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Yianni Sarris says goodbye to another Man for Others. Congratulations to Derek Hren and Nathan Christian for earning spots as Plain Dealer All-Star Swimmers and to senior George DiCamillo, who was chosen as The PD's Wrestler of the Year.

By Eddie Dwyer, 04/01/12, 12:00AM EDT

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A GREAT PLAYER REMEMBERS HIS TEAM’S GREATEST FAN

POSTED BY EDDIE DWYER

Yianni Sarris ‘11, one of the greatest players in the history of Ohio high school soccer and Saint Ignatius’ storied program, shared with the corner his memories of a person he referred to as “The Man.”

Pat Coyle, who, said Yianni, graduated from Saint Ignatius in 1957, passed away recently after a courageous battle with cancer.

“Our beloved Pat Coyle,” was another expression Yianni used when talking about a man who “could hardly talk,” but was at every one of the Wildcats’ games during the remarkable state and national championship run Yianni and his teammates put together.

“He would travel on the team bus everywhere we went, and was clearly our number one fan,” Yianni wrote to the corner this week.

I would like to share with our readers more of Yianni’s tribute to Mr. Coyle. In many ways, Yianni’s words are a perfect example of Saint Ignatius’ motto – “Men for Others.”

From one Saint Ignatius man, Yianni Sarris, to another, the late Mr. Pat Coyle.

“There was no other person who was able to make every single one of my games throughout the last two years of my career; including my parents. You could tell that Pat loved being around the team, whether it was after the games or on the team bus. He came to my graduation party last year with Coach Mike (McLaughlin) and told me that he was going to do his best to come see me play in Florida, once he defeated cancer. But unfortunately, he wasn't able to.

"He lived one heck of a life though, and got to Witness a National Championship and a State Championship. He was doing what he loved; watching Saint Ignatius soccer.

"There was nothing more satisfying than putting a smile on Pat's face, after every victory,” Yianni continued. “There was not one game that went by where Pat was not there waiting for me outside the locker room door before I hit the showers.

"This is a sad time for many of us, but it is safe to say that Pat is in God's Care and will continue to watch over us.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Coyle Family.” – Yianni Sarris.

Yianni, an All-Ohio, All-American and Plain Dealer and Coaches Association All-Star selection during his outstanding career with the Wildcats, is also developing into a special young man. His family, Saint Ignatius, Coach McLaughlin ’85 and, Pat Coyle, can be very proud.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Coyle.

A HUGE AND HEARTFELT THANK YOU FROM THE CORNER

On a personal note, I would like to say THANK YOU to all of the Saint Ignatius students, my adopted friends, if you will, for the many wonderful notes of encouragement I have been receiving concerning the skin cancer surgical procedure I am undergoing on April 10 and my new battle with diabetes.

This old-timer puts up a good front, but these Irish eyes were brought to tears by the kind and sincere words expressed to me by a variety of students, even those I have not had the privilege of meeting yet. I never knew I had so many readers from within the halls of Cleveland's Jesuit Preparatory School.

I always tell the numerous Saint Ignatius student/athletes and coaches I have the honor of writing about, that I derive strength from them. Well, your letters produced a foundation of kindness and thoughtfulness that will always remain strong in my heart and my mind.

God be willing and after a few days of recovery, I will be back on my fields of dreams. But I will definitely continue to work through this week and will see you at the Wildcats' baseball home opener this Wednesday against Boardman at All Pro Freight Stadium in Avon. The first pitch is slated for 4:30 p.m., and John Fanta '13 and Greg Ziton '13 promise to rival Joe Buck and Tim McCarver with the job they will do over the SIBN on Wednesday.

Hey, how about those wood-swinging and gutsy-pitching 'Cats? See the corner's stories below.