The athletic career of one outstanding Saint Ignatius man began to blossom in Columbus as the career of another classy Wildcat reached full bloom.
Under the bright lights of Ohio State's Jerome Schottenstein Center this morning, Najee Lockett showed his remarkable talent and promise while Michael Drobnick fulfilled a 4-year goal to complete his time as a Saint Ignatius wrestler.
Lockett captured fifth place with a victory on Saturday before a battle-worn Drobnick completed his career with an eighth-place finish at the OHSAA Division I Wrestling State Tournament.
Carrying a different mentality into Saturday's action, Lockett faced off with Luke Reicosky of North Canton Hoover. Unfortunately, Lockett could not upend Reicosky, who narrowly beat Lockett during the regular season. A cautious Reicosky kept his legs away from Lockett, careful not to get taken down.
The approach worked, as Lockett worked aggressively to comeback from an early deficit. His strategy backfired, resulting in a disqualification near the end of the match. Still, Lockett would wrestle for fifth place at 160 pounds.
Facing Tyler Bates of Marysville, Lockett immediately took control. The sophomore built a lead of 2-1 after one, trading an escape for a takedown. Lockett increased his lead to 6-2 after two, and did not lay off the gas pedal in the third. Lockett stormed to a 12-4 win to earn his way to the No. 5 spot on the podium.
Lockett has plenty to be proud of after a special sophomore season. The future is incredibly bright for this smart, wise-beyond-his-years young man, both on the mat and in the classroom.
As Lockett's destiny took shape, Drobnick waited for the 195-pound seventh-place match. The bout arrived at about 12:45 pm in one of the last matches of the morning session. Drobnick faced Ashton Spurgeon of Mount Vernon and found himself in a quick hole. Battling a nagging injury, Drobnick gritted his teeth and finished the match in valiant fashion. Even though he lost, Drobnick secured a spot on the podium.
Drobnick showed improvement in every season with the Mat Cats. Drobnick did not place at junior high states, but progressed in his freshman and sophomore seasons before breaking through with a state appearance last season. This year, Drobnick realized his goal of placing at States.
As one of his teachers, Mr. Drew Vilinsky, says of Drobnick, "He is like a huge puppy dog. You just have to love him." Drobnick is indeed one of the most likable young men you'll meet. Drobnick will be missed on the mats and in the halls of Saint Ignatius. The University of Dayton will have the privilege of having this wonderful young man next year.
Congrats to Najee, Mike, and the Mat Cats on a fun and memorable 2017-18 season!