Amidst a busy weekend for Saint Ignatius athletics this weekend, the Mat Cats began a postseason journey.
The Saint Ignatius varsity wrestling team competed in the Sectional Tournament at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School, one of six host schools to a Sectional tourney this weekend.
Placed in a difficult sectional, the Wildcats advanced six wrestlers to the District Tournament next weekend. As a team, the Wildcats finished third behind Brecksville-Broadview Heights and Berea-Midpark.
The Wildcats' lightweights enjoyed great success, guided by the veterans on the squad.
Captain Johnny Novak did great work at 106, providing one of the day's top highlights. The junior pinned his first opponent in 11 seconds and earned a 13-3 major decision to advance to the championship bout. In this match, Novak delivered a signature battle. Brecksville's Pito Castro emerged from the other side of the bracket, easily advancing via two pins. In a nailbiting contest, each grappler recorded an escape point in regulation, heading into overtime with a 1-1 tie. In extra time, Novak tallied two points to earn a huge victory for the Wildcats.
Timmy Putka ran into tough competition at 113, but battled hard. The freshman lost the semifinal contest to Pino Dipierro of Berea-Midpark. Putka dropped to the consolation bracket as a result. In the first contest, Putka defeated Strongsville's Mitch Shuba in a narrow 3-1 decision. Putka then encountered Dom Mudry of North Royalton, setting the stage for a big battle for third. In the end, Mudry edged Putka, 3-1, taking bronze. Putka will enter Districts with a 24-5 record, a still impressive mark for the first-year Wildcat.
Matthew Whipkey did his job at 126, earning a spot in Districts. The senior beat a Garfield Heights foe in round one on a first-period pin. Whipkey then ran into Jimmy Carmany in the next round, experiencing a 16-4 loss to the eventual Sectional Champ. Carmany will take a 37-4 mark into Districts. Whipkey responded by winning his two consolation matches handily. Whipkey roped two first-period pins to claim third and a ticket to North Canton Hoover.
Patrick McGraw continued his excellent senior campaign on Saturday. The team captain worked his magic at 132, winning back-to-back-to-back matches to claim the Sectional crown. McGraw pinned his first foe in a minute and downed James Bronstrup of Brecksville in the semifinal, 5-2. In the title match, McGraw faced fellow senior Michael Miller of Valley Forge. McGraw managed to pin the tough foe in the first round, taking first in the weight class.
DJ Huff claimed the third and final Sectional championship for the Wildcats at 145. Huff showed why he was seeded first in the weight class, winning his first bout by pin in just 45 seconds. Huff advanced to the title match via default, coming up against Lakewood's Jayden Jackson, who entered with a 33-6 record. The two foes ended regulation deadlocked at 6-6. In overtime, Huff pulled out a clutch two points for the 8-6 win and a Sectional crown.
Zach Morgan earned the Wildcats' final District berth at 152. The strong senior handed his first opponent a quick loss on a pin just 32 seconds into the match. Morgan then faced the eventual Sectional champ, Brecksville's Victor Voinovich, falling in the match into the consis. Morgan strongarmed his next foe, 12-9, to advance to the battle for third place. Morgan left no doubt, chalking up a second period pin to claim bronze for the day.
The Wildcats' lone District alternate will be at 195. Carter Zimmerman. The sophomore lost both in the championship and consolation brackets, but won three contests, including the fifth-place match (6-2) to claim district alternate status. Zimmerman has a bright future ahead.
The 2018-19 season ended for several Wildcats. Jack Bush (120), Anthony Santagata (138), Sam Clark (160), Josh Dinya (170), and Andrew Chime (182) all failed to qualify for Districts. However, each will be back next season. Look for these men to make a significant impact for the Mat Cats in the 2019-20 campaign.
As for the Wildcats whose seasons will continue, next weekend's District Tournament will be at North Canton Hoover. Wrestling will begin at 5 pm on Friday with two championship rounds. The action will continue on Saturday at 9 am, concluding with finals wrestling at 6 pm.
For more information on the District tourney, click here.