by John Fanta ’13
After the regularly scheduled Signing Day in February every year, there are always athletes everywhere at the high school level who still have not signed and are contemplating. Saint Ignatius High School hosted a special Signing Day on Wednesday, May 15, for those Wildcat athletes who have decided to further their educations and careers towards the future. The Breen Center for the Performing Arts hosted the event, as seven Ignatius men signed the dotted line to make their choice of school official.
Congrats to the following men on their decisions. What a pleasure it has been to cover them.
Vince Bartram
Cross Country
West Point Academy
An Academic All-Ohio Award winner and state cross country qualifier, Vince Bartram has been an effective Saint Ignatius runner as a three-year letter holder. Vince also uses his talents as a relay runner for the Wildcat Track and Field team, as he has delivered big performances for Coaches Mike Gallagher and Chuck Kyle in the fall and spring. As a high performer in the classroom, Bartram is the definition of a “mutitasker,” as he has learned to balance his time at West 30th and Lorain. Penn State bound star high school runner and teammate Jack Miller said of Vince, “He has been a great friend of mine and has been so integral for the cross country and track and field programs. West Point will definitely be a great match.” Bartram’s hardwork ethic is what drives him to the academy. as he fell in love with West Point in his visit.
What he brings to the table is not only athletic achievments, but a big heart as well. Congrats to Vince and his family on this wonderful achievement. Considered a member of the 2012 “Cat Pack,” which was the prime group for Saint Ignatius cross country this past fall, Vince brings a lot of experience to West Point. What an achiever of excellence for the greater glory of God.
William (Jagger) Bruck
Baseball
Wheeling Jesuit
Growing up as a student at Gesu, Jagger Bruck made the decision to continue his education at Saint Ignatius. He will further his education with the Jesuit ideals of life in mind when he takes his talents to West Virginia to Wheeling Jesuit. Bruck, who is a catcher and a two-year varsity player for Saint Ignatius, has been a kid that has improved the morale of the team with his great attitude. One of Bruck’s standout hits of the season was a two-run single against Massillon Jackson. Although the Wildcats took a tough loss that afternoon, Bruck still displayed great toughness. Jagger will be playing in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference this at Wheeling Jesuit and looks to represent the blue and gold at the next level, but with the same Jesuit base. Congrats to an outstanding man on and off the field.
Tyler Finkler
Baseball
Ohio University
One of the most consistent players Coach Ganor has had at Saint Ignatius, Tyler Finkler has filled the role as a captain exceptionally well for Saint Ignatius. His glove has been huge behind the Wildcat pitching staff, as his consistency at the plate has been a spectacle to watch. Tyler’s brother, Cory, is now playing at Toledo. The Finkler family has a rivalry now as Tyler heads to a fellow Mid-American Conference School, Ohio University. Finkler will go to play for Coach Rob Smith as he visited the school on Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Smith is in his first year as the head coach at Ohio, and he looks to do big things in the future for the Bobcats. Ohio is a 15-time MAC Champion and as made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances. On top of those achievements, the program has produced 129 MLB signees. Finkler is the everyday shortstop with the Wildcats and is the type of guy who never lets his team down. A sharp glove and bat is heading to Athens, as the Bobcats welcome in Tyler Finkler.
Andrew Reichard
Crew
Syracuse University
Andrew Reichard has been a major contributor to the Rowing Team since his Freshman Year. His Freshman Year, his boat took 1st place in the Novice 4 at The Midwest Scholastic Championship and 2nd at Nationals in Freshman 8.As a sophomore, his boat took first place in the Junior Varsity 8 at Midwest and 2nd place at Nationals. As a Junior, John’s boat took 2nd place in the Petite Finals of the Varsity Race at Nationals. The Midwest Scholastic Championship Regatta is a competition among all High School Teams in an 11 State Region that includes Ohio. The National Championship is a Regatta that represents 500 High School Teams from all over the United States and includes teams from Washington State, California, Texas, Florida, New York, Massachusetts and everywhere in between. Andrew’s most impressive accomplishment is the leadership role that he took during his Senior Year. Andrew stepped up as the undisputed Captain of the Rowing Team. He organized winter practices during the offseason and convinced nearly all of the underclassmen to attend. He took responsibility for managing a culture of hard work in and dignity in Saint Ignatius Cre. Coach Pat Connor calls Andrew an absolute class act and an all-around good man for others. Andrew’s grade point average has been very strong while at Saint Ignatius. He looks to continue his leadership in the water and try to bring that attitude to the Orange of Syracuse in New York. Congrats to a great man, leader, and rower.
Francisco Santiago
Basketball
Wheeling Jesuit
AP All-Northeast Lakes District Basketball Player of the Year, first teamer on the All-Ohio Division I team, and member of the Plain Dealer Elite Team, Francisco Santiago averaged 15.4 points and 4.6 assists, leading 5th-year Coach Sean O’Toole to a District Championship appearance in a very strong season for the Wildcats. He, along with Derek Sloan, received a co-Most Valuable Player Award at the season banquet and was selected to play in the Ohio North-South Basketball All-Star Game. “Cisco,” as his teammates call him, finished with 14 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds in that All-Star affair. He was the #1 man in terms of leadership for the Wildcats and composed the scoring in so many big ways this season. His toughness in key situations led the Wildcats to special moments, such as a season sweep of the St. Edward Eagles. The determination of Francisco on the court could very well-likely go a long way at Wheeling Jesuit, who went 19-10 on this past season.
Derek Sloan
Basketball
Cleveland State University
AP Northeast Lakes District first teamer, special mention player on the All-Ohio squad, and special mention in the Plain Dealer All-Star selection, Derek Sloan is staying in Cleveland to be a Viking for Gary Waters and Cleveland State. Sloan received a co-Most Valuable Player Award, averaged a team-best 16 points per game, racked down 145 rebounds on the season, and came up with 37 blocks and 20 steals. Along with his counterpart Santiago, Derek won a Captains Award as well for the Wildcats and also played in the Ohio North-South All-Star game. For the first time in 23 seasons, Cleveland State went back to the NCAA Tournament in 2008-2009. Gary Waters led the Vikings to a first round win over Wake Forest. He has been recognized as a real game-changer for the university’s program and has liked the idea of getting local kids from around the area. He goes with the Saint Ignatius man, Derek Sloan. Derek’s ability to move the ball to the hoop has lots of potential. Derek looks to do big things as he represents Coach O’Toole and the ‘Cats
Tommy Zeigler
Wrestling
Kent State University
Saint Ignatius’ four-time letter winner and three-time state placer, Tommy Zeigler, is going to be in the Mid-American Conference with the Kent State Golden Flashes. Tommy was selected to the Plain Dealer All-Star Wrestling Team this year as a special mention. He was the MVP of the team at the banquet and some highlights include finishing second at the Solon Comet Classic and the Brecksville Holiday Tournament. Zeigler went on to take first in the sectional tournament, second at the Mentor “Meat Grinder” district and third in the state tournament at 126 pounds. The biggest high for Tom was his 1-0 victory at the state tournament over St. Edward’s Chance Driscoll. It was regarded as a highlight at the tournament, as Tom found a way to prevail. Coach Mark Sullivan looks for Tom to represent the Wildcat wrestling program at the next level in strong fashion as he goes to wrestle for head coach Jim Andrassy as a Golden Flash. Good luck to a great man on and off the mats.
