Ohio City - On the evening of the first day of spring, the snow flurries flew across Lorain Avenue and swirled from end zone to end zone in turning Wasmer Field into a virtual winter wonderland.
However, not even Mother Nature's persistent flurries could dampen the spirit, the strength and the God-given talent that epitomizes Coach Dan Arbeznik's Saint Ignatius Varsity Rugby program.
The Rugby A Wildcats, getting an early lift from junior Frank Rolf, who produced the first points during what was the inaugural home match in the program's first season as a varsity sanctioned sport, controlled every phase on Wednesday night and broke down the Strongsville Mustangs, 60-0.
“I think the intensity the kids came out with, right from the very start,” said Coach Arbeznik of what pleased him most about Wednesday night’s dominant performance. “In this game in particular, it is very easy for a team to get demoralized. And when our guys come out there with that fire and that passion right from the beginning, they (the Mustangs) realize that in addition to battling the snow and the wind there are 15 guys across from them with that kind of resolve.”
The Wildcats’ determination, physical toughness and overall skill were evident from the get-go as junior prop Frank Rolf scored his third try of the season with the match less than five minutes old.
Junior Ryan Linker kicked the conversion and Saint Ignatius led, 7-0. A try is worth five points and a conversion kick results in an additional two points.
A steal by junior Nick DeCore and some slick passing fueled by senior Mark Morek resulted in a try for Linker. Following a try by junior Nick Gajkowski, who is a mainstay on the ‘Cats’ ice hockey team, a kick at goal from Linker, Rolf’s second try of the night and fourth on the season, and a try by junior Shane Guhde that saw Shane battle his way into the left corner of the Lorain Avenue end zone, it was Katie bar the door for the Mustangs.
Saint Ignatius went to the five-minute halftime break up 34-0.
With senior Ian McDonald, who was a standout offensive lineman on the varsity football team, Rolf and sophomore Patrick Berry among those throwing their weight around, the Wildcats controlled the trenches so well that Strongsville crossed midfield just once in the first 12 minutes of the match.
The Wildcats’ hard-nosed, but within-the-rules tackling and line of defense are supported by the strong kicking game of Linker and junior Aedan Mangan.
As is his nature, Rolf, a promising lineman in Saint Ignatius’ varsity football program, credited everyone but himself for his one-for-the-record-books first goal on the night, which came off a well executed maul. Frank preferred to point out the nice blend of veterans and underclassmen on this year’s team and the exceptional conditioning that the Rugby ‘Cats bring into every match.
As Coach Arbeznik utilized his subs and depth throughout the second half (halves in rugby are 30 minutes), the Wildcats went on to display the trying skills of senior Cody Gulasey, smooth sophomore Michael Mathews, senior Patrick Carney and junior John Lawler.
Mathews, whose speed and balance are so impressive that he gave you the illusion he was cutting on the snowflakes that covered Wasmer Field, is the brother of former Saint Ignatius Rugby Captain Conor Mathews. Conor is furthering his education and rugby career at Miami of Ohio.
“A lot of people who were here tonight are alums of the program, graduates of Saint Ignatius who came back to see these guys fulfill the journey that they started,” said Coach Arbeznik, who couldn’t say enough about the support Saint Ignatius Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick has given to him and the entire rugby program.
The Wildcats, who improved to 2-1 on the young season, will have little time to savor Wednesday night’s triumph. On Saturday night, Coach Arbeznik’s team travels to Westerville North to face a Westerville program that is not only a perennial power in Ohio, but is currently ranked among the top 20 teams in the nation by rugbymag.com. The varsity match up is scheduled for 7:30 and the action will get underway with a 6 bells junior varsity match.
Congratulations also go out to the Freshmen Rugby 'Cats, who on Wednesday evening defeated a JV team from Strongsville, 50-27.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Coach Arbeznik and all of the Rugby ‘Cats for allowing this old-timer to be part of their history-making night.