About half a year ago, I decided to get a new pair of glasses. My vision was getting a little worse, and my old glasses made me look as though my GPA were .5 points higher than it actually was (better put— I looked nerdy). So I got some thick rimmed Ray Bans, and, although I can rock them pretty darn well, I commonly hear jokes about my being a hipster. At first, I was immediately repulsed, thinking of all the negative stigmas of these tight jean wearing, weird hairdo having, sarcastically minded urban dwellers; but after much thought and soul searching I can now accept being called half hipster.
Scholar, teacher, father: Greg Knittel is remembered
By Michael Howard, History Faculty
He was a scholar. I can attest to that. For several years Dr. Greg Knittel and I rode into Saint Ignatius together from the West Side. Our car pool originally had four faculty members in it, but after two of them left the school only Greg and I remained. We each had crummy cars. Mine wouldn’t go in reverse unless I got under the car and fiddled with the gears. His windshield wipers wouldn’t work, so I would sometimes reach around the door frame to push the one on the shotgun side. We sailed along I-90 that way often lost in intellectual conversation. Greg, who died on February 5th after a long struggle against ALS, was a treasure house of linguistic information, and when he talked I learned. He was concerned about the erosion of the English language, and I tried to contribute my share to conversations about that topic. I was always hopelessly outclassed. He talked about such things with the same evident enthusiasm he had for the soccer program, which he had begun. He somehow seemed to be able to summon enthusiasm for whatever he was involved in.
Once I was teaching my Freshman students about illuminated medieval manuscripts. My wife and I owned several pages from such books, and I had them in my classroom hanging above the front board so that the students could see what they looked like. Greg was on our floor at the time, and he stopped in to say hello as I was eating my lunch. But his attention was diverted to the manuscripts. Suddenly he was fixating on a song sheet from late 15th century Bavaria. It was in Latin, and Greg was translating it faster than I can read English. He even pointed out what he said were ligatures that indicated missing syllables, and he knew what the missing syllables were. I remember that. I know about ligatures now. What am I doing knowing that kind of stuff? It’s because my friend was Greg Knittel, and he was teaching me once again.
For years he served as the chair of the Classical Language Department, and under him Latin and Greek formed probably the most robust Classics program in the United States, high school or college. He later earned his PhD, served as Dean of Teachers, and found time to coach in the soccer program he had initiated. Mr. Mike McLaughlin, current soccer coach, played for Greg and served as an assistant coach under him. “He loved the game,” says Mike. “He also loved helping student athletes to do their best. He taught me that every day was a battle, and he continued to teach me that for the rest of his life, especially at the end.”
Greg’s biggest contribution to teaching came indeed when he was in his long, protracted process of dying. His disease was a particularly insidious one, robbing him first of his perfect diction, then his coordination, later rendering him no longer ambulatory. Finally, he couldn’t move at all. Only his eyes seemed to work. Oh, and his smile. ALS couldn’t get that away from him. Even when he couldn’t talk it was evident that he was still listening, still taking in ideas. He was teaching everyone around him that even when the quality of life has been compromised, there is still a reason to hang onto it. And how he hung on!
So, he’s gone now. When a much older person dies it’s customary to talk about a long life lived well. In Greg’s case it was an all too short life lived enthusiastically. If you wanted to know how much he affected those close to him all you had to do was to see how his family and friends hovered over him as he lay immobile on his bed. They carried on discussions to give him something to listen to. They talked, and he remained silent, fighting just to stay alive. They talked, and he taught. Without the ability to utter a single word. Now, that was a teacher!
Tri-C Rock-Off finalists Pluto Reinstatement Committee are ready for their final exam
Updated 10:04 PM 2/7/13
The Eye was given the chance to have an interview with seniors Mike Avdey, Kevin Anderson, and Zack Dubyoski from Pluto Reinstatement Committee, who gave a good preview for the Tri-C High School Rock-Off Final Exam this Saturday.
Eye: So, what’s your set list for the finals?
PRC: Our set list is our demo, because we only have 15 minutes for our set. The songs are “Innocence is Bliss,” “Girl,” and “Into the Light.”
Eye: How hard have you worked for the finals? As in, how often have you practiced and rehearsed, and how hard have you practiced and rehearsed?
PRC: We have been practicing together once or twice a week, 3 hours a practice. By ourselves we practice just about every day. Playing music isn’t even considered practice to us, it’s just fun.
Eye: What was your reaction when you made it into the finals?
PRC: We were pretty confident after our set that we made it to the finals after listening to the rest of our bands that night. We weren’t being cocky, but we had the best crowd there who loved us and enhanced our performance greatly.
