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Mason’s Creamery has a new name, but the same Ohio City style

by Adam Kaye ’17

Mason’s Creamery
4401 Bridge Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio

4 paws out of 5

Formerly Ohio City Ice Cream, Mason’s Creamery offers a unique and artistic approach to ice cream. The appearance of this small Ohio City restaurant is only the start. With vibrant colors and an artsy vibe, accentuated by the bright tables and plants on said tables, the ice cream shop feels like an oasis, especially for an afterschool ice cream treat. Colored chalk labels labeled these flavors. Service at Mason’s was incredible, with a welcoming staff that smiled and treated each customer like an individual, not a number, giving free samples of any flavor I wanted. The flavors of ice cream were truly something else, including Mocha Oreo and Mexican Chocolate: a spicy chocolate. These flavors taste even better when you realize that they were homemade in Cleveland. Also, if you’re into celebrity spotting, Joe Haden, Joe Cimperman, and Nick Swisher frequently enjoy this ice cream. With any luck, you may get a little more than ice cream when you stop at 4401 Bridge Avenue.

While I enjoyed the ice cream at Mason’s, I do think there could be improvements. First, the parking at the shop is not very accommodating, with only five spots in the lot. This caused me to have to park on a side street nearby. While this did not cause me any trouble, it may be an inconvenience to some people. Although the ice cream is great, the prices aren’t stellar. Two scoops of ice cream costs five dollars, which, while not breaking the bank, is certainly not cheap.

Mason’s Creamery may have a new name, but it maintains its great Ohio City flavor and feel.

FILM CRITIQUE The Road Director: Gabe Mielke ‘16 2015

by Anthony Ramirez ‘16

Saint Ignatius High School is filled with talented students. Some are athletes, others are actors, many are brainiacs, but a few are filmmakers. Gabe Mielke, noted athlete, brainiac, and Student Senate Vice President, is now a filmmaker because of the Film Studies class at St. Ignatius.

Mielke’s “The Road” is best described as a tragic “indie” short film about how a normal life can be radically changed by an unfortunate stroke of bad luck. In the film, Gabe, the protagonist, is at first troubled by a lack of knowing what he should do with his time, but is soon introduced to the photo of a college campus in the mail. It is here that Gabe begins his obsession with mapping out the roads to take to get to the college in the photograph. For days Gabe dismisses his younger brother off to school with a simple “thumbs up,” but he does not know where this carelessness will lead. In the final seconds of the film Gabe’s younger brother is hit by a moving car and dies. Gabe runs out after him, but cannot save him and is left awestruck by the terrible mistake that has occurred.

The moral of the short film can be taken in many different directions because it has seemingly universal applications, though one stands out more than the others. Obsessing over something and ignoring the rest of the world is detrimental to human life. The consequence for this ignorance was brought to life in the death of Gabe’s brother, but in daily life it may not be so obvious. Our ignorance can kill the spirit of others or cause failure in a certain class. Mielke’s satirization of such a simply subject is brilliant and should give students of St. Ignatius something to reflect on when thinking of their own lives.

Campus cops crack down on Carroll

by Maurice Ware ‘16

At the start of the school year, students attempting to access campus from Carroll Avenue were surprised to find security personnel barring their entrance to the mall. For years, the administration has been attempting to prevent students from being dropped off on Carroll Ave. and West 30th St. to no avail.

In response to both parents and students ignoring the signs, handbook policies, and verbal warnings from security guards, a new policy has been established forbidding “access to campus via the Carroll Avenue mall entrance on school days between the hours of 7:00 AM – 8:15 AM and 2:30 PM –3:30 PM.”

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“I was forced to walk from my car on Bridge Avenue to the doors on the Quad in a raining downpour on the first week of school. So no, I am not happy.”
– Chas Zwissler ‘16

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In an email to the parents Principal Bradesca addressed these changes saying, “The reason for this request involves the safety of our students, your sons. The area in question is far too congested and has resulted in numerous “near misses” involving pedestrians and vehicles”. Although Mr. Franzinger addressed the new rules during orientation, he plainly stated that he would not take any questions about it. While this fully prohibits student traffic, teachers and staff remain free to enter and exit as they please, a detail that has not gone unnoticed among the student body at large.

