Ohio City - Saint Ignatius sophomore defensive back Vince Fagnilli did not play football during his freshman year at Cleveland's Jesuit Preparatory School.

 

"My freshman year started with me trying to focus on finding out who I am, what I really need to work on and how I can better improve myself," Fagnilli said Thursday evening after the Junior Varsity Football Wildcats completed their post-practice tradition of 10 seconds of reflection.

 

"Over the course of the year I kind of realized what I really need to work on, what really defines me and helps me more fulfill myself," Fagnilli continued. "That freshman year, especially at the beginning of it and really towards the middle, it helped me realize what my goals were."

 

One of the defining moments of Fagnilli's freshman year saw Vince become an Honor Roll Student from the Class of 2020.

 

While Fagnilli compiled what are the most important numbers at one of the finest academic schools the nation has to offer, he said he became inspired to try out for the Junior Varsity Football Team this summer after attending the Wildcats' Division I State Championship Football Game versus Cincinnati St. Xavier on Dec. 2, 2016 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

 

The Bombers of St. Xavier handed their Jesuit brothers from Saint Ignatius a heartbreaking 27-20 defeat in double overtime.

 

"I saw the tears from the players while they sang the alma mater," Fagnilli said of that Friday night more than six months ago. "I never want to see those tears again. So I'm going to go out and try to help change it."

 

And here Fagnilli is, all 5-foot-5 and 120 pounds of him, fighting for a spot on Coach Paul Yappel's Junior Varsity Team.

 

Just this week, Fagnilli found himself earning praise from his defensive coaches after he came up with a determined pass breakup and an interception in the offense versus defense match drills.

 

"I love it. I'm so glad I decided to come back," said the young man with the big heart and the sharp mind.

 

HERE ARE SOME OF THURSDAY'S HIGHLIGHTS FROM BOTH THE VARSITY AND JUNIOR VARSITY CAMPS.

 

VARSITY

 

Senior quarterback Daniel Alexander and standout sure-handed senior wide receiver Sam Snyder combined on an impressive play that saw Sam catch the ball in stride and pick up significant yards after the reception. Alexander also clicked with promising junior wide receiver Nigel Drummond II on a deep ball.

 

Wildcats tireless senior kicker Drew Alessandro was at Bowling Green State University earlier this week visiting the campus and performing his skills for the Falcons' coaches. No one works harder at his trade than Drew.

 

JUNIOR VARSITY

 

Adding to their status in the corner's Good Hands Club on Thursday evening were sophomore wide receivers Henry Cook, Billy Spear and Domenic Fabe, and 6-5, 220-pound sophomore tight end Sam Daugstrup.

 

Billy Spear made the highlight reel with a diving catch that saw him screen out a defender who was draped on his back, leave his feet and take the pigskin out of mid air just a few feet off the ground.

 

Without question, the big moments of the evening's JV Camp were provided by gifted sophomore running backs Najee Lockett and James Crosby, and the offensive line that is under the tutelage of the 'Cats' outstanding Varsity and JV OL Coaches Adam Rini '99 and Paul Yappel.

 

And let's not forget the job Coach Terry Fergus '72 does with his running backs on all levels.

 

The late, great Saint Ignatius Hall of Fame Coach John J. Wirtz was smiling down from heaven as Lockett and Crosby were reading the holes and ripping off big yards under the early evening sun that hovered over Wasmer Field.

 

Have a great weekend and a Happy Fathers' Day to all of the dads and grandpas.