Editor's Note: In anticipation of the 2019 Saint Ignatius rugby season starting on Saturday, we are beginning a new series. We will be writing about the seniors on the Saint Ignatius rugby team, helping fans to get to know the squad. The Wildcats begin the 2019 campaign on Saturday, playing Gonzaga in Maryland. Follow @SIHS_Varsity15s on Twitter for live updates this season. 

Nick Vitou grew up in a big household in Rocky River with his mom, dad, four sisters, and his one brother Alex. Nick attended St. Christopher in Rocky River for grade school. Nick grew up primarily playing soccer, but also played lacrosse.

Soccer was a huge part of Nick’s life. He enrolled at Saint Ignatius and was eager to perform his best for the illustrious Wildcats JV B soccer team, led by head coach Dr. Anthony Fior '02 and assistant coach John Rowell '11. Nick had a successful freshman year tryout and made the soccer team. Nick had decided to give up on lacrosse to solely pursue soccer. After a prodigious freshman year spiritually, academically and athletically, Nick was ready to get back in uniform for his sophomore year.

As sophomore year soccer tryouts approached, no one was more excited than Nick. Full of confidence, Nick left the tryout feeling confident in his performance. Unfortunately, his confidence was not matched by the coaches. Nick was cut from the team.

For a short time after he was cut, Nick was feeling a sense of melancholy. Receiving support from his friends and family, Nick decided to play pick up rugby 7’s after school with friends. However, this is not where Nick’s history with rugby begins.

Nick’s brother, Alex Vitou ‘06, played rugby for Saint Ignatius. Alex is the person who really introduced Nick to rugby, though Nick didn’t go to every game because of his age. Even still, his brother tried his best to teach his little brother about the sport.

Nick started played pick up 7’s after school almevery dayyday until spring rolled around, as did rugby season. Nick’s parents were excited about his decision to play rugby, because he wasn’t giving up on sports.

Thanks to the 7’s matches Nick played after school, he already learned how to pass and he wasn't afraid to ruck and tackle bigger players. Thanks to his soccer background, he was naturally good at conversions and kicking. That made him a perfect choice for fly half or fullback.

In addition to those positions, Nick’s speed gave him a third option, which was to play wing. Nick felt like rugby was a easy transition from soccer because his teammates and friends made him feel comfortable and welcomed to his new found sport.

His first season presented some adversity. Vitou pulled his groin on his right side, making his preferred kicking foot unavailable. Vitou switched to his weak foot, and thanks to his soccer background, he was able to play and kick conversions through his minor injury.

The injury bug bit Vitou again during his junior season in 2018. In the alumni game, the fullback tore his ACL, which in most cases is a devastating career injury. However, Nick was able to walk off the field. After a long road to recovery, Vitou is now 100% healthy. He feels that he's at his peak fitness and is ready to play in his final season in 2019. 

Nick is currently undecided in his choice of college though he plans to major in business administration. Wherever college he attends, Nick plans to play recreation league rugby.

Nick would like to thank his family and his friends who supported him throughout his four years at Saint Ignatius.