The new policy has proven to be successful in slowing the amount of traffic on Carroll and West 30th, though there remains some difficulty in the eyes of the student body approaching from this side of campus. When asked about the new policy students displayed an array of reactions varying from mildly annoyed to majorly inconvenienced.

Jermaine Leonard ‘18, a regular patron of the Carroll Ave. entrance, was commented, “As if morning traffic is not unwelcoming enough, I have to come to school only to be inconvenienced by having to walk around the main building to get to Loyola.”

He continued to express the lack of consideration for students who park on the streets such as Bridge or Jay. When asked about the Carroll Ave. environment during these times, Connor McSween ’16 states “I have always felt safe on Carroll Ave. because I know how to look both ways before I cross the street”. Another affected student, Chas Zwissler ‘16, remarked, “I was forced to walk from my car on Bridge Avenue to the doors on the Quad in a raining downpour on the first week of school. So no, I am not happy.”

It seems that the administration has been sticking to the new policy and to fairly successful results. It shall be interesting to see whether an adaptation to the policy will emerge as traffic slows down and the patience of commuting students thins.

After a disappointing start, Wildcats on the prowl for a playoff berth

by Carter Spearry ‘16

It’s October 1st and I don’t know if we are going to make the playoffs.

The Wildcats come into the weekend standing at 3-2, riding high off an emotional comeback win against Walsh Jesuit on Saturday. Wildcats fans were expecting a comfortable victory over a quality team, but there was nothing comfortable about the game; the Wildcats fell behind by 4 points with 53 ticks on the clock. With minimal time remaining, Dennis Grosel led the ‘Cats down the field and sealed the game with a long-distance touchdown strike to Jimmy Berger with eight seconds left. And the Wildcat faithful breathed a collective sigh of relief.

So what happened? The defense has been in question all year. The Wildcats gave up 63 points to the Mentor Cardinals, 35 to Saint Joe’s Prep (PA), and 27 to Walsh Jesuit. The issue is clear, but how to fix it?

As surprising as it may seem from a distance, the Wildcat defense is still very talented individually. The defensive line has had a tough time duplicating the success they had last year when it was anchored by Ohio State recruit Dre’Mont Jones and the stalwart defender Ray Brown. However, Tito Vasquez ‘16, Nate Keirn ‘16, and Joe Gibbons ‘17 have shown flashes of defensive dominance. Senior linebackers Ben Cray, Alex Maruna, and Nick LaVigna are top-quality athletes and deserve to be trusted as the core of the defense. The secondary has lacked any star-quality, but work together as a unit to defend the air waves. Overall, the defense has lacked continuity and leadership which is necessary if the ‘Cats want to be playing deep into November.

The offense, on the other hand, has been in rhythm since the beginning. Led by senior quarterback Dennis Grosel, Nick Restifo’s offense has been scoring points in bunches this year. Grosel has elite weapons in his arsenal, featuring the likes of senior wideouts Jack Cook and Cal Grbac, and is consistently accompanied by Jimmy Andrews ‘17 in his backfield whenever going to the ground is the better option. Grosel has been protected well this season by his offensive line which features Notre Dame commit Liam Eichenberg among a very sturdy line. Restifo’s unit has stepped up to the call this season, with incredible levels of offensive efficiency against Mentor and Walsh Jesuit. This team can certainly score, that we know.

High school football is all about computer points, and our schedule does not help our playoff chances in the least. Also, due to a teacher strike in Canada, one of our scheduled opponents from “up north” is unable to make the trip this year, leaving our regular season schedule at only nine games. Teams such as Valley Forge, Normandy, Walsh Jesuit, and Parma have a combined record of 4-16 after five weeks of the season. Assuming the ‘Cats knock off the Parma Redmen tomorrow night, they will need to win two of their last three games of the year. That’s not an easy task. Coach Kyle’s team will have to knock off at least two of Saint Xavier, Archbishop Moeller, and Saint Edward in the last three weeks of the season if they hope to make the playoffs.

What can you expect from a team who has ultimately failed to live up to the state championship expectations? Let me tell you: unparalleled dedication to deliver an end-product on the field which will electrify crowds and resurrect our place in the state standings. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going, and it is time to see how tough we can get as the ‘Cats chase the state tournament once again.

Whoa Nelly! Forty-five Ignatians recognized as National Merit Scholars

by Thomas Napoli ‘17

The 2016 National Merit Scholars were recently announced, and this class of seniors certainly hasn’t failed to impress. This year, St. Ignatius put out a total of 45 recognized students: 42 scholars, 21 of whom being semifinalists and 2 being National Hispanic Scholars. These merit scholars continue to uphold the long-standing, Ignatian tradition of academic excellence through hard work and commitment.

This award is based on their PSAT scores, and only the top 2.3% of test takers qualify as commended scholars. Even fewer achieve the title of semifinalist; only about 1.1%. Therefore, about 11% of our seniors are in the top 2% of test takers in the nation, a very impressive feat! Saint Ignatius had the most National Merit Scholars of any Catholic school in the state and the fourth most overall in the state.

Peter Abou Haidar, a National Merit Semifinalist, expressed his thoughts when receiving the award, and he had this to say: “I was really excited to learn that I was a semi-finalist, and it was a good feeling being recognized.” He said that the free PSAT prep class, offered by the school, was extremely helpfulNHS GRAPH for getting in practice problems and learning test strategies.

Mr. Brian Martin, a teacher in the PSAT prep class, talked about the benefits of being informed and advice for juniors who will be taking the test. Mr. Martin notes that, “This test is beatable.” It’s not to say that the test will be a cakewalk. It just means that with the time and dedication the teachers and students put forth, the task can be accomplished. He said that students should also learn what’s on the redesigned test and that practice is key for success.

This award brings with it a sense of selectiveness and prestige that no other high school, academic award offers. It sets the bar exceptionally high making those who surpass that bar exceptionally distinguished. It is arguably the most prestigious, academic award a high school student can attain. Make sure you congratulate these scholars in the halls, and continue to strive for excellence like they do.

With “Wildcard” student IDs will get a serious upgrade

by Cullen Viancourt ‘18

Living in the technological age, it’s pretty easy for anyone to see that Saint Ignatius High School is still stuck in the past. And it’s especially easy for us students to see, but now there are some pretty high up in the pecking order who are starting to think so as well. I spoke with Mr. Klingshirn ’79, Vice President and C.F.O. of SIHS, and he agreed that “We’re behind the times when it comes to this sort of thing.” So the question is how do we remedy this problem before we fall too far behind?

Enter the Wildcard. Is it an ID? Is it a charge card? Is it, God forbid, a JUG card? Well, yes. The proposed new Wildcard would be a functioning student ID, completely replacing the ones all students currently use. In addition, it will also have a magnetic strip that will allow it to function as a debit card acceptable at the bookstore and the cafeteria. The mag-strip also allows for teachers to use the Wildcard as an attendance taking tool, where a student would ‘swipe in’ at a reader station, and they would be checked into class. Or, there may be even more uses for it, such as independent vendors allowing the card as tender, especially everyone’s favorite, Wendy’s. But these are best case scenario hopes, let’s get down to facts.

The only thing known for sure right now is that the card will eventually replace our current ID’s, and that students will be able to use it at the bookstore and the cafeteria. But why would this be a good change? Well, for one thing, as Mr. Klingshirn said, “Anything we can do to limit the amount of cash here on campus is good.” Another great reason stated by Mr. K is that, “It’s a convenience factor,” and that it is. This move could possibly consolidate credit cards, student ID cards, JUG cards, and attendance records, into one card. Now that’s not to say that students won’t need to carry anything else, but it will certainly be a great step toward consolidation.

What is the extent to which the Wildcard can reach? For one, there will be a single vending machine hooked up with a Wildcard reader, and hopefully in the future all vending machines will be Wildcard compatible. There will be considerable outreach to Ohio City vendors and it is expected that almost all vendors asked (and yes, OCB included) will allow usage of the card (Wendy’s might take a little longer because of it’s being part of a large corporation). Also a great plus, there will be no extra surcharge for using the Wildcard. But, as is always most important at St. Ignatius, and dutifully stated by our Chief Financial Officer, “We look at everything and say, how can we prepare you guys for college.”

And there you have it, a great card with many enticing potential upsides, but beneath it all, it will make us Ignatians ready for college.

The ‘Cats top the Parma Redmen on Senior night

Matt MacKenzie ’18

It was senior night at Robert M. Boulton Stadium, for the Saint Ignatius Wildcