SAINT IGNATIUS PAYS TRIBUTE TO ITS STATE AND NATIONAL CHAMPIONS.
POSTED ON 11/16/10.
By Eddie Dwyer
COPYRIGHT, NOV. 2010
Greeted by the mighty tones of the Wildcats' Pep Band and a roar that echoed throughout Sullivan Gymnasium, Saint Ignatius' state and national champion soccer team was honored by its classmates, teachers and the Jesuit School's administration during Tuesday's rousing celebration.
Coach Mike McLaughlin '85, who guided his 'Cats to a 23-0-0 season and the top ranking in the state poll and the national polls by ESPN Rise and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, said much of his team's success was based on its willingness to work.
The Wildcats' mental and physical toughness, which were honed in regular 9-to-10-mile conditioning runs throughout the city, continued to come to the fore while facing one of the most demanding schedules in the country. It was a schedule laden with nationally ranked and highly state-ranked programs.
And who better to instill that work ethic than a coach who has guided four state-championship teams (2004, '05, '08 and '10), a state runner-up team in '09 and two national-championship programs – '05 and '10.
In winning its fourth state soccer championship by defeating Centerville, 4-1, last weekend in Columbus' Crew Stadium, Saint Ignatius joined Kettering Archbishop Alter, North Olmsted and Columbus St. Francis DeSales as the four boys soccer programs to win four state titles.
Coach McLaughlin became the first coach in Ohio to guide four state-champion boys soccer teams and the first to lead his program into three consecutive appearances in the big-school title game.
But all you need to know about a coach whose career record of 265-38-33 also includes 12 district titles and eight regional championships, is that he revealed to the student body during the rally the Wildcats' “most important” form of preparation last Friday – attending Mass in the morning.
“The relationships we made,” said 'Cats' standout senior midfielder and co-captain Ryan Ivancic, when asked what are some of the things he will cherish from a perfect season of national acclaim. “I think we've all gotten along and we just came together over the course of the season. That really stands out to me.
“Obviously, this is the best way we could go out as seniors, as national champions. It's awesome.”
So what are national championships really made of?
“I honestly think we worked harder than everyone,” said Ivancic, whose double-digit goals and assists, along with his high defensive energy, helped Saint Ignatius outscore the opposition, 106-13, record 13 shutouts and limit seven other opponents to just one goal.
“From day one, we knew we were going to be good,” Ivancic continued. “We lost a lot of seniors from last year, so it came down to a lot of people stepping up. But day in and day out at practice, from city runs to situps and pushups, we did everything 100 percent.”
ALMOST LIKE A FREE DAY: It has been a tradition in the past to award a free day whenever one of the Wildcats' varsity teams wins a state and or national championship.
However, after Principal Peter H. Corrigan, Jr. congratulated Coach McLaughlin and his team, he revealed that the state is starting to limit the number of free days schools are permitted for various achievements. And the Lord knows the 'Cats have had plenty of championships over the years.
So, instead of a free day, Saint Ignatius will allow the student body to come to school later than usual on the last two December Mondays before Christmas break.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE POSTSEASON HONORS GARNERED BY THE NATIONAL CHAMPS:
Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association All-Ohio: Senior co-captains Yianni Sarris (18 goals) and Luke Blades.
OSSCA Academic All-Ohio: Nick Bashour, Luke Blades, Cody Dawson, Ryan Ivancic and Matt Petrella.
National Soccer Coaches Association of America Academic All-American Team – Accumulative Team GPA of 3.60. This marks the ninth time this honor has been bestowed upon the 'Cats.
Greater Cleveland Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association First Team: Luke Blades and Yianni Sarris.
GCSSCA Second Team: Matt Foldesy (team-leading 22 goals) and Ryan Ivancic.
GCSSCA Honorable Mention: Brendan Cash, Cody Dawson, Greg Kurtz, Zach Martin, Max Pathroff and Tyler Sanda.