second-round game on July 1 at 7 p.m.

 The Bronze Medal Game is scheduled for July 4 at 7 p.m., and the Gold Medal Game will take place on July 5 at 1 p.m. Fox College Sports will televise both the Bronze and Gold Medal games.

 Team Canada, which has a history of global-tournament success, is the No. 1 seed and will face New Zealand in the opening round on June 27 at 10 a.m. The United States is seeded second, followed by Mexico, Japan, Germany, Sweden, France and New Zealand.

 “This is not an all-star game,’’ Coach Kyle said, with that firm, determined expression this corner has seen for nearly three decades. “Sure, we’re going to be rotating guys in because we have to stay fresh. We have a lot of games in three or four days.

 “But what is kind of the important thing is that these kids don’t have to showcase their talents to get a college scholarship. That’s already done. Self-interest stuff really has been put in the back seat here. This is, hey, you get a chance to play for your country. That’s the issue here.’’

  ONE OF THE GREATEST WILL SHARE HIS EXPERIENCES AND ADVICE: Chris Spielman, who played the game of football with a passion and a standard of excellence all players should try to emulate, will speak to Team USA on Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the Barrette Center on the campus of Walsh University.

 Spielman, who is currently an analyst for ESPN's coverage of NCAA football, was an All-American linebacker/running back at Massillon Washington High School, an All-Big Ten and All-American linebacker at The Ohio State University and an All-Pro linebacker in the National Football League. He was recently elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

 Chris was such a legend during his high school days in Massillon that he was featured on the cover of the Wheaties cereal box.

 This corner has said it before and will say it again - Chris Spielman was the greatest defensive player at his position in the history of Ohio high school football. A couple of Saint Ignatius linebackers - Scott McVey '10 and John Kerr '02 are in that same mold.

  IN HIS ELEMENT: Saint Ignatius All-Ohio safety Pat Hinkel, a Miami (Ohio) recruit and a key member of Team USA’s defense, said “I love it,’’ when asked about the practices that officially started on June 14.

 “All of the coaches are great,’’ Hinkel continued. “They bring a bunch of energy to practice and are always yelling in a positive way, getting us pumped up. Our energy is pretty good right now. I think everybody’s getting the grasp of the offense and defense and fitting into their position pretty well.

 “I love this, hanging around players from all over the country and meeting new guys. Our offensive and defensive lines are just huge. It kind of reminds me of Glenville.’’

 MASS ATTACK: Assisting Coach Kyle and his USA staff as volunteer coaches are Wildcats defensive secondary coach Bryan Massinen ’98 and his brother, John ’03, a graduate assistant at John Carroll University.

 Coach Kyle revealed that “Coach Mass,’’ as Bryan Massinen is known to the Saint Ignatius players, and his brother helped implement and install the Team USA offensive and defensive schemes onto a Madden video game. So now, as Coach Kyle emphasized, the players can play a game they love and be learning the offense and defense at the same time.

 “It’s been an awesome experience, working with kids and coaches from all over the country,’’ Bryan Massinen said. “You have Coach (Steve) Specht, the defensive coordinator for Team USA. He’s an incredible coach. I can see why (Cincinnati St. Xavier) has been so successful. I’m picking his brain and stealing stuff from him, too.

 “When Mr. Kyle was named the head coach, it was like, man, I want to try to be a part of this,’’ Coach Mass continued. "I bugged him for about five months. Every month I said, ‘Hey coach, I’m coming down (to Canton) and helping out.'''

 REMEMBER THE NAMES: Among the many impressive players on Team USA’s 45-man roster are Danville (VA) George Washington High School running back David Wilson, a Virginia Tech recruit, and South Charleston (WV) High School wide receiver Aaron Dobson, a Marshall recruit.

 The 6-foot-0, 192-pound Wilson appears to have the whole package – speed, balance, vision and strength. After Thursday’s morning session, Wilson stayed limber by doing about 10 consecutive somersault flips, moves that would have made an Olympic gymnast jealous.

 And talk about being multitalented, the 6-foot-3, 185-pound Dobson was West Virginia’s Mr. Basketball and the runner-up for Mr. Football.

 TREMENDOUS SUPPORT: That’s what Coach Kyle said he and Team USA have received from so many college coaches across the country, including Ohio State’s Jim Tressel and Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer.

 MEWHORT’S tête-à-tête: While Coach Merritt has the language barrier with Sweden covered, Team USA’s standout offensive lineman Jack Mewhort from Toledo St. John’s Jesuit can do the same with the team from France.

 An Ohio State recruit, the 6-foot-6, 285-pound Mewhort began studying French when he was in the seventh grade. He still credits his junior-high teacher, Fred Koperske, for giving him an appreciation of the language, and he said he had excellent teachers of the French language throughout high school.

