Athletes like Connor Cmiel don't come around often these days.
The excellent 3-sport student-athlete has drawn plenty of attention from colleges across the country for his outstanding athleticism. Multi-sport athletes are becoming more rare, especially ones who are stars in three sports.
But then again, Connor Cmiel isn't your average athlete.
That's why one of the best athletic programs in the country is welcoming Cmiel with open arms. The Ohio State University has offered Cmiel a lacrosse scholarship, which he plans to accept.
"It was a very exciting spring and summer which led to the opportunity to be a Buckeye and play in the BIG10," said Cmiel after committing last week. "I’ve always been an Ohio State fan, and I can’t thank my Saint Ignatius and Resolute coaches enough for helping me through this process."
Before deciding upon OSU, Cmiel garnered a wide range of offers for both football and lacrosse. Schools such as Air Force, Akron, Bowling Green, and Toledo offered him football scholarships, while others such as West Virginia and Cincinnati have welcomed him for visits since last fall. His standout spring season with the Lax Cats led to offers and interest from top lacrosse programs from across the country. Ohio State stood out above the rest for the Wildcats.
"I’m excited to play for Coach [Nick] Myers and the OSU staff and having the opportunity to play for a premier collegiate lacrosse program," Connor said. "The combination of excellent academics and athletics will make for a great student experience at Ohio State."
Ohio State became serious about Cmiel not long after his breakout spring with the Lax Cats, as he earned first-team All-State and U.S. Lacrosse All-American awards. Cmiel developed into an unstoppable midfielder, showing off special skill on both ends of the field. On offense, Cmiel turned into a top option on set plays and in transition. The rising senior finished the year with 45 goals and 23 assists for 68 points, playing a critical role all over the field.
This summer, Cmiel has continued to stay in the spotlight. He shined brightly with the Midwest squad at the 2019 Under Armour All American Lacrosse Classic® Underclass Tournament in late June in Baltimore. Cmiel has also made the rounds on the East Coast in prestigious weekend tournaments and showcases. Cmiel blew up on the recruiting circuit this summer.
As lacrosse season draws a close, Cmiel will turn his attention to football. Cmiel will continue to play three sports at Wildcat High for his senior year. He's always played multiple sports, dating back to when he was a kid. Cmiel loves playing all three and is looking forward to three more fun seasons as a Football Cat, Basketball Cat, and Lax Cat.
"I feel fortunate to play three sports at Saint Ignatius, each has helped me develop my skills in the other sports," Cmiel said. "I’ve learned so much from my coaches and teammates. I’m looking forward to my senior year and hoping to help us finish strong."
Cmiel will be a major factor for all three teams this season. First, Wildcats fans will have a chance to see him on the football field. Cmiel played both wideout and cornerback in 2018, excelling at both. The 6'2, 185-pound prospect led the team with 34 catches for 723 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also added 8 tackles and a 46-yard interception return on defense.
Plenty of star football and lacrosse players have matriculated to Ohio State after outstanding Wildcat careers. Most notably, Joe Pickens '90 and Ryan Franzinger '02 went to OSU after Hall of Fame football careers. Anthony Kelly '99, a 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, starred for the Buckeyes on the pitch. More recently, Kevin Woidke '15, Dre'Mont Jones '15, and Jack Jamieson '18, and Tommy Eichenberg '19 headed to OSU for football. Jack Rennillo '17 and Anthony Ameo '18 are both on the roster for the Buckeyes' lax squad.
Cmiel has a bright future ahead with the Buckeyes and is sure to excel at Ohio State. Plenty of Wildcats fans and coaches are excited for him, including his lacrosse coach.
"Congrats to Connor and his family on this tremendous accomplishment," said Mason Wynocker '91. "Connor had an outstanding spring season for the Wildcats as well as a great summer for Resolute and the UnderArmour All-American team. Connor is already one of the top players in Ohio, but with his work ethic, his potential is limitless to be an elite college player. Wildcat fans are pretty excited to have the opportunity to watch him play for another year at Saint Ignatius. We all look forward to watching his career as a Buckeye progress."