A stalwart for the Saint Ignatius hockey program has received a prestigious scholarship.

Steven Neff '17, a stout defenseman for the Ice Cats, has received a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship to The Ohio State University.

Neff was presented with the award on Wednesday morning. The scholarship is worth $60,590 over four years at OSU. 

Neff played admirably at defenseman for much of the season for the Wildcats, keeping opposing forwards away from the net. Neff also contributed offensively during the season as well, with 7 points for the blue and gold. 

As one SIBN reporter wrote after the season, Neff was "one of the hardest worker and hardest hitters on the team, always bringing 100% effort to every practice and game." 

Neff wore an "A" on his jersey all season, serving as an important team leader. 

"Steven was a captain for us this year, a tough guy who led by example and who intimidated the other team on the ice with his big hits," said Head Hockey Coach Pat O'Rourke '90. "He powered through a number of injuries in his career with the exact type of determination and guts that the Army is looking for. He will do well with ROTC at Ohio State, I'm sure. 

"As tough as he was on the ice, he was a gentleman off it, often driving one of the Special Olympics athletes we work with to our home games so he could cheer us on. Steven is a great young man who has a very bright future. We wish him all the best."

Congrats again to Steven, and on behalf of the Athletic Department, we wish him luck, and hope he enjoys being a Buckeye.