As the calendar flips to December, the winter season continues to pick up steam. All but one team is underway, so we expand our list of Magis Athletes of the Week to four.
As always, the Magis Athletes of the Week are presented by the Carfagna Family Magis Athletic Center.
So, here we go!
Basketball – Henry Raynor '21
You can't start a season much better than Henry Raynor did this weekend.
The junior played his explosive, energetic brand of basketball with great success against Thomas Worthington on Saturday and vs. Richmond Heights on Sunday. Thanks in part to his efforts, the Wildcats notched a 1-1 record for the weekend.
Raynor started his outstanding weekend with a 21-point night on Saturday. In the season opener, Raynor played great in the first half and helped the Wildcats nearly overcome a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit. Raynor scored half of his points in the final stanza, willing the Wildcats back into the game.
Then on Sunday, Raynor played even better. The 6'7" forward powered his way to the bucket time and time against a tall, athletic Spartans squad. Raynor romped for 25 points, leading all scorers in a blowout win for the Wildcats. Raynor again did much of his work in the final stanza, paving the way for Coach Cam Joyce's first win at Saint Ignatius.
Raynor will be important for the Wildcats all season. Raynor and the Cats return to action on Saturday, hosting John Marshall at Sullivan Gym for a 7 pm tipoff.
Bowling – Ben Gehrlein '21
When the Wildcats needed him most, Gehrlein delivered.
Gehrlein enjoyed a stellar day at the Wildcat Classic on Sunday, a tournament hosted by the Saint Ignatius bowling program. Gehrlein impressed in his three individual games, posting solid scores. But his big work came in the playoffs.
Each round of the playoffs in the tournament was a best-of-3 set of baker games. The Wildcats matched up in the first round with a talented Ashland team.
In the first baker game, the Wildcats fell. So, they needed a win in the second baker to stay alive. The Wildcats fought hard, but things were looking a little bleak entering the final frame. Ashland held a significant lead after finishing its 10th frame. Enter Ben Gehrlein.
With both teams watching, Gehrlein stepped into the limelight. With all of the pressure on him, Gehrlein knocked down the first strike. And then another. His back-to-back X's brought the hosts within reach and left the pressure on his shoulders. Toss a strike, and the Wildcats would force a third baker. Miss, and the game was over.
You can guess what Gehrlein did. He nailed it.
While the Wildcats did not win the third baker, Gehrlein's heroics are to be celebrated. He'll be a clutch, key player for the team this year.
Hockey – Chuckie Wilson '21
You need some offense? Chuckie is your guy.
The junior has delivered all season for the Saint Ignatius hockey team. The forward struck twice in the opening weekend, and then stepped up when his team needed him in Michigan.
Against some very tough foes this weekend at the Orchard Lake St. Mary's Thanksgiving Tournament, Wilson showcased his excellent skills. Wilson scored in all three games this weekend.
Wilson lit the lamp once against U of D Jesuit, twice against Grand Rapids Central Catholic, and then once again vs. Orchard Lakes St. Mary's.
Through 5 games, Wilson tops the team with 6 goals. His athleticism and stick skills are a marvel to watch, as this kid seems destined for SportsCenter at some point this season.
Learn the name Chuckie Wilson – you'll be hearing his name over the PA system after Wildcat goals a lot this season.
Swimming & Diving – John Soeder '20
John Soeder wasted little time in starting the season strong for the Aqua Cats.
The senior excelled for the Saint Ignatius swimming and diving in the season opener at the Solon Relays on Saturday.
Soeder played a major role in the Wildcats' first-place finish amongst eight teams, some of the best from Northeast Ohio. Most notably, Soeder combined with Tyler Hong, Erik Seicean, and Sam Hessler to set a meet record in the 200 backstroke relay. Soeder helped the Wildcats time in at 1:39.47, besting the previous record set by Upper Arlington by almost two seconds. The finish pushed the Wildcats forward at the meet.
Soeder again helped the Cats cruise to a win in the 200 medley relay. The senior teamed up with Hong, Robert Gavigan, and Brian Johnson for a time of 1:36.88. The great quartet defeated the competition by over 6 seconds. The Cats' time missed the meet record by just a second.
And last but not least, Soeder helped flow to another win in the 200 free relay squad. Working with Micah Murtha, Thomas Metz, and William Van de Walle, and Soeder helped to clinch the #1 spot on the podium with a time of 1:29.23.
Even with 3 weekend wins, Soeder has not even begun to reach his potential. Soeder's ceiling is very high. It's going to be fun watching him fly this season.