With the start of preparations for the fall season, Saint Ignatius student-athletes have seen a new face in the training room and on the field.

Following the retirement of the beloved Hank Gaughan, the Saint Ignatius Athletic Department searched for a rising star in the athletic training industry to help fill Gaughan's shoes. Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick '88 and the athletic department found one such bright and talented professional who will be a good fit with the Wildcats.

Tony Connacher is the newest member of the Saint Ignatius Athletic Department and Wildcats' Sports Medicine team.

The Wildcats' new Assistant Athletic Trainer is not a Saint Ignatius alum, but he is a diehard Clevelander. Just like Gaughan, Connacher is a Holy Name alumnus, graduating in 2011. Connacher grew up and currently lives in beautiful Parma, or as Mr. Drew Vilinsky '97 likes to call it, "God's country." 

Following high school, Connacher matriculated to Lakeland Community College before heading to Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia. A 4-year starter with the Cardinals baseball team, Connacher developed a deep love for baseball, which he admits is his favorite sport.

While spending time with athletic trainers at Holy Name and WJU, Connacher developed an appreciation for athletic training. 

"I always loved playing and watching sports growing up, and you can't play forever, so this seemed like a fun way to stay involved," said Connacher. "With retirement today, you have to work until you're 70 now, so you might as well enjoy it."

Connacher acquired his bachelor of arts degree from Wheeling Jesuit and went on to acquire his Master's degree in Sports Medicine from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Connacher also earned his certification in strength and conditioning, knowledge he hopes to apply with the Wildcats' Strength and Conditioning Coach Anthony Rubino.

Connacher began his professional career as an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Rock Canyon High School, a school of 2,500 in a suburb south of Denver, from 2016-18. He enjoyed the job but wanted to return to his hometown. 

"I wanted to come back to Cleveland, and luckily this worked out," Connacher said. "A few friends of mine went to Saint Ignatius. Everyone who goes here is very passionate about it. My best friend's dad went here, and his dad still holds it against him to this day that he didn't go here and chose Padua instead. It's been 10 years and his dad still holds it against him. So I know the alumni and community is very passionate."

The Wildcats are happy to have Connacher on board, too.

"We feel very fortunate to add an assistant athletic trainer of Tony's quality," said Fitzpatrick. "He will be a huge help. Tony will take care of our kids well. Tony and Mo will do great things with our Sports Medicine team." 

Sizemore is glad to have Connacher as a teammate and a partner in keeping the Wildcats healthy and safe. 

"I think that Tony is going to be a great addition to the Saint Ignatius Sports Medicine team," said Head Athletic Trainer Mo Sizemore. "He has already shown that he is a hard worker and has a great skill set. He has great rapport with the boys.

"It's really hard to replace Hank and his invaluable experience. We miss him already. We're well on our way, though. Tony will be a great member of the team and a big help. Tony will fit in well here."

In his first couple weeks, Connacher has felt welcomed by the Wildcats. Connacher likes the atmosphere and the work thus far. 

"I'm enjoying the job so far," Connacher said. "It's nice to be back in Cleveland and around my friends and family.