Eye: How big do you think the turn-out will be?
PRC: We sold all 70 of our tickets, plus more that we got from the box office, so we should have a solid crowd there again.
Eye: Finally, do you think you will win?
PRC: We are hoping to win, that’s for sure, but at the end of the day all we can do is rock as hard as we can.
And there you have it. This show sounds like it will be loud, crazy, and fun. Grab a ticket if you can, and don’t forget to read the follow-up article in the print edition next week. PRC is scheduled to go on at 6:55 PM at the House of Blues on Saturday night. You can catch up with PRC on Facebook and Twitter, and you can get ready for the show by listening to the tracks from their demo below.
2013 Baron Cup Preview: Excitement rises as hockey season heats up
Saint Ignatius Leads Pack as Intensity Rises in High School Hockey. Cleveland area teams battle for the Division I Baron Cup. Action in Baron Cup I begins on Wednesday.For the 42nd time, the puck will drop to begin Baron Cup action on Wednesday evening. The Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League heads the tournament before the OHSAA State Tournament begins. Saint Ignatius comes in as the defending Baron Cup Champion, as they begin their defense on Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm at Brooklyn Ice Arena. Can’t make it? Every Wildcat hockey game from here to as far as the Wildcat advance will be broadcasted on the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network.
I bring you a look at each of the eight teams in Baron Cup play.
1. Saint Ignatius (24-5-3)- 1st Place, Red North West
The Wildcats have won a record four consecutive division championships in the GCHSHL. Senior captain Miles McQuinn has been the most valuable player for the Wildcats, but he hasn’t just played for himself. Along with assistant captains Alex McNulty and Joe Malone, the Wildcat veterans have stepped up greatly to bring the younger guys up and comfortable. “The underclassmen, who had so many questions to answer at the beginning of the season, have played a major key in how we have performed,” said McQuinn. The Wildcat got off to an outstanding start to their season, as they have won the Miami (OH) Tournament, the Meadville (PA) Tournament, and the Purple Puck (Washington, D.C.) Tournament. They also took second locally in the Padua Christmas Tournament.
2. Hudson- (15-12-2) T-3rd Place, Red North East
The Hudson Explorers have had their highs and lows in the 2012-2013 season, but they are more than happy to be a late insertion into the Baron Cup as St. Edward was forced to drop out due to scheduling issues. The Explorers started the season well, as they just fell short in the Rocky River Classic to the Pirates in the championship game. Goalie Grayson Kotseas stands in front for the Explorers and Bo Lori and John Calabro are the two mainstays that challenge teams offensively with crisp passing and frequent shooting. Last year, Hudson was knocked out in the first round by Saint Ignatius.
3. Shaker Heights (20-6-0)- T-2nd Place, Red North West
The Red Raiders got off to a red hot start to the season by breezing through the Bruce Anderson Memorial Tournament, and they won their own tournament over the holiday break. Shaker Heights also dominated the Walsh Jesuit Invitational, but the Red Raiders have had some tough losses in this late season. Saint Ignatius won the outright Red North West when Shaker Heights was worn down defensively and shut out 4-0 on 1/26. In their regular season finale, Shaker could not muster any offense and was clipped in a shutout by University School 1-0. In goal, Eric Sterin has stepped up in net for the Red Raiders. Senior defenseman Jonathan Greenburg has been a consistent stopper as a defender as well for the Red Raiders. On the attack, Shaker Heights is led by seniors Connor Siwak, John Longman, Joey Yoder, and Jacob Schick, who have all contributed on the offensive end. The Red Raiders lost in the championship last year.
4. University School (19-10-3)- 4th Place, Red North West
The Preppers of University School had an excellent moment at the St. John’s Jesuit Invitational in January, when they were flawless throughout the weekend, as they knocked off the host team in the title game, 2-1. They ended the season sharply, with a 5-3 win over St. Edward on 1/31 and a big shutout win over Shaker Heights 1-0 on the 2nd of February. They went 5-4-1 in league play, but have improved as the season has gone on. Alex Silver has been solid in net for the Preppers as U.S. has had strong offense from Eddie Gable and Sam Strang. The Preppers reached the semifinals, but fell short of Shaker Heights last year.
