Saint Ignatius' outstanding 4x800 meter relay team is bound for next weekend's OHSAA state track and field meet in Columbus after finishing in first place during Wednesday's first night of the talent-rich Amherst Division I regional.

The Wildcats' 4x800 team of Mitch Baum, Jack Miller, Vince Bartram and Drew Galang ran a finals time of 7:52.87.

Ohio State football recruit Blake Thomas had a memorable qualifying performance in the discus finals, as he put forth the third-best throw of the night at 178-06 and earned six points for Saint Ignatius, which trails Toledo Whitmer, 17-16, after Wednesday's competition. Midpark and St. Edward are right behind with 15 and 14 points, respectively.

Qualifying for Friday evening's finals were the 'Cats' 4x100 team of Matt McVey, Sam D'Amico, Dan Way and Marquee Montgomery, and the 4x400 team of Tim McVey, Brendan Kobunski, Lamar Kemp and Drew Galang. The 4x400 team finished second in its prelim heat. Friday's competition begins at 4 p.m.

AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WILDCATS' VARSITY LACROSSE TEAM, WHICH WRAPPED UP A FINE 10-4 SEASON WITH A DRAMATIC 6-5, THREE OVERTIME SETBACK AT MASSILLON JACKSON IN THE OHSLA'S PLAYOFF ROUND OF 16 ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT.