OHIO CITY, Oh - Drew Wynocker will be continuing his academic and lacrosse career at the University of Denver next fall. The senior attacker will become a Pioneer and play at the Division I level as a Pioneer. Wynocker is coming off a season to remember in 2021, breaking a program record in goals with 73. Wynocker was also named an All-American in lacrosse at the end of his junior season.
“I was excited; it’s awesome that I can go to a place like Denver and play Division I Lacrosse,” Wynocker says. “They compete for the National Championship every year, so the opportunity is exciting.”
The University of Denver is a top-level lacrosse program winning the Conference Regular Season Championship 10 of the last 12 years. As the Pioneers are always in the mix at a National Championship run in Division I Lacrosse. The Pioneers won the Division I National Championship in 2015 and have been a dominant program under Bill Tierney.
This commit by Wynocker continues to grow the brand of Saint Ignatius Lacrosse with multiple student-athletes playing Division I. Some of the more recent alumni compete at the top level in college; Connor Cmiel ‘19 is playing at The Ohio State University and Michael Boehm ‘20 is playing at the University of Michigan.
“I think our program is heading in the right direction and the guys who were in front of us paved the way,” Wynocker says. “The coaching staff is amazing, putting in countless hours to make this program better.”
The Lacrosse Cats returned to the Final Four in the Division I playoffs last season. Amid the postseason run, Wynocker broke the program record with his 72nd goal against Hudson in the Regional Final. A record that Boehm set in the 2019 season. “I had a feeling I was approaching that number,” explains Wynocker. “I wasn’t certain when it happened until after the game was over.”
A former teammate of Wynocker previously held the record and he credits the work of Boehm and other alumni for making him a better player on the field. “ My sophomore season of training was great, even though we didn’t play because of the pandemic,” explains Wynocker. “I got months of practice with Cmiel, Boehm, Jack Welsch ‘20, and Greg Langermeier ‘20 that helped me improve my game a lot going into my junior year, making me more confident.”
Saint Ignatius and St. Edward always tend to bring a great match, no matter the sporting event. Wynocker notes his favorite game of the 2021 season was traveling to St. Edward to take down the Eagles in a 19-4 victory to end the regular season. “It was awesome to go out there and beat them on their home turf,” explains Wynocker. “We got out there and took it to them, something I’ll always remember.”
Wynocker now heads into his senior season at Saint Ignatius and understands parts of his game need to be improved. “I believe I can move the ball a bit better for assists,” says Wynocker. “I think we are going to balance our games this year and we’re excited to have a great season.”
The Lacrosse Cats are always in the mix for a State Championship; however, they are still seeking the program’s first title; Wynocker wants to bring one home for the Wildcats in his senior year. “I’m excited for Denver, but right now I have one thing in mind and that is winning a State Championship,” Wynocker explains. “I want to help the program make that jump and pave the way for the guys in the future.”