By Saint Ignatius standards, this weekend was a fairly quiet one for the Wildcats. Only three of five sports were in action over the weekend, though hockey and basketball each played during the week.

Even still, a number of Wildcats stood out over the course of the week with dynamic performances.

So, here we go with the Magis Athletes of the Week, presented by the Carfagna Family Magis Athletic Center:

Basketball – Caleb Blake '20

This week's winner of the Magis Athlete for basketball earns it for his work off the court as much as his dedication on it.

Blake helped the Wildcats conquer Maple Heights last week, but his efforts with the Christmas in our Community Day are even more impressive.

As Student Senate Vice President, Blake helped to organize Christmas in Our Community Day on Friday. Every year, the Student Senate works to send Saint Ignatius students to schools, churches, and other organizations in the community for service work. They also organize a toy drive for youngsters at schools in our surrounding community, acting as Santa's helpers in Ohio City.  

As per usual, the day went off without a hitch, bringing joy, and toys to children and the community as a whole. Blake and Student Senate deserve plenty of praise for doing such great work in this busy Christmas season. They keep the spirit of Christmas alive for so many people. 

Bowling – Jared Liebert '23

If Noah Virant had not torn off a nice game last week, he might have been the Magis athlete this week. Virant notched a 611 series at the Padua Holiday Tournament on Sunday. But to avoid a repeat, we're choosing a freshman who has been tearing up the lanes as of late.

Jared Liebert is a star member of a packed class of freshmen bowlers. Liebert has been excellent all season long on the JV and JV+ squads for the Wildcats. 

On Saturday, with the JV+ team, Liebert showcased his outstanding potential. Liebert rolled a 157 in one of his two games, helping the Wildcat keglers defeat Westlake.

Liebert has been a hard-working member of the team all season long. Kudos to him for always going above and beyond for the Alley Cats. 

Hockey – Christian Radke '20

In the Wildcats' only game of the week, Christian Radke took care of business.

The senior tallied the game-winning goal vs. Gilmour Academy on Wednesday. Radke showcased his hard-nosed style in a great drive to the net for the beautiful gino. 

Radke is a hard-working member of the Wildcats. The right winger provides offense, hitting, and whatever needed for the Ice Cats on a consistent basis.

The Cleveland Heights native also does good work off of the ice. Radke is a member of the St. Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearers Ministry. 

Radke and the Cats will have a busy weekend with the Fr. Styles Showcase this weekend. 

Swimming & Diving – Zach Toothman '21

We could have picked any number of Wildcats this weekend. Tyler Hong and Joe Richmond each did well at Junior Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia and a host of Wildcats excelled at the meet vs. Brecksville-Broadview Heights and Shaker Heights. 

But in the end, it's tough to beat winning two individual events and helping your relay teams earn gold and silver. Our honoree is Zach Toothman.

The junior did great work this weekend at Cleveland State University's Robert Busbey Natatorium. We'll start with his individual efforts.

Swimming as an individual, Toothman won the 200 individual medley. Toothman tallied first place in the event in style for the Wildcats. And then he did just as nice of a job in the 100 breaststroke. Toothman earned the crown in the tough event, edging an opponent with grace.

Toothman did great work in the relays, as well. Working with Brian Johnson, John Soeder, and Erik Seicean, the junior did good work in the 200 medley relay, helping to win first place. Teaming up with Johnson, Jack Johannessen, and Daniel Argalious in the 200 free, Toothman did similarly solid work. The quartet took second, but finished behind the Wildcats' other squad.

Toothman and the Cats will be busy on Saturday at the annual Viking Meet at CSU. 

Wrestling – Joey Novak '22

When you saw the headline, did you assume we meant Johnny? As it turns out, Johnny is not the only Novak having great success early in the season.

The younger Novak, Joey, did quite well at the North Coast Classic over the weekend. 

Joey Novak rolled through some tough varsity competition at Independence High School. The sophomore did great work at 113 pounds, notching a 5-2 record. His efforts netted him a 7th place finish in his weightclass amongst some very good challengers.

A stellar young man, Novak shows the bright future of the Mat Cats.