Talk about a way to start off the postseason.

Following an incredible regular season, the Saint Ignatius wrestling team began the march to Columbus with a bang.

The Mat Cats sent 13 wrestlers to Districts and won the Sectional Tournament at Brecksville-Broadview Heights on Saturday with 276.5. The Bees, the hosts of the tournament, finished second with 270.5 points. 

En route to the Sectional title, five Wildcats secured first place in their respective weight class. Senior Kaden Russell surprised no one by securing the title at 182 pounds. Logan Toth pinned his opponent to win at 160 pounds. Cal Miller cruised to first at 170, also pinning his foe in the title bout. Along the way, Miller picked up his 100th win in a Saint Ignatius uniform. 

Junior Aidan Gill (220) and freshman Najee Lockett (152) experienced more difficult final matches, each winning by decision, but still secured the titles for the Wildcats. 

Johnny Novak (106), Matthew French (126), and Michael Drobnick (195) all took second place for the Mat Cats on Saturday. Matthew Whipkey (113), Patrick McGraw (120), and Quade Rasmussen (145) brought home third place finishes. Zach Morgan (132) and Tommy Gallagher (138) notched fourth place to round out the Wildcats' wrestlers. 

“This time of year is exciting," Head Coach Mark Sullivan told Cleveland.com. "The kids get to figure out where they’re at talent-wise and there’s a lot of hard work that gets to this point, and for the kids that make it to the next level, they’ve the chance to go to the state tournament."

The next step in the journey awaits the Wildcats next Saturday. The District Tournament will be held next Friday and Saturday at North Canton Hoover, with qualifying wrestlers receiving a bid to States.