 NO ONE MORE DESERVING: Congratulations go out to Coach Kyle for being part of the 2010 class to be inducted into the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Also part of  this special class are former Willoughby South, West Geauga and Case Western Reserve University coach Jim Chapman and former Archbishop Hoban and Orrville coach Mo Tipton.

 Along with his 10 state championships and three national crowns (1989, '93 and '95), Coach Kyle has 262 career victories (all at Saint Ignatius), including a 55-11 mark in the postseason. He has guided the Wildcats to a state-best 21 consecutive apperances in the Division I playoffs and an Ohio-record five consecutive big-school titles (1991-95). His 1996 Wildcats were state runners-up and his 2008 state-championship team was the national runner-up by MaxPreps.

 A former All-City running back for Saint Ignatius, Kyle will be entering his 27th season as the Wildcats' head coach next month.

  ANOTHER SAINT IGNATIUS TIE: Along with USA Football Director of Communications Steve Alic, who is a graduate of Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School and Cleveland State University, there is another Clevelander on the staff for the IFAF Junior World Championship.

 Angela LoBue, a graduate of Padua High School and Mount Union College, is serving an internship for USA Football. She is writing website features for the Junior World Championship, working at the practices and will be assisting in the Fawcett Stadium press box during the games.

 And, in the “it’s a small world category,’’ Angela LoBue is a sister-in-law to Saint Ignatius head baseball coach Brad Ganor.

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 Neil Butara headed to Eastern Michigan; ‘Cats heart and soul commits to Eagles on Tuesday (posted on 6/16/08 at 11:58 p.m.).

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Neil Butara, who wrapped up his outstanding high school baseball career by helping lead Saint Ignatius to a school-record third consecutive appearance in the state final four, has accepted a scholarship from Eastern Michigan University.

 Butara, a standout pitcher, catcher and hitter for Wildcats coach Brad Ganor, joins pitcher Luke Farrell (Northwestern) and middle infielders Frank DeSico (University of Notre Dame) and Brad Clement (Kansas State) as the program’s 2009 major-college recruits.

 A two-year varsity mainstay, Butara batted over .400 this spring with a team-best 10 doubles and eight home runs. He struck out just nine times in 97 at-bats and drew 11 walks, was a rock behind the plate and a bulldog big-game pitcher. A right-hander, Butara totaled six postseason victories over the past two seasons and his versatility helped the Wildcats to a school-best 28 victories in 2008 and 25 wins this past season.

 Those efforts garnered Butara first-team honors in the talent-laden Cuyahoga River Baseball Conference, All-Sun News honors and a share of the Wildcats’ Offensive Player of the Year Award with junior first baseman/pitcher Mike Burke. A Plain Dealer All-Star, Burke set a school record by batting .573.

 In Eastern Michigan, Butara is joining a program that placed a conference-best four players on the Academic All-MAC Team and had two players selected in this month’s Major League Baseball first-year player draft – junior shortstop Jim Gulliver by the Detroit Tigers in the 20th round and senior outfielder Kyle Rhoad by the Texas Rangers in the 33rd round.

 Butara becomes the 15th player in Coach Ganor’s five seasons as Saint Ignatius’ head coach to receive a Division I scholarship.

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 Coach Kyle is warmed up and ready to go; here are the answers to some of your most-asked IFAF questions (posted on 6/15/09 at 7:45 p.m.).

 One of the best the business had to offer rests in peace (posted on 6/15/09 at 7:45 p.m.).

 By Eddie Dwyer

 As we discussed on June 3 at “The Corner,’’ as some of Saint Ignatius’ athletes like to refer to this page, Wildcats head football coach Chuck Kyle '69 will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Tuesday night’s 7:05 Indians-Milwaukee Brewers game at Progressive Field.

 The ceremonial first pitch is part of the festivities for the IFAF Junior World Championship, which will take place June 27 to July 5 at Canton’s legendary Fawcett Stadium.  

 Coach Kyle will lead Team USA in an international football competition that features the world’s eight best 19-and-under junior national teams - USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, France, Germany, Sweden and New Zealand. 

 Team USA, which features several outstanding players from the high school graduating class of 2009, including Wildcats All-Ohio safety Pat Hinkel, will face France in a first-round game on June 27. The kickoff at Fawcett Stadium will be 8 p.m.

 If successful against France, the USA will take on the winner of  Mexico vs. Sweden on July 1 at 7 p.m. The Bronze Medal Game is scheduled for July 4 at 7 p.m., and the Gold Medal Game is slated for July 5 at 1 p.m. Fox College Sports will air live broadcasts of the Bronze Medal and Gold Medal games.

