Ohio City - In what was a new format this fall, Saint Ignatius' Cross Country, Golf and Soccer Teams were honored in The Breen Center for the Performing Arts.
The evening began with a reception in the Breen Lobby, followed by Prayer and Introductory Remarks by Saint Ignatius' outstanding Athletic Administrator Mr. Rory Fitzpatrick '88.
A heart-warming video paying tribute to the Fall Sports' senior athletes set the stage for a tradition Rory Fitzpatrick started a few years ago - the presentation of the Senior Athlete Pins. After receiving their pins, the seniors remained on the Breen Center stage and sang the Alma Mater.
The night wouldn't have been as special without the time and effort of Saint Ignatius Communications Associate Angela LoBue and Athletics Department Administrative Assistant Ms. Jennifer Fight.
As part of Rory's opening remarks, he thanked all of the coaches and the parents for their endless time and support and gave special thanks to Saint Ignatius President Fr. William J. Murphy, S.J., Principal Mr. Dan Bradesca '88, Head Athletic Trainer Mr. Hank Gaughan, A.T.C., Athletic Trainer Mr. Patrick Cummings, A.T.C., Angela LoBue, Ms. Jennifer Fight and the Saint Ignatius Student Broadcasting Club and its Moderator Mr. Jeff McCormick '83.
Here are the special Team Awards as presented by Wildcats Head Cross Country Coach Dr. Mike Gallagher '71, Head Golf Coach Mr. Brian Becker '77 and Head Soccer Coach Mr. Mike McLaughlin '85.
CROSS COUNTRY: Most Improved Runners - Freshman Colin (Greg) Caniglia, Sophomore Jim Rogers, Junior Brennan Leitch and Senior John Nemes.
Most Valuable Freshmen - CJ Ambrosio and Andrew Szendrey, Most Valuable Sophomore - Luke Wagner, Most Valuable Junior - Sean Sovacool and Most Valuable Senior - Jeff Foerg.
The annual Coaches Award went to Sophomore Tim Trentel and the Wildcats' Most Valuable Runner for 2013 is Senior Elliot Thorkelson.
Coach Gallagher's Wildcats ran to District and Regional Championships and finished seventh among Ohio's big schools at the 85th annual Ohio High School Athletic Association Boys State Championships on the National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio.
GOLF: Co-MVPs - Jack Coyne and PJ Malik, Coaches Cup - Kevin Duncan, Rookie of the Year - Michael Vallee and Captain Award - Jack Coyne.
State Qualifying Team - Jack Coyne, PJ Malik, Kevin Duncan, Harrison Vonderau, Michael Vallee and Zach Morris.
First Year Varsity Award Winners - Tommy Lauer, Owen Miklos, Zach Morris, Michael Vallee and Andrew Zawie.
Second Year Award Winners - Jack Coyne, Harrison Vonderau, Michael Maroon, Kevin Duncan, Michael Milam and Dean Catalano.
Third Year Award Winner - P J Malik.
*Team Award for tying the program's lowest 18-hole round with a par 72 at the OHSAA Sectional Tournament on the Legacy course. Coaches Becker's 'Cats were Sectional Champions, finished a state-qualifying third at the District Tournament and placed eighth in the Division I State Tournament on the demanding Scarlet Course at The Ohio State University.
SOCCER: Most Valuable Player: David Sisson, Most Valuable Offensive Player: Colin Cleary, Most Valuable Midfielder: Bobby Barsic, Most Valuable Defender: David Sisson, Magis Award: Cole Brownsberger and Coaches Cup - Matt Ivancic.
Note: Head Coach Mike McLaughlin, who will be entering his 20th season next fall as his alma mater's head soccer coach, shared with this corner that his 2013 Wildcats were one of the finest group of young men he has ever been around.
Just a brief editorial - Colin Cleary 's PK in the district final against St. Edward was a goal. Now I'll shut up and go quietly into the night.