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Boehm, Cmiel Named All-Americans; Coughlin Named All-State LSM of the Year

By Joe Ginley '12 , 06/05/19, 9:45AM EDT

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The future of the Saint Ignatius lacrosse program couldn't be brighter.

Over the course of the 2019 season, the Saint Ignatius lacrosse program continued to establish itself as one of the best in the state and the Midwest, reaching the final four for the fifth straight season and sixth in the last seven years.

The Wildcats were rewarded with a heap of postseason accolades.

Leading the way are Michael Boehm and Connor Cmiel. The two juniors, key pieces for the Wildcats over the last three seasons, earned All-American recognition from US Lacrosse. In addition, the duo earned first-team honors on the All-State squad.

Boehm became the leading scorer in school history this season, breaking the program records for goals, assists, and points. And he still has one season left to play. This season, Boehm tabbed 71 goals and 47 assists for a grand total of 118 points. All three numbers broke Boehm's previous season records set in 2018. Boehm owns the career records for goals (181), assists (119), and points (300).

His outstanding efforts earned him All-American status for the second straight season, becoming just the third player in program history to earn All-American status twice. By the end of his career, Boehm could become the first three-time All-American, and establish himself as the best ever to wear a Saint Ignatius lacrosse uniform.

Cmiel continued his progression into a dominant midfielder. The speedster scored in bunches on breakaways, using both his left and right hands to score. The junior completed the season with 45 goals and 23 assists, totaling 68 points. Cmiel is an invaluable piece of the offense, and a stellar piece on defense. His clearing ability is second-to-none, as well.

Charlie Minerd also earned Academic All-American status for the Wildcats. A smart student in the classroom and on the field, Minerd is an excellent leader. The junior orchestrates the defense with precision. When a shot or a defender does find a way to his crease, Minerd fights them off with courage and skill. On the year, Minerd notched 168 saves, recording a save percentage of 49%, including 54% in-state in his second season as the starter. He'll be a critical player for the Wildcats again next year.

Along with Boehm and Cmiel, John Coughlin earned first-team All-State honors. The graduated senior earned LSM Player of the Year honors after an incredible season at long stick middie. Coughlin used his physicality and stick skills to eat up ground balls. Nicknamed "The Situation," the Coughlin was once described by his position coach Brian Holzheimer '05 as "John 'Cougar' Coughlin, ground ball vacuum-aholic, break-dancing shredding technician, a goofy grizzly bear animal." Every word is true. Coughlin completed the year with 115 ground balls and 37 caused turnovers, a testament to his talent and skill. 

Jack Welcsh rounds out the first-team All-State selections. The rising senior evolved into a shutdown defender over the course of the season. Just like Cmiel, you'll see Welcsh star on the football field in the fall. But this season, Welcsh played like a world-class lacrosse stud, turning away opponents' scoring chances with ease. He finished off the season with 53 ground balls and 36 caused turnovers, showcasing his strong defensive skills. 

Two talented Wildcats made it onto the All-State squad on the third-team – Merick Hartley and Joey Morford. As a skilled attack, Hartley recorded 54 goals this season, finishing second only to Boehm. The rising senior is deadly from his office in the low slot. Pass this guy the ball and he won't miss often, especially on his trademark low-to-high shot. 

Morford continued his development into an excellent faceoff specialist. The junior improved over the course of the season, filling the huge shoes left by Anthony Ameo. Morford performed quite well against in-state foes during the regular season and helped the Wildcats control possession for long stretches in many games. The rising senior tallied a faceoff percentage 56% overall (60% in-state) this season, working well with Braeden Lair to help the team enjoy possession advantages. Morford also added a goal and an assist, along with 62 ground balls. 

To round out the group, Jack Moriarity earned honorable mention honors. The valued senior provided leadership for the team all season, along with plenty of offensive firepower. From his spot at X, Mort tallied many wraparound goals and facilitated a good chunk of the offense. Mort finished with 41 goals and 24 assists during his final season at Wildcat High. Headed to Hartford University in the fall, Mort will be missed. 

Congrats to all of these Wildcats on an incredible season.

Summer Camp: Young lacrosse players will have the chance to learn from many of these bright Wildcats stars this summer.

As Saint Ignatius lacrosse announced on Monday, the Lax Cats will host a summer camp from July 15-17! The camp, for fifth through eighth graders, will be from 6-8 pm, costing $90. Campers will get some free Wildcats gear. 

The camp will take place on Kyle and McLaughlin fields, as well as inside the Carfagna Family Magis Athletic Center. All campers will have a chance to use the brand-new indoor facility! 

Registration is online at:
https://www.ignatiuswildcats.com/laxcamp