SAINT IGNATIUS' DISTRICT TITLE IS ITS FIRST IN SWIMMING AND DIVING SINCE 2000.

COACH JEFF RIDLER'S WILDCATS, TAKING WHAT COACH RIDLER DESCRIBED IN PRESEASON AS A DAVID VS. GOLIATH APPROACH THIS WINTER, WILL LOOK TO IMPROVE ON LAST YEAR'S IMPRESSIVE SEVENTH-PLACE FINISH AT STATE.

Helping lead way to the district crown on Friday at Cleveland State University was the first-place closing performance by the 400-yard free style relay team. A .16-second victory over Hudson by the 400-yard free style team was the sealer.

Saint Ignatius, which totaled 280 points to Hudson's 262, was also bolstered by another outstanding all-around meet by Derek Hren. St. Ignatius won all three relays and sophomore Nathan Christian in the 50 free joined Hren in the 100 breaststroke as the Wildcats' individual champions.

The state meet, which again will be held in the C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton, Ohio, gets under way in Division I with boys diving on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 9 a.m.

Prelims for boys Division I swimming are scheduled for Friday, Feb. 24, at 9 a.m., and the boys Division I swimming finals are slated for Saturday, Feb. 25, at 4 p.m. For all ticket, lodging and traveling information on the state meet, we ask that you go to www.ohsaa.org, click on sports and click on swimming and diving.

Again, a huge congratulations from the Saint Ignatius family to Coach Ridler and his outstanding and resilient young men.