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Not Doing It for the Glory

Athletes in Under-Attended Sports Find Motivation Within

By GEORGE SULLIVAN ’11
Eye Editorial Staff

Sports have always been a big deal in high school. Athletes train hard just to make a team and then even harder during the season in hopes of making it to a state championship. Many of our outstanding teams such as football, cross-country, soccer, lacrosse, just to name a few, are made up of these devoted competitors. One motivation, other than fame, glory, and a sick ring, is the fans. Some say there is no greater feeling than to have your peers cheer you on to victory. “I wouldn’t know,” says lacrosse superstar Matt Seeholzer. It seems that many “champions” feel this way, myself included. “When I burst out of the water after performing a near perfect triple flip 360 dive and realize that my mom is the only one there, I cry a little inside,” commented dive team senior Sean Arling.

Although we have many amazing teams here at Ignatius, many athletes feel under-appreciated. Golfers, Bowlers, Laxers, and Rowers come to me and ask, “why don’t I have beautiful women come to my events and paint my number on their cheek?”

There just aren’t as many fans at the bowling alley as there are at Browns Stadium. Why? The simple answer is that people don’t know we have these teams. I would like to take this opportunity to list all the sports you didn’t “know” about: Lacrosse, Cross Country, Bowling, Crew, Lacrosse, Baseball, Swim team, Diving team, Volleyball, Tennis, Track and Field, Wrestling, Hockey, Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse, and (if all goes according to plan) a soon-to-be varsity Fencing Club.

Apparently some of these teams are rather good. David Kloos of the swim team finished 7th in the state last year; the Baseball team was state champs in 2002 and runners up in 2008; Cross Country and Hockey won State Championships last year. The Lacrosse team hasn’t done much, but we are under new management and aiming to please. Goalie John Finucan guarantees a State Championship this season and highly encourages Wildcat fans to come see us. Now that you know all about the “other” sports teams here at Ignatius, you won’t be shocked to hear that we have a soccer team that is “unofficially” ranked #1 in the nation. Oh yeah, we toss around the pigskin every now and then too.

George Sullivan plays on the Lacrosse team, and desperately wants some love from Wildcat nation.

Mass of the Holy Spirit is a tradition shared by others

Jesuit institutions throughout world begin year in same manner.

By ZACHARY ZVOSEC ’11
Eye Staff Reporter

At the beginning of each school year, nearly 1,400 Ignatius students cram themselves into pews of the cathedral, hoping beyond hope that they will not succumb to fainting in the 90-plus- degree heat. Yet there is something beautiful about this particular Mass – not only is it one of the few times during the year when the entire school is gathered together donning blue blazers, but the Mass of the Holy Spirit has a wonderful history that Ignatius students may not realize. Within the opening week of school, tens-of-thousands other Jesuit students are cramming into their own spaces to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit at cathedrals, local parishes, and school gymnasiums.

The history of the Mass of the Holy Spirit reaches back to the very first Jesuit school established 462 years ago. Jesuit schools have always been acclaimed for their academic prowess. Therefore, according to Father Welsh, the Holy Spirit as the bringer of wisdom is “the perfect fountain of inspiration, to which students might turn to for assistance throughout the school year.” The Mass of the Holy Spirit is celebrated at the beginning of the year so that students might turn to the Spirit’s aid as they prepare to take upon new areas of study.

At St. Ignatius High School, the Mass of the Holy Spirit has been an integral part of our Jesuit heritage. Originally the Mass was held at St. Patrick’s, until the student body outgrew the seating space and moved to the St. John’s Cathedral. Accompanying our Mass of the Holy Spirit is the Freshmen Walk, which has become both an outwards sign of tradition and initiation.

It’s also a visible witness to the community.   Clevelanders recognize who these young men are and what institution and values they stand for. “It feels great to become part of an Ignatius tradition,” freshman Matt Ivancic says.  “Walking alongside my classmates gave me great expectations for the next four years.” While the Mass of the Holy Spirit may be celebrated in cathedrals, local churches, and gymnasiums, one spirit is celebrated and is present in each ceremony. As a Jesuit tradition, the Mass becomes the representation that the Holy Spirit is part of our Jesuit education.

And yes, it is a truly beautiful celebration.

Retreats Challenge Students, Offer a Chance for Reflection

Opportunities for spiritual growth abound for  Iggy  upperclassmen

One of the many opportunities offered by St. Ignatius for its students is the chance to participate in one of nearly a dozen retreat experiences.     While many Catholic high schools require participation in an annual retreat, St. Ignatius’ retreat program is unique in its size and scope.    Juniors are required to select from one of four overnight retreat options as part of their graduation requirement;  seniors may opt to take part in a second retreat.

But retreats are more than just a graduation requirement or a chance to miss class for a few days.    For many Ignatians,  their junior/senior retreat is the highlight of their Ignatius experience.   This month, juniors and seniors made their selections for fall and spring retreats.  Here’s a sampling of the experiences students had to choose from:

Kairos.    The granddaddy of the Ignatius retreat program, Kairos (Greek for \”The Lord’s Time”

Students Return From Mission Trips Ready to Change the World

By BROOKS BORON ’12

\”My daddy is in jail so he won’t be here tomorrow!”

Steeped in History, Charity Game Returns

‘Cats return to Brown’s Stadium, but Charity Game is but a shadow of its former glory. 

by JOE GINLEY ’12
Eye Editorial Staff

For the first time since 1968, the Saint Ignatius football squad played in the Charity Game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. \”There is a lot of excitement in the atmosphere,”

Adam Grodzik Remembered

 

 

By ALAN GIBERSON ’11, SEAMUS KELLEHER ’11, and SAHIL GOSAIN ’11 

On September 18, 2010, the Saint Ignatius community was rocked by the loss of another student in a tragic accident. Almost a year to the date after Daniel Murphy ’12 died in an ATV crash (see \”A Year Later,”

Hero of “A Hope in the Unseen” Offers Advice to Students

Cedric Jennings Warmly  Received at SIHS Assembly

Hear Cedric’s presentation to the school. This is a 1 hr presentation.  Please be patient as it loads.

By Zack Zvosecz `11

September 21st marked the culmination of a year-long effort to introduce the student body to both an ethical issue and noteworthy figure. The committee of the all-school book chose to promote A Hope in the Unseen, and brought the book’s protagonist, the steadfast Cedric Jennings, to speak at our school.

A Hope in the Unseen is the true story of how Jennings, a senior in one of Washington D.C.’s most dangerous schools, rose about the challenges that confronted him and was admitted to Brown University, one the United State’s top Ivy League schools. But as much as the story was about Jennings’ achievements, it also offered an glimpse of his struggle to figure out his own identity as he entered a world very different than his own.

As a prelude to Cedric’s own delivery, several Student Senate members presented their reflections on the book. Senior and School President Chris Razek then introduced our esteemed guest to the podium. Mr. Jennings dove into his speech with fervor. While Cedric made references to the book, he also enlightened the student body about his life after the novel’s developments, bringing a wholesome understanding of his new role as a speaker and educator.

His message to Ignatius students boiled down to several of the lessons he learned through his own struggles:  celebrate the distance you travel in life, take pride in what you do, and do not fear failure.

After his address to the students, Mr. Jennings took questions from students before the whole school assembly was dismissed.

A Year Later, SIHS Students Remember Lost Classmate

Daniel Murphy prepares with his teammates before The Head of the Cuyahoga Regatta - Sept. 19, 2009

“I can’t wait to try this.”

These were the words of an ecstatic freshman who was the first in the door for the St. Ignatius Crew Team’s 2008-2009 opening meeting. His great-grandfather was John B. Kelly, known as the ‘Babe Ruth’ of rowing. Daniel Murphy ’12, had rowing in his blood.

During the school year, “Murph” became close friends with Anthony Carl ’12, and Gopal Srinivas ’12. They seemed to do everything together, and they especially enjoyed watching and talking about college football. Srinivas, a devout Florida Gators fan, and Murphy, an avid Notre Dame fan, bantered amicably back and forth throughout the BCS Championship Game between the Gators and the Oklahoma Sooners. One day in the summer of ’09, Srinivas recalls, the trio walked 5 miles to a local diner. Murph had said one of his parents would give them all a ride home, so they stocked up on nearly 5 pounds of food each. However, they ended up walking the 5 miles back home with arms filled with food. The three of them hung out nearly every day that summer.

As summer vacation came to a close their sophomore year was soon underway. Suddenly, tragedy struck on September 19, 2009. Dan and three friends went for a ride on an ATV before getting ready for homecoming that night. Dreadfully, they lost control and crashed. A locker would now be empty. A classroom seat would now be vacant. That day, the friend everyone called ‘Murph’ passed away in an accident. At homecoming that night, the dance became a vigil in the chapel.

The initial shock, like a sucker-punch to the gut, knocked the wind out of the Gesu and St. Ignatius communities. Classmates and teammates alike had difficulty sleeping, focusing in class or practice, and even eating. Those who struggled with sleep had reoccurring nightmares when they did.

Alex Barney stands alongside the Murph ’12. A four-man shell named in memory of Daniel P. Murphy

Alex Barney stands alongside the Murph ’12. A four-man shell named in memory of Daniel P. MurphyAt his wake, Dan’s aunt approached Crew Coach Matthew Previts ’97 with a proposal. In the spring of 2010, that proposal became a reality. The crew team purchased a new shell–a 4-man boat used in rowing competitions– in Dan’s namesake, the Murph ’12. This is among the highest honors one can receive in the sport of rowing. Yet, this isn’t any ordinary shell. It is an Olympic-quality shell, better than most shells in the boathouse. The Murph ’12 also provided a physical embodiment for his teammates to continue to heal spiritually. Inside the shell is a photo taken of Dan on the day of the accident at that morning’s race. Those rowing in the Murph ’12 tap his picture as they climb in, much like Notre Dame’s “Play like a Champion Today” tradition. This gesture is especially appropriate due to Murph’s devotion to the ‘Fighting Irish’.

Since then, a scholarship fund and a 5K race have been named in his honor as well. The scholarship fund was particularly important to his parents. It enables other students to receive the education Dan never had the opportunity to finish. There is a bit of irony found in the 5K run: Murph believed running was the worst part of every crew practice.

This past weekend marked the first anniversary of our brother’s passing. Many think of him frequently. When asked how often he thought of Dan, Srinivas said without hesitation, “Everyday, everyday.” As Coach Previts was running the Philadelphia Marathon, he prayed to Dan the entire last mile so he’d have the strength to finish. Murph’s name is still announced in the crew team’s roll call every practice.

Although, the race, shell, and scholarship fund will never fill the gap Dan has left, they continue to bring friends and family together and bring comfort to the Murphy family. His story is a reminder of how short life can be. The crew team raced on September 19, the first anniversary of his passing. As they competed on their home course Dan was each member’s mind. And on that day–just like every other–Dan’s name was on the roll call, because Murph is still ‘present.’ He is present with all of those whose lives he’s touched.•

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About The Eye

The Eye is the student-led publication of Saint Ignatius High School.

Editors-in-Chief: Kelly Coleman '23, Young Kim '23 & Aidan Oliss '23