The Wildcats' defense enjoyed a resurgent season in 2016, with one of its best seasons in the program's long history.
In recognition of the Saint Ignatius defense's exceptional season, Defensive Coordinator Ryan Franzinger '02 has received a well-deserved honor.
The first-year defensive coordinator received the Assistant Coach of the Year Award from the Greater Cleveland Football Coaches Association.
Franzinger, who serves as Assistant Principal for Student Discipline, joined Head Coach Chuck Kyle '69 at the annual GCFCA dinner earlier this week. Kyle was also honored as the GCFCA Coach of the Year for Independent Conference.
Franzinger has served as a member of the Saint Ignatius coaching staff for 11 years, helping the Wildcats claim state championships in 2008 and 2011. In 2009, Franzinger assumed the role of Co-Defensive Coordinator, serving as the "eye in the sky" for the blue and gold for a number of seasons.
Before the 2016 season, Franzinger received a promotion to defensive coordinator and performed well in his new role.
Franzinger's defense played a critical part for the Wildcats in a 13-2 season that ended in a State Championship appearance, the 13th in program history. The 2016 Saint Ignatius defense, led by the "Linebacker Legion," allowed 21 points just three times in 15 games last season, surrendering 11.3 points per game. The Wildcats notched 121 tackles for loss, 35 sacks, and 22 turnovers.
Before his coaching days, Franzinger thrived on the playing field himself. The Saint Ignatius grad helped the 2001 Football Cats win a state championship, plowing the way to the end zone as a fullback and shutting down opponents as a linebacker. In addition, Franzinger thrived in track and field, as he still holds the discus record (189' 4").
Franzinger will be enshrined in the Saint Ignatius Athletic Hall of Fame in May, too. More information on Alumni Awards Night available here.
Based on the results from his career thus far, many more awards are likely in Franzinger's future. Congratulations again to Franzinger on his hard-earned award from the GCFCA.