 Tickets will be available at the gates for all of the IFAF games, but more ticket information can be obtained at www.JWCfootball.com.

 France is led by quarterback Maxime Sprauel, the youngest signal-caller at the domestic senior level in France while playing for the Thonon les Bains Black Panthers in the French Alps, near the Swiss border.

 Along with the tournament schedule and television and ticket information, Saint Ignatius fans and other football-savvy fans around Cleveland have inquired as to why Canada garnered the No.1 seed over Team USA, which is making its debut in the international competition. Here is a news-release response from IFAF President Tommy Wiking.

 “On behalf of IFAF and the more than 50 countries on five continents that love and play organized football, we are ecstatic to have the world's best compete in the world's greatest football setting,” Wiking said of Fawcett Stadium, which is adjacent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art press box. “We felt that Canada's exceptional record in international junior competition during recent years warranted the top seed.’’

 Canada's junior national team has won the past three NFL Global Junior Championships, held during Super Bowl week from 1997 to 2007, and was also the Global Champion in 2000.

 This corner will be heading to Walsh University for practice later this week and will file an update for Saint Ignatius fans and others who follow friends and relatives on the Wildcats’ athletic website.

 Meanwhile, here are some numbers to chew on, courtesy of the IFAF and the Canton/Stark County Convention & Visitors Bureau.


 2009 IFAF Junior World Championship - By The Numbers.

 8 – nations represented at the IFAF Junior World Championship.

 4 – continents represented in Fawcett Stadium.

 360 – football players aged 19 and under who will take part in the tournament.

 80 – football coaches from eight nations.

 32 – football officials calling IFAF Junior World Championship action.

 15 – countries represented by IFAF Junior World Championship game officials.

 12 – games played to determine IFAF’s first Junior World Champion.

 1,500 – team family members and guests expected to visit Canton.

 50 – television production and media personnel in attendance.

 $4,475,000 – IFAF Junior World Championship’s economic impact on Northeast Ohio.

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 A CLASS ACT IS HEADED FOR A BETTER PLACE.

 For more than 20 of my 36 years at The Plain Dealer, I had the privilege of sharing a desk area right behind the late Mr. Bill Nichols.

 Bill, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 79, had been battling heart and other health problems.

 One thing is for certain, there was no reporter in the history of Cleveland’s newspaper coverage with a bigger heart. Bill was the epitome of class, a man who combined passion and integrity while covering professional and amateur athletes.

 Bill covered the Cavaliers from their infancy through the memorable “Miracle at Richfield’’ season and beyond. He played a role in helping bring the NBA All-Star Game to Cleveland and also covered Cleveland State University, amateur and professional golf, and other pro sporting events for The Plain Dealer. His memorable columns were tagged “Nichols Worth.’’

 However, when I think of Bill’s newspaper career, it was his endless dedication to the area’s small colleges that comes to mind right away.

 Bill, a graduate of Lakewood High School and Baldwin-Wallace College, covered Cleveland’s Division III programs with a relentless passion that no one before or after him could equal. He put the R in the John Carroll vs. Baldwin-Wallace rivalry and always saw to it that Case Western Reserve University had its place on the weekly local college page.

 It was less than two years ago, during a luncheon get together of former Plain Dealer writers, that I shared one of my most memorable reporting experiences with Bill – covering Case Western Reserve’s 2007 magical ride through the Division III football playoffs as a stringer for The News-Herald. I’ll never forget the smile on Bill’s face that day.

 I am sure many former Saint Ignatius athletes, especially those who went on to Division III colleges in the area, will remember “Mr. Nichols.’’ For if you were fortunate enough to be covered and reported on by Bill, well, you are truly in a special class of student/athletes.

 Friends can call on the Nichols family on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Zeis-McGreevey Funeral Home, 16105 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood.

 REST IN PEACE, BILL

 - Eddie Dwyer.

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 Andrew Holland is among the stars to come out at John Carroll University’s Don Shula Stadium (posted on 6/13/09 at 1:57 a.m.).

 Another opening-weekend encounter with the Tarblooders highlights the ‘Cats’ 09 football slate (posted on 6/13/09 at 1:57 a.m.).

 By Eddie Dwyer

 Moments after he helped the West to a 14-12 victory over the East in Friday night’s 37th annual Cuyahoga County All-Star Football Game at John Carroll University, Andrew Holland talked about how special the past two weeks of preparation have been.

 “I wasn’t expecting it to be this intense, it was fun,’’ said Holland, who closed out his outstanding high school career by firing two touchdown passes.

