The season opener in basketball, the prestigious Ironman wrestling tournament and the High School All-American Soccer Game highlight a weekend in Wildcats athletics that stretches from Sullivan Gymnasium on Lorain Avenue in Ohio City to Birmingham, Alabama.

Coach Sean O'Toole '87 will lead his varsity basketball Wildcats against the John Hay Hornets (1-1) in the 2012-13 season opener on Saturday night in tradition-rich Sullivan Gym. The junior varsity tipoff is scheduled for 6, with the varsity to follow at 7:30. For a preview on the game, see the corner's story that was posted on Tuesday night.

As we reported on the corner last month, Saint Ignatius head soccer coach Mike McLaughlin '85 and his senior standouts Ty Sanda and Jake Roth will be competing in the All-American Game on Saturday in Birmingham, Alabama. An East vs. West format, the game is played in conjunction with the NCAA Division I men's soccer final four.

After a solid performance in the Solon Comet Classic, the Wildcats' varsity wrestling team is headed for the nationally acclaimed Ironman tournament at Walsh Jesuit this weekend.

As always, the Ironman features many of the premier teams and individuals throughout the nation. Five of the top eight teams in the Amateur Wrestling News national poll will be on hand. No less than eight of the nation's 14 No. 1-ranked wrestlers in their respective weight classes will make themselves at home in Walsh Jesuit over the next two days. Wrestling begins on Friday at 1 p.m. Saturday's Quarterfinals are at 10 a.m., followed by Semifinals at noon. The final session takes place on Saturday evening at 6.

Saint Ignatius' varsity hockey team, currently 4-2, swings back into action with home games on Saturday and Sunday in Brooklyn's John M. Coyne Recreation Center. The Ice Cats will face University School and its recent 300-game winner - Coach Bill Beard - on Saturday at 4:45 p.m. On Sunday at 6:45, the 'Cats defend their ice against the always tough and talented Lancers from Gilmour Academy. The corner will provide game coverage on the Gilmour encounter.

The Wildcats' rich in talent swimming and diving team is on the road to compete against Upper Arlington and Firestone on Friday night at 6 in Upper Arlington and on Saturday Coach Jeff Ridler's team will be at The Ohio State University for the Ned Reeb Invitational.

And last, but certainly not least, Coach John Kastanis' bowling team, fresh off its victory over highly ranked Olmsted Falls, will knock 'em down against Benedictine on Saturday at Buckeye Lanes. The Alley Cats stand 2-1 on the young season.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and to quote the late and legendary Stark County writer, radio celebrity and Plain Dealer high school sports columnist, Hymie Williams, "Good-bye until the next time, which will be the best time."