5. Lake Catholic- (14-12-2) 5th Place, Red North West
A team that has had some convincing outings and some outings to scratch your head at, Lake Catholic can always draw surprises in Baron Cup play. Last year, they took down St. Edward in the first round before being knocked out by Saint Ignatius. The Cougars have some strong showings, including 1-1 tie against Saint Ignatius on December 19th. On 1/23, the Cougars fought past University School 3-2. They went 4-5-1 in league play and 10-7-1 in non-league. Junior goalie Liam Conway has had many highlights. Head coach Ryan O’Kicki has been looking for more offensive production throughout the whole season. The power play has been the main issue for the Cougars.6. Walsh Jesuit- (21-9-2) T-1st Place, Red North East
From the very beginning of the season, the Walsh Jesuit Warriors were looked upon as a team that had quite a bit of potential. “They are one of the more hard-hitting teams we play,” said Saint Ignatius captain Miles McQuinn. He went on, “They do not just hit to hit. They hit for the puck.” That came after the Warriors edged Saint Ignatius 3-2 on November 30. The Warriors have gone 7-2-1 in their league play and have given strong showings at their own invitational and the Cornfield Cup. They have had their struggles at times, but this is still a team that has been fun to watch. Coach Pat McKendry has stressed one word all year – effort. Junior keeper Jamie Studer is very stocky and the Warriors are led by senior Lucas Matson. The Warriors were bumped in the first round last year in the Baron Cup.
7. Holy Name (21-9-2) T-1st Place, Red North East
Going 7-2-1 in league play, the Holy Name Green Wave will have a re-match of their last regular season game in the first round against Hudson. The Green Wave finished their regular season by beating the Explorers 2-0. Holy Name ha had some intriguing moments throughout the season, including a 4-3 overtime win over solid Sylvania Northview at the Walsh Jesuit Invitational (1/19). Last year, the Green Wave did not qualify in the Baron Cup.8. Rocky River (23-6-1) T-3rd Place, Red North East
The Pirates have many interesting occurrences this year, such as wins over Sylvania Northview (4-3) on 1/18 at the Walsh Jesuit Invitational and Walsh Jesuit (4-2) in their regular season finale. They beat Hudson three times and tied the Explorers once in the regular season. In league play, the ship sailed at a record of 6-3-1. The Pirates went 23-6-1 and look to hang in there as the underdog against the #1 seeded-Saint Ignatius Wildcats. Brandon DeLano, Kyle Kopechek, and Eric Sperli have all been strong for the Pirates in the winter of 2012-2013.
Let the games begin!
For more on the schedule, go to ignatius.edu/hockey. The hockey season is only just getting started.
Tweet @JohnFanta13 and @SIHSSports when you need a Baron Cup update or have any questions. All Baron Cup games are on live video on the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network.
SIGNING DAY PROFILES: John Tanis
John Tanis
Saint Ignatius Rower
College of the Holy Cross
John Tanis has been a major contributor to the Rowing Team since his Freshman Year. As a Freshman, he pulled a 2K time that was within 10 seconds of college times. His Freshman Year, his boat took 1 st 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 at Nationals (Varsity Race).
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, Massachusettes and everywhere in between. Tanis has been a great part of Saint Ignatius High School, as John comes from the West Side of Cleveland. He graduated from St. Angela, and looks to keep the Catholic education going at the College of the Holy Cross.
In One Ear, Out the Other: A Second Semester Senior
70 school days until graduation
Well, a day in the life of a second semester senior is unpleasant. Regardless of how awesome your classes are, the knowledge that you’re caged up and cannot taste the freedom known as college for a few more months makes the second semester rough to say the least. This emotion can best be described by detective Terry Hoitz in The Other Guys when he said, “I’m a peacock, you’ve got to let me fly!” That’s spot on for what the seniors are right now: caged peacocks yearning to unleash themselves into the adult young adult world. That being said, some excitement in our lives really makes our final days more bearable. To be exact, these past two days at St. Ignatius have offered the drama that could only be conjured up in the mind of ABC Family writers and MTV tweens. First, we were hit with a mysterious black out that imprisoned the fine Mr. Hodermarsky in a cell we call the elevator. That’s some meat to the story of my life! This not only lit up the inter-webs of Insta-Twit-Book, but it also gave seniors a signature memory to brag to people about (although when present seniors recall this occasion in years to come it will most certainly be over exaggerated. “Haunting voices came and I swear the lights were out for hours!”)
