The first match of 2018 ended in a pair of victories for the Saint Ignatius varsity gold wrestling team.

The Mat Cats defeated both Padua, 46-27, and Archbishop Hoban, 63-10, in Parma on Saturday morning.

The Wildcats' wrestlers enjoyed plenty of success in the first contest of 2018, recording a total of 13 pins to advance to 4-1 in dual matches. 

The day began with the Wildcats battling the Knights, the first time the two schools have competed since gridiron matchup between the two in August. 

The lightweights started the match off on a bright note. Johnny Novak rolled to a victory in his 113-bout with a big pin. Juniors Matt Isaac (120) and Matthew Whipkey (126) rolled off two straight pins to keep the good times rolling. Mario Rini (138) and Zach Tomford (145) then ripped off victories to send the Wildcats into the heavyweights with plenty of momentum. 

The second portion of the match with the Knights saw nearly as much success for the Wildcats. Tommy Gill (182), Michael Drobnick (195), and Toby Engel (285) all tabbed pins for the blue and gold. At the end of the match, the Wildcats enjoyed a significant 63-10 advantage on the scoreboard. 

The action then turned to the Wildcats vs. the Bruins. Padua fought tooth and nail, especially at the lightweights. Only Whipkey at 126 pounds could record a pin for the Wildcats.

The heavyweights, however, rolled to victory after victory. Logan Toth (170), Josh Dinya, Michael Drobnick (195), and Aidan Gill (220) all tabbed wins by pin to complete a 46-27 victory for the Wildcats.  

With the wins over Padua and Hoban secured, the Wildcats will turn their attention to the Catholic Invitational Tournament (CIT) next weekend. Saint Ignatius will be serving as the host of the CIT for the first time in school history.