Brooklyn, Ohio - As Saint Ignatius' 31-year head coach Chuck Kyle '69 said on Sunday evening, no quarterback in the Wildcats' tradition-rich football history has worked harder than Pete Mahoney.

"And it is a shame Pete won't be able to reap the benefits this year," Coach Kyle said.

Mahoney, a gifted senior leader who personifies Saint Ignatius' motto of "Men For Others," suffered a serious ankle injury during Saturday's afternoon session of two-a-days. The injury will require surgery, which is expected to take place this coming week.

"Pete just kind of fell awkwardly, others fell on top him and the foot got caught and turned the wrong way," Coach Kyle said. "It wasn't like it was a big hit."

Just seconds after the play, Saint Ignatius' outstanding Head Athletic Trainer Hank Gaughan ATC was treating Mahoney and Hank, with the assistance of some of Pete's teammates, helped Mahoney from the field. Pete was taken to nearby Lutheran Hospital for X-Rays and treatment.

As Coach Kyle pointed out, he and his staff knew coming into this season that they were blessed to have two sound senior quarterbacks in Pete and John Thomas. John is the brother of former Wildcats All-Ohio tight end Blake Thomas '12, who is now competing for the Buckeyes of The Ohio State University. Coach Kyle added that "JT" (Thomas) will certainly miss having Pete, his classmate and teammate for four years, by his side.

One thing is certain, and is that JT and the rest of the Wildcats will be there for Pete this season.

Although they were competing for the starting job as the Wildcats' 2013 field general, the bond Pete and JT have came to the fore as Pete was heading home from the hospital on Saturday afternoon.

John Mahoney, Pete's dad, shared with this corner that his son, despite the disappointment and pain he was experiencing, called JT and encouraged him to take over the reins and lead the 'Cats to great things.

Coach Kyle, who couldn't say enough about Pete's work ethic, wanted to make one thing perfectly clear. And that is although Pete won't be in the huddle once the regular season gets under way, the coaching staff wants him back with the team as soon as possible.

Yes, there are certain athletes who exude special qualities just by their presence. And Pete Mahoney is definitely one of them.

God Bless and get well soon, my friend.