SIGNING DAY PROFILES: Mike LaManna
Mike LaManna
6’2″ 185 Pound Saint Ignatius Quarterback
Ashland University
He had been learning offensive coordinator Nick Restifo’s system right when he started slinging it for Saint Ignatius. When his coaches describe who Mike LaManna is, one of the descriptions they also use is that Mike is a “strong learner.” LaManna, who was a first year varsity starter, had learned so much, but was finally ready to prove that he had what it took for Saint Ignatius. LaManna led the Wildcats to an 11-2 2012 season, as Saint Ignatius reached the Region 1 Final in Division 1. LaManna was an Honorable Mention on the AP All-District team, as the Southpaw Slinger came up big for the Wildcats in 2012, especially in moments when he truly had to dig deep. LaManna really stepped up for the Wildcats in their Week 9 affair in Cincinnati against Saint Xavier. LaManna led Saint Ignatius back with 26 unanswered points, as he fought through the mental adversity to lead the Wildcat offense. LaManna finished the season with an effort that nobody can hang their head on. He put up 340 yards in the air as went 26-of 40 and threw five touchdowns. Although the Wildcats fell short of Mentor, 57-56, many who had any doubts of LaManna that night could all be silenced. LaManna calls Ashland “a great fit” a she is extremely interested in their new College of Business and Economics. Head coach Lee Owens will be in his tenth season at the helm for the Eagles next fall. Quarterbacks coach Tom Stacy look to continue to further Mike’s skills. Ashalnd finished 11-1 in 2012 as they went 10-0 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. They fell short in the Region 4 (Division II) Semifnals.
SIGNING DAY PROFILES: Matt Gawlik
Matt Gawlik
6’3″235 Pound Saint Ignatius Defensive End
Gannon University
An AP All-District football team honorable mention, Matt Gawlik stepped up for Saint Ignatius as a first year varsity starter. Quick off the ball, Matt worked throughout the 2012 offseason to get bigger and bigger to be ready to step up for the Wildcats in the fall. Gawlik came up big for Coach Chuck Kyle and the Wildcats. Always wearing a smile on his face, Matt made key play after key play for the Wildcats and maintained his health throughout the season. He fell in love with Gannon, as the school reminded him of a place that he loves in Saint Ignatius High School. Matt has always been a class act, and looks to continue his football career and days with a Catholic education at Gannon next fall. Head coach and defensive coordinator Brad Rzyczycki took over on May 3, 2012 at Gannon. He had previously served on the staff as the defensive coordinator, as the Golden Knights ranked first in red zone defense in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and they were in the top half in numerous categories as far as figures go in the conference. Coach Rzyczyzki also has his Ohio roots, as his hometown is Twinsburg Ohio. Gawlik is on his way to Pennsylvania show off his speed and quickness of the edge right from the get-go.
What should the phone policy look like? Tell us.
Updated 2/9/13 at 9:22 PM
Attention juniors, sophomores, and freshmen: Filling out this survey could help you and your classmates get greater access to technology on campus. Seniors, as students who have witnessed unprecedented growth of technology on campus over the past four years, we want your input, too.
As Saint Ignatius prepares for the 2013-2014 school year, the administration has decided to give students the chance to voice their opinions on a wide variety of issues relating to BYOT, especially the possibility of a restructured policy towards cellphones and portable digital technology. While there are no guarantees, any policy changes will make room for input on behalf of the student body. So what do you think should change? Follow this link to fill out the survey.
After you fill out the form, use the comments thread below to share your views right away.
Here are some of the survey responses we have received so far….
Policy Core
What rules are most important? What should and shouldn’t be allowed? Where should you be allowed to use your phones and other devices?
- “The main restriction should be a choice for that teacher to decide whether or not the student is or is not allowed to use technology. The other main point of restriction is use in the chapel where there should be attention to God not twitter.”
- “free periods you should be allowed. You sould not be allowed to use them in class, and this should be more enforced. You should not have to register your phone and you should be allowed to play games and listen to music durring free periods as long as it does not desturb the surrounding students (use ear phones).”
- “No gaming only devices allowed (PSP DS). Tablets, Smartphones, Laptops, and net books are OK. No cellphones in classroom without teacher approval.”
- “I believe that following the handbook, there should be a ban on cell phone usage within the classroom. If given such power, greater attention is drawn from the core reason we attend school, and is given to our technology. However, i think that what a student chooses to do outside the classroom should be his responsibility, it’s not harming anyone if he uses his cell phone but if he chooses not to use his free periods or any free time wisely, he’s teaching himself bad habits for his future, therefore harming none but himself.”
- “I use my phone a lot to check my NetClassroom after I am anxious to know my score on a test, or even to check my email when Mrs. Pavlik sends out the daily announcements. I mean lets think a little. What is the point of sending out an e-mail for daily announcements if I can’t see it until I actually get to a computer? Even by then it will be too late. Also, some teachers don’t mind cell phone use in class for school-related purposes, unless stated otherwise. It is difficult to have to keep remembering which teachers care and which don’t. Also, if my schedule changes throughout the day, I sometimes find it hard just to contact my parents and tell them about these changes. To answer the questions, I think recreational games/notifying parents/checking grades or assignments are all fine. I think during homeroom and free periods are times when you can use your phone.”
