On and off the court, the Saint Ignatius volleyball team exuded class and hard work in the 2017 season. The Volleyball Cats' efforts have resulted in a multitude of awards. 

Guided by Head Coach Casey Marcelo, the Wildcats worked tirelessly both on the floor and in the classroom. Between the program's first-ever Ohio High School Boys Volleyball Association (OHSBVA) State Championship and a 3.66 team GPA, the results show the depth of the Wildcats' skills and achievements.

As a result of the squad's excellent GPA, the Wildcats received Academic All-State honors from the OHSBVA on Sunday prior to the state title bout. Danny Michals, a team leader pictured with the award above, accepted the prize on behalf of a smart Wildcats squad.

Besides the academic award, two Volleyball Cats were granted plaques for their efforts on the court. Rich Holzheimer and Michals garnered Second Team All-State honors for an incredible season. 

Holzheimer finished the year with 976 of the team's 1,164 assists this year, for an average of 11.2 assists per game. The senior also completed the year with 42 kills, 27 blocks, and 21 aces. His setting ability will be remembered for a long time at Saint Ignatius. 

Michals' bionic arm often struck fear into his foes. The senior finished the season with an impressive 307 kills, 182 digs, and 36 blocks. Michals provided the final kill in the State Championship and many other critical kills throughout the season. Michals' efforts on the front line often proved to be clutch for the Wildcats. 

Congrats to these two classy men and the rest of the team, and best of luck to the squad's seniors in college. Well-done, men!