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Magis Athletes of the Week: Folds, Cook, Mulhern, Keefe Perform Well

By Joe Ginley '12 , 10/01/19, 5:15PM EDT

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Henry Cook enjoyed a remarkable game amidst the loss to Football North.

A busy week produced a plethora of top-notch performances by the Wildcats. In several sports, picking one winner was difficult.

For example, on the soccer pitch, Kyle Folds scored four goals against University School, while Everett Shorey netted a huge goal against Toledo St. Francis. And on the course, the Cross Country Cats saw a number of runners surpass personal records.

Here are the choices this week for the Magis Athletes of the Week, brought to you by the Carfagna Family Magis Athletic Center:

Cross Country – Nick Mulhern

All season, the Wildcats have enjoyed top finishes amidst some of the best squads in the state.

Steve Zucca has stolen the spotlight with his top-flight speed and incredible talent. Once again, Zucca finished in the top five of the competition, making him a top candidate for Magis honors. But this week, we're honoring his partner in crime.

Nick Mulhern has been the Wildcats' No. 2 runner for much of the season. A 4-year letterwinner, Mulhern is an important cog in the Saint Ignatius machine. He's a hard-working young man with a bright outlook.

Mulhern's hours of dedication paid off on the course on Saturday. Mulhern tallied a personal record at the Meet of Champions, hosted by Hilliard Bradley. On a scorching hot and sunny day with nary a cloud in the sky, Mulhern thrived. 

The senior scored a time of 16:25 for the Wildcats, notching second on the team. Mulhern's excellent time played a large role in the Wildcats' winning the varsity race with 79 points. 

Mulhern deserves his time in the sun for his achievements this year, on and off the course. Mulhern recently earned his place as a National Merit Semifinalist, securing his spot as one of the top students in the country. 

Whatever college he chooses will be lucky to have him. 

Football – Henry Cook

Losing isn't fun, but never overlook an incredible performance in a loss.

Cook was a bright spot in a 41-40 loss to Football North on Saturday. On a field full of Division I athletes, the Wildcats' 5'10" wideout shined perhaps brighter than anyone else.

Cook played a critical role in a high-flying offense on Saturday. The senior hauled in 7 passes for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns. Cook caught touchdown strikes of 40 and 20 yards during the Wildcats' 30-point second-half bonanza. 

And his efforts didn't stop there. Cook also returned two punts for 75 yards, including one return for 43 yards that set up the Wildcats in great field position. Cook also served as the holder for two Declan Mangan field goals.

Cook finished as the leader across both teams with 181 all-purpose yards. His coach, Jack Hyland '14, was certainly proud of him after the game. 

Golf – Connor Keefe

As the Golf Cats prepared for the Sectional Tournament, Connor Keefe had a busy weekend. 

The sophomore completed a marvelous season with the JV Blue team under coach Tom Bogen. 

His great run started at the Pickerington Invitational on September 21. Keefe shot an 82 to lead the Wildcats to a seventh-place finish. His excellent streak continued this week in a victory over St. Edward. Keefe once again topped the team, tying John Thompson, with a great score of 79.

But Keefe saved his best for the last competition of the year. In a tri-match against St. Edward and Walsh Jesuit on Saturday, Keefe defeated everyone. The second-year Cat earned medalist honors with an 18-hole score of 78, quite impressive for a sophomore. Thanks in part to Keefe's outstanding work, the Wildcats breezed by the competition.

Look out for Keefe on the course next season. Keefe could be an absolute weapon on the varsity or JV gold squads in 2020. 

Soccer – Kyle Folds

Any one of a number of Wildcats might have earned the Magis honors this week. After all, the Wildcats tabbed two impressive wins. 

But it's not too often that a player scores four goals.

Folds became the first Wildcat since Stephen Milhoan '17 to accomplish the feat last Tuesday. Folds unleashed his incredible skills on University School in a 9-1 rout. 

Looking like a pro, Folds found the back of the net on four occasions, one more impressive than the next. The Indiana commit has oodles of talent, and it's no wonder why colleges craved his skills for the next few years.

Folds also played well in the win over Toledo St. Francis on Saturday, but did not find twine. But even when his impact is not seen on the scoresheet, it's felt by the other team. Folds' combination of physicality and foot skills make him nearly impossible to shadow.

Folds will be a key part of the Wildcats' bid to unseat the current No. 1 team in the country, Peoria Notre Dame, on the road on Friday.