As the late, great Frank Sinatra put it so smoothly, "When autumn leaves start to fall."

And those falling leaves are a sure sign that Saint Ignatius' athletic teams are heading for the home stretch of their regular seasons.

Friday night, Coach Mike McLaughlin's varsity soccer team (6-3-4), ranked fifth in the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association state poll, will play the first of its two games in Washington (D.C.) when it matches up with Gonzaga High School at Catholic University. The action begins at 7:30.

On Saturday, Coach McLaughlin '85 will send his Wildcats against host Georgetown Prep at 2 PM.

Coach Chuck Kyle's varsity football team (3-2) will play the second of three consecutive home afternoon games on Saturday, as the Wildcats will face Indianapolis Lawrence Central (3-3) at 2 PM on Byers Field in Parma's Robert M. Boulton Stadium. For a look at the Bears from Lawrence Central and an in-depth preview on the game, check out the corner's story that was posted on Tuesday night.

In cross country, Dr. Mike Gallagher '71 will continue to groom his Wildcat harriers for the postseason by sending them into Saturday's Medina Invitational at A.I. Root Middle School. The Varsity Race is scheduled for 10:35 AM, with the JV/Open Race to follow at 11:40. The bus will leave Saint Ignatius at 9:30 AM.

On Oct. 9, Coach Brian Becker's varsity golf team, fresh off its sectional championship this week, will be competing in the OHSAA Division I district tournament at Pine Hills. The Wildcats will be looking to garner spots in the annual OHSAA Division I state tournament in Columbus, which takes place the weekend of Oct. 18 on the Scarlet Course at The Ohio State University.

And last, but certainly not least, Coach Ryan Franzinger '02 will send his 4-0 junior varsity football team against the Green Wave of Holy Name on Monday at Wasmer Field. The kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM.

Have a great weekend!