The Wildcats' All-Ohio senior defensive end describes BC as a "perfect fit" and head coach Chuck Kyle couldn't agree more, pointing to the "great education" Kevin will be receiving.
We also report on Thursday's football camp, with that story following the Kavalec commitment.
By Eddie Dwyer, Copyright June 2012
Saint Ignatius senior defensive end Kevin Kavalec told the corner last week how excited he was over being offered a full scholarship from Boston College.
The impression BC left on the Wildcats’ captain was definitely a positive one, as Thursday evening Kevin gave Boston College head football coach Frank Spaziani and the Eagles a verbal commitment.
“I love the beautiful campus, the academics and all of the coaches at Boston College,” said Kevin, who is coming off a first-team All-Ohio season. “I just knew it was the right place and a perfect fit for me.”
In helping Saint Ignatius to a record 11th Division I state championship in 2011, the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Kavalec made 68 tackles, including 37 for losses and a team-leading 15.5 sacks. Along with his All-Ohio honors, he was named to the All-Northeast Lakes Division I first team and selected to The Plain Dealer’s seven-county All-Star Team.
“Now I can focus on our season,” said Kevin of how relieved he was to complete the always demanding recruiting process before Saint Ignatius begins its promising 2012 campaign.
A young man who carries himself with humility and a maturity beyond his years, Kevin said Cornell of the Ivy League was also high on his list of college and universities, a recruiting list that also included Big Ten and Mid-American Conference schools.
Under the NCAA rules and guidelines, Kevin cannot sign an official letter of intent with Boston College until February 2013. But he has given all indications that BC is definitely where he wants to be next year.
Congratulations from the corner go out to Kevin and his family on this well-deserved honor from Boston College.
CAMP REPORT
The O and the D impress
Saint Ignatius wraps up its first session of football camps with some highlight-reel offerings.
See the reminder on the Camp of Champions that follows Thursday’s camp report.
By Eddie Dwyer, Copyright June 2012
When it comes to preseason football camps, it is not unusual for the offense to stand out one day and the defense to respond the next time out.
Thursday evening, with what breeze there was on Wasmer Field being almost as humid as the high 80-plus degree temperatures, Saint Ignatius’ offense and defense took turns making impressive plays.
In what was the final camp session until the Week of July 23, the closing 7-on-7 competition drew some positive responses from the coaches (notice I said some) and more than a few excited reactions by teammates.
Oh yeah, you can tell that two-a-days are just around the corner.
Setting the tone for the defense was senior cornerback Bryan Fisher, who made a highlight-reel reaction that saw him make up ground in a hurry, leave his feet and, in a full extension, bat away a deep pass across the middle.
Fisher’s effort, which drew compliments from players and coaches on both sides of the ball, seemed to be contagious.
Following up with interceptions were senior linebacker Nick Chapek, who responded with a heads-up play off a deflection, and senior cornerbacks Giorgio Nardi and Jeremiah Ockunzzi. Senior linebacker Kevin Smith turned in a quick-reaction pass breakup.
Offensively, senior quarterback Mike LaManna and senior wideout Conor Hennessey combined on another picture-perfect deep route down the right side, senior tight end Matt Yohman came up with a diving reception and senior wideout Randy Buffington turned in another solid evening, as did junior quarterbacks John Thomas, Pete Mahoney and David Black.
However, it was junior wide receiver Jack Lavelle who highlighted the offensive moments.
After hooking up with LaManna on a nice read, throw and catch, Lavelle joined Fisher on the plays of the day when he made a reception along the sideline that first appeared as though it was going to be an easy interception.
Displaying great concentration, soft hands and a ton of determination, Lavelle out-battled the defender, grabbed the deflected pass as he was falling to the ground and kept his feet in bounds.
Can you say, hot town, summer in the city?
*JUST A REMINDER ABOUT NEXT WEEK’S PRESTIGIOUS CAMP OF CHAMPIONS: The camp, which is for quarterbacks and receivers in grades 9 through 12 and is open to all area schools, will take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (June 25-27) at Wasmer Field. It will run from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. each day. Cost of the camp is $80 (includes a camp T-shirt) and checks are to be made payable to Camp of Champions. Participants can register and pay their check as late as the first day of camp (Monday). All players are asked to bring a helmet and there will be a certified trainer on hand each day.
The Camp of Champions is without question the premier camp in Greater Cleveland, if not the entire state, a camp that develops sound fundamentals under the guidance of a who’s who list of coaches (see the corner’s story from June 6, which is posted below). Each quarterback and receiver will receive individual instruction and will be evaluated individually. The Camp of Champions teaches techniques and drills to help young athletes develop self-correcting skills.
For any questions on the camp please contact Saint Ignatius’ veteran offensive coordinator Nick Restifo at 216-651-0222, Ext. 502 or nrestifo@ignatius.edu.