- “Phones have no place in the classroom. In the mall or in Rade, who cares how people choose to spend their time?”
Off Limits Zones
Should there be locations on campus where no persons (student or adult) should use any electronic device at any time of the day? If so, what locations do you suggest? How should this be enforced?
- “I think the chapel is the most important place to keep off limits. Other than that, classes where classes are going on. And obviously no talking on the phone in the library.”
- “No. Electronic devices should be allowed anywhere on camps “
- “No texting while being taught. Have phone banks like Wimbo where we can put our phones in at the begining of class and take them out at the end.”
- “No student use of personal technologies any where on campus during school! WE NEED TO BE STRICTER ON SCHOOL POLICIES. WE HAVE TURNED IGNATIUS INTO A BUNCH OF SLACKING, DISORDERED, AND SLOPPY PEOPLE. WE NEED ORDER!”
- “No, let people use the devices they purchased themselves.”
Gray Areas
Is it ok to use your phone, laptop, or tablet for games, personal messages, Twitter, or Facebook during school hours? Do you use social networking for academic purposes? Should any of this be regulated?
- “I honestly think it is ok for people to use electronic devices for personal messages, games, and social media sites. What’s the harm in doing so? I do not see any. I also do use social networking for academic purposes more than you might think. I do think it should be regulated because students may post inappropriate material that may hurt the integrity of this school.”
- “Yes, it is perfectly okay, it should even be encouraged to play games or do leisure activities on your devices during school. All of us students are high schoolers, we don’t want to learn for 7 straight hours, even with free periods and lunch, we like to relax and have a little fun. For English last year, Mr. Strauss had us set up a twitter account for a project and it was really fun and interactive. I, as well as the whole class, I’m sure, thoroughly enjoyed it. “
- “This should be allowed because it would force students into real life situations like time management skills used in everyday like those in college. These can be challenges that a college studen can face so I feel that St. Ignatius could best prepare us for them if the students were allowed.”
- “I don’t know if it is truly necessary to to send personal messages, tweets, or be on Facebook during the day. If there can be a true academic purpose tied into the social media sites then perhaps that is something to look in to, but personal messaging on any domain should be regulated.”
Etiquette
What rules of “phone etiquette” should students be expected to follow on campus?
- “Don’t text or take pictures of teachers. Always keep phone on silent when in class. Don’t do anything on your phone at school that you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see.”
- “As far as etiquette goes, I don’t think a phone should be visible when speaking with an adult on campus, whether it be a teacher, administrator, faculty member, or guest/alumnus. It’s just plain rude and inconsiderate. Sneaking a look at your phone while class is in session is a bit rude as well, to fellow classmates and the teacher. Otherwise, I think technology should be freely used on campus.”
- “Use phones moderately and not all the time. Don’t use all of your free period on Twitter when work could get done. In the lunchroom don’t keep your eyes on your phone the whole period when with others; rather, engage in conversation or do work.”
- “No pictures of students or even teachers on social networks without the consent of the person/people in the picture.”
- “Don’t be playing a game when the teacher is talking. Don’t make it phone centered place, stil communicate with others.”
- “None whatsoever, except applicable legal statutes.”
SIGNING DAY PROFILES: Mike Cray
Mike Cray
6’1″ 260 Pound Saint Ignatius Offensive Lineman and Captain
Walsh University
Recognized as the Most Valuable Offensive Lineman in 2012, Mike Cray looks to continue his football career in North Canton. Cray, who was on the 2011 sate champion Wildcats and contributed in many ways at guard, was selected as a 2012 Captain for Saint Ignatius and was one of the key leaders for another strong Wildcat football team that reached the Regional Final. When talking with his offensive line coach, Adam Rini, the first thing he says about Mike is “Consistency.” Cray has always been stout for defensive fronts to get by as he knows and often reviews the fundamentals of the game and waches much film. Cray made the All-District first team and was selected to the AP All-Ohio third team. Mike, who loves the Pre-Dental and Sciences Wing at Walsh University, plans to take his leadership that he learned on Wasmer Field to the Cavaliers. Just recently, on December 21st, 2012, Ted Karras (48-23 at Marian University) was named the head football coach at Walsh University. Long time coach Jim Dennison has retired, so the Cavaliers will have a new coach for the first time in 18 seasons. Mike will play his home games at a familiar place, the one and only Fawcett Stadium.
