Ohio City - Saint Ignatius football fans, young and not so young, will always remember Seamus Hennessey's 37-yard, game-winning field goal that helped lead the Wildcats to a dramatic 8-7 victory over a talent laden Glenville team in a 2008 regional semifinal match up at a packed Lakewood Stadium.
The victory snapped a four game winning streak by the Tarblooders in their series with the Wildcats, including three postseason triumphs, as Saint Ignatius would go to win the 10th of its Ohio record 11 Division I state championships.
Seamus '09, who stops by Wasmer Field whenever possible to hang out with the current kickers and lend some advice and encouragement, is still getting his kicks in a field more challenging than the gridiron.
"I am studying a Master's in Medical Physiology at Case Western Reserve University," said Seamus. "Its starts this Monday and it will go either nine months or nine months and a little bit of next summer."
Seamus, who graduated this past May from John Carroll University, said the big plan is Medical School.
As sure as his game-winning field goal cut through that brisk Nov. 8 night in 2008, Seamus' plans will remain high and true.
JUST A REMINDER that the Wildcats' 2013 varsity football team will face its final preseason tune-up in the annual Jamboree preview against the Canton McKinley Bulldogs on Friday night at 7 in legendary Fawcett Stadium. The Jamboree is played under regular game conditions.
For a look at the Jamboree and a sneak preview of the 2013 McKinley Bulldogs, see the corner's story below that was posted on Wednesday evening.
As for Thursday's first practice following a full day of school, the Wildcats were sharp for the most part and had the appearance of a team anxious for the start of the real nitty-gritty, which begins August 31 versus Brother Rice at Wayne State University.
Here are some of Thursday's highlights from practice.
As was the case on Wednesday, junior quarterbacks Christian Klink and Jake Kucia, who will back up senior John Thomas, made some nice throws. Jake ended the varsity practice with a strong toss to junior wide receiver JR Klonk that saw JR come down with the ball and do a good job of staying in bounds near the back end of the scoreboard end zone's left corner.
Helping making a case for the defense was senior linebacker John Bodnar, who made a quick reaction and batted down a pass across the middle in the red zone.
Jamel Robinson, a junior defensive back, came up with a perfect-timing interception against the first-team offense in the right corner of the scoreboard end zone of Wasmer Field. Former Saint Ignatius standout and current Wildcats wide receivers coach Josiah "Juice" Kedzior '04 was quick to point out that Jamel is a former wide receiver.
John "The Gunslinger" Thomas did some nice roll out work in hitting talented junior tight end/defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones in stride and gifted senior wide receiver Mike Siragusa made a highlight-reel reception in the right corner of the scoreboard end zone that saw him turn his hips, stretch with both hands to catch a ball that was behind him and maintain possession as he went to the ground. Mike also added a nice running two-handed grab off a post pattern in the scoreboard end zone.
Senior wideouts Jake Helton and Bennett Kinzel and senior wideout/defensive back Jack Lavelle maintained their status in the Good Hands Club, with Bennett coming up with a diving reception.
"Nice read baby, nice play, that's your play," yelled Wildcats quarterbacks coach Elvis Grbac after "The Gunslinger" Thomas hooked up with Siragusa again, this time in the left corner of the scoreboard end zone.
JJ HUDDLE PRESEASON STATE RANKINGS: The top seven in order in Division I are St. Edward, St. Xavier, Archbishop Moeller, Colerain, Saint Ignatius, Mentor and Canton McKinley.
See you at one of the most atmosphere-rich football facilities in all of these United States - the Friday Night Lights of storied Fawcett Stadium.