 After leading Saint Ignatius to an Ohio-record 10th big-school state championship this past fall, Holland, the state’s Division I co-Offensive Player of the Year, will be furthering his education and football career at the University of Pennsylvania. He said he has to report to Penn on August 1.

 “Practice was awesome,’’ Holland said, “getting to meet some new guys, like Kellen Pagel from Strongsville and Devontae Payne from Cleveland South. We had a great relationship over the past two weeks.’’

 With Holland, Pagel and Payne sharing the quarterback duties for head coach Jamie Hitmar, the West converted an interception by Berea’s Derrick Paster into a 21-yard TD strike from Holland to Midpark’s talented wide receiver Anthony Meriwether.

 Holland threaded the needle and Meriwether, who is bound for the University of Akron, made a nice cut and catch off a quick slant. Padua’s Scott Blasinsky kicked the extra point and the West led, 7-6, with 41.1 seconds remaining in the first half. Blasinsky is headed for the Naval Academy.

 The West, which also got a relentless performance from its MVP, Brecksville-Broadview Heights linebacker Mike Lanigan, pushed its lead to 14-6 on a 21-yard scoring pass from Holland to Holy Name wideout Bartley Leneghan and another extra point by Blasinsky. The 6-foot-5 Leneghan caught the ball after it was tipped and was able to stay in bounds near the back line of the end zone with 8 minutes, 25 seconds left in the third quarter.

 “Two TD passes is always nice,’’ Holland said, smiling as he described the toss to Leneghan as a lucky one. “I think you just have to keep your composure, and we did that. We weren’t getting into the talking (that was going on in the second half). We just went back in the huddle and did our thing. Coach (Hitmar) did a great job of getting us together in the huddle and telling us to stay focused. I want to commend him on that.’’

 Hitmar, who recently retired as head coach at Brecksville after leading the Bees to a Southwestern Conference championship and a Division I playoff appearance in ‘08, watched his defense make another big play down the stretch.

 Following a 3-yard touchdown run off a quarterback keeper by Maple Heights graduate Kevin Thomas II with 2:31 remaining in the fourth quarter, the East went for a two-point conversion in an attempt to tie the score. The West defense was equal to the challenge, however, and swarmed all over a sweep to the left side.

 This year’s game was dedicated to the late Cpl. Brad A. Davis.

 Davis, 21, was a former student and football player at Garfield Heights High School. On April 22, during his second tour in Iraq, Cpl. Davis was killed by a roadside bomb while riding as the gunner in the lead vehicle of a Baghdad convoy. His tour was due to end this December, as he planned to leave the Army and study pharmacy or law enforcement.

 Our prayers are with Cpl. Davis’ family and friends. God bless them as their loved one rests in peace.

 ANOTHER SEASON IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

 For those of you who have inquired, here is the 2009 football schedule for the Saint Ignatius Wildcats:

 Preseason scrimmages

 Aug. 14 – Versus Twinsburg at noon at Saint Ignatius’ Wasmer Field.

 Aug. 21 – At Canton McKinley, 7:30 p.m.


 Regular season

 Aug. 29 – Versus Glenville at 7 p.m. at Parma’s Byers Field.

 Sept. 5 – Versus Clayton Northmont , 7 p.m. at Byers Field.

 Sept. 12 – Versus Buffalo Canisius, 7 p.m. at Byers Field.

 Sept. 18 – At Mentor, 7 p.m.

 Sept. 25 – At St. Francis (N. Y.), 7 p.m.

 Oct. 3 – Versus Massillon, 7 p.m. at Byers Field.

 Oct. 10 – At Warren Harding, 7:30 p.m.

 Oct. 17 – Versus Inkster (Mich.), 7 p.m. at Byers Field.

 Oct. 24 – Versus Cincinnati Saint Xavier, 2 p.m. at John Carroll University’s Don Shula Stadium.

 Oct. 31 – Versus Saint Edward, 7 p.m. at Lakewood Stadium.

 NOTE: Northmont’s only regular-season setback in 2008 was to Saint Ignatius in Clayton. Inkster, the new face on the 'Cats' schedule, is led by quarterback Devin Gardner, a University of Michigan recruit. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Gardner is a dual threat and one of the nation's highest-rated athletes at his position. 

 Saint Edward, Glenville, Mentor and Saint Ignatius could be the top four teams in the area, with the Eagles and the Tarblooders possibly the 1-2 preseason ticket. The opening weekend will be highlighted by Saint Ignatius vs. Glenville on Saturday night and Saint Edward at Mentor on Friday night. While this corner sees Mentor as being very formidable this coming season, some veteran Cardinal observers are saying 2010 could be a "great'' year on Center Street.

 It will be an all-Jesuit venue on Oct. 24 – teams and site.

 Admit it. August can’t come too soon.

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