Soccer was always number one for Barry Rice, Jr. ’06. He developed his talent on club teams while attending Parma schools but didn’t know anyone attending Saint Ignatius. When a friend convinced him to visit, “it was love at first sight.”
In Fall 2002, Barry was the only freshman selected for the Wildcat varsity team, later joined by fellow Hall of Famers Mark Blades ’06 and Justin Morrow ’06. The social and academic demands were a challenge – but Barry persevered and proved his worth, scoring seven goals and posting four assists, earning honorable mention All-Greater Cleveland Honors and team offensive MVP.
As a sophomore, he continued his offensive prowess, scoring 11 goals, adding three assists, and earning All-Greater Cleveland again.
Barry remembers his junior season as a tough one, with the team starting strong but struggling with losses up to the playoffs.
“Somehow, we came together, put our heads down and our challenges behind us.” With Barry moving to defender, the Cats won their historic first-ever state championship.
Then came the legendary 2005. As one of the senior tri-captains, Barry led a stifling defense and supported a prolific offense with five goals and three assists, helping drive the Wildcats to an undefeated 23-0 season, back-to-back state championships, and the school’s first-ever national championship.
Barry earned All-American recognition, First Team All-Ohio, First Team All-Greater Cleveland, and shared Team MVP with Morrow and Blades.
“That whole journey was just fun! The semi-final against Brecksville was beyond capacity at CSU, with maybe 10,000 people, even outside the fence. It felt like a professional game. Winning in overtime was a highlight. Our final game against Xavier was really fun, too. We had overcome so many challenges together. There were no egos, and nobody said, ‘What about me?’”
A born leader who loved giving team speeches, Barry challenged players to see 2005 as an opportunity to cement themselves as legends. “There were a lot of great teams at Saint Ignatius after us, but at that time in high school soccer, it would be hard to find a better team.”
Barry was a four-year starter, two-time captain at the University of Kentucky, First Team All-Conference USA, and Defensive Player of the Year. He finished his career playing professionally for D.C. United. “It was a dream of mine and an amazing opportunity to play for one of the most storied clubs in the MLS. I played against my idol, Brazilian pro Ronaldinho, with AC Milan. I felt like a kid in a candy store!”
Barry returned to Cleveland in 2011 and served as an assistant coach for Saint Ignatius varsity soccer. For the past 10 years, his passion has been financial advising with Edward Jones. He’s thrilled to receive the Hall of Fame honor. “It means the world to know I’ll be forever in the halls of Saint Ignatius. The school helped set the foundation for who I am today.”
Barry’s mom and stepdad are Karen and Jim Jack. His dad and wife are Barry Rice, Sr., and Kelly Rice.
Saint Ignatius' annual Wildcats Roar celebration will take place on Saturday, August 17 at 5 p.m., and Barry and four others will be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. For more information and to register, please visit this link.