The Saint Ignatius lacrosse program made a huge leap in 2016, and two of the players who helped it happen have been recognized. 

US Lacrosse has named Crew Cintron '16 and Alex Maruna '16 as 2016 All-Americans.

The duo led the Lax Cats to the Ohio High School Lacrosse Association State Championship Game last spring. The Wildcats had never reached that stage before last season. 

Dave Cerny, President of the Northcoast Chapter of US Lacrosse, presented Cintron and Maruna with plaques on Friday. 

Head coach Pat McManamon also received US Lacrosse Coach of the Year honors. McManamon, who has stepped down as head coach to focus on his increasingly successful and quickly growing business and his young family, spoke glowingly of the two young men.  

"I am so proud to have had the privilege to coach Alex and Crew," McManamon said. "These two men exemplify what we expect from our Ignatius men both on and off the field."

Cintron and Maruna guided the Lax Cats to a 16-3 season, one of the best in program history.

"I am really proud of these two young men," athletic director Rory Fitzpatrick '88 said. "These two Ignatius men have taken the program to new heights, and done it the right way. I'm excited to continue watching these two as they continue their lacrosse careers."

Maruna is furthering his career and education at Rochester Institute of Technology.

"Being an All-American really means a lot to me, seeing all of the other great players in the state that were awarded it and all the Ignatius alumni in the past who have received it really makes me feel honored," Maruna said. "All the thanks to Coach Cillo, Coach McManamon, and Coach Wancata for making me the player I am."  

Cintron, who tied the school record for goals scored in a season with 65 in 2015, is continuing his education and career at Lehigh University.

"The lacrosse community could not have chosen to more deserving men for All-American," McManamon said. "Both of these players have been leaders since they stepped on campus 4 years ago. They have set a standard for future Ignatius lacrosse players to aspire to."

Congratulations to Cintron, Maruna, and their families on this high honor from US Lacrosse. We wish the best of luck to these two great young men in college and beyond.