The development of the Saint Ignatius lacrosse program into an area powerhouse is leading to plenty of recognition.
Following a selection into the "A" bracket of the MSLCA Tournament last weekend, in which the Wildcats performed well but could not break down the door, a host of Wildcats garnered All-Midwest recognition.
In all, four Lax Cats made the first-team, one clinched a spot on the second-team, and three took honorable mention.
Anthony Ameo, Michael Boehm, Jack Welcsh, and Blade Cintron represented the Wildcats on the All-Miwest first-team squad. Not a bad quartet.
Despite battling injuries this year, Ameo has been absolutely superb for the Wildcats. The faceoff man has dominated at the X this season. Ameo has an incredible face-off percentage of 72.5% and a hearty 81 groundballs on the year. The Ohio State-bound FOGO holds the school career records fo groundballs with a whopping 451.
The heart of the Saint Ignatius offense in 2018 has been Michael Boehm. The sophomore has recorded 53 goals and 39 assists, both just shy of season records. Crew Cintron and Dan Hayden are tied for the school record for goals in a season with 65. Pete Denk recorded just 5 more assists (44) than Boehm, back in 1992. Hayden's season points record (102) is also in jeopardy, has Boehm currently has 92. Boehm's skills as an attacker are second to none, and he also has 36 groundballs on the year.
Long stick midfielder Jack Welcsh has burst onto the scene as a sophomore. The Lakewood resident has tallied 68 groundballs in a fun-to-watch 2018 campaign. The Cats' LSM will play a big role in the playoffs.
Blade Cintron rounds out the first-team selections after a stellar season at defense. The talented sophomore has accrued 33 groundballs, showing off his adeptness for stepping up and stopping opposing attackers. Cintron's defensive prowess will be important to the Wildcats' success on defense in the playoffs.
Merick Hartley repped the Wildcats on the All-Midwest second-team for his efforts on offense. The stud sophomore tallied 33 goals and 6 assists as an attacker for the Cats. He's not done yet, either, as he scored one goal last night vs. South and assisted on others.
Jack Moriarty and Connor McGowan also find spots on the honorable mention team despite battling injuries. Moriarty has notched an incredible 37 goals, 11 assists, and 24 groundballs in just 15 games this season. The strong attacker can slash his way to the crease and find the back of the net at will. McGowan tabbed 13 groundballs in 15 games, having a significant impact as a defensive midfielder. He also played a critical role for the Ice Cats this past season.
Jeff Outcalt rounds out the All-Midwest selections as an honorable mention. While wearing the venerable #34, Outcalt has grabbed 16 groundballs this year. The senior has supplied savvy skills on defense, forcing opponents to utilize other passing lanes. Outcalt has also provided leadership to a relatively young, yet incredibly talented, squad.
Following a win over Willoughby South on Tuesday, the Lax Cats advance to Regional Quarterfinal vs. Green on Friday at Wasmer Field at 7 pm.