Wednesday marked a festive day for Saint Ignatius rugby.

The Rugby Cats celebrated their seniors, a class of excellent student-athletes and better men, on a beautiful evening on Wasmer Field. 

Head Coach Dan Arbeznik '00 shook the hand of every senior and hugged parents gratefully, personally thanking them for their contributions over the last four years. The current senior class has brought the Saint Ignatius rugby program a long way, bringing two state titles to West 30th and Lorain, and establishing the program as one of the best in the state, if not the nation. 

The result Wednesday cannot begin to represent the efforts of these men, who granted the Wildcat faithful a 26-19 victory over the Avon Eagles on Wasmer Field. 

Utilizing a lineup of nearly all seniors, the Wildcats struck early. Brian Cook touched down the ball in the first two minutes, granting the hosts an early 5-0 lead. The wily senior did it again not long after, chasing down a perfect Chris Fedor kick, and dashing into the try zone for five points. Fedor added the conversion, setting the score at 12-0 Wildcats.

The visitors came back with a try but missed the conversion. Avon trailed the Rugby Cats, 12-5, heading into the break. 

The lead increased to 14 soon after the start of the second. Jimmy Andrews dashed through the line at the five-minute mark, using his speed and elusiveness to ease his way past several Eagles for a try. Andrews showed why he was such as weapon for the Football Cats, as his 55-yard dash for a try reminded fans of his football prowess from the fall. Following the Our Lady of Angels product's try, Fedor nailed the conversion.

With 15 minutes left in the second, the Eagles made it a game. Avon scored a try and hit the conversion, narrowing the deficit to 19-12. 

That would not do for the Wildcats on Senior Night. Joe O'Brien used a second move to find the try zone, showing off his skills outside. Fedor again knocked in the conversion, granting the Wildcats a 26-12 lead. 

The Eagles managed a try and conversion with seven minutes remaining, but the Wildcats stood fast in the waning moments. The Rugby Cats hung on for a 26-19 victory, advancing to 16-2 on the season. 

Following the victory, the Wildcats will rest before Saturday's big match versus Archbishop Moeller. The regular season finale A-side match is set for 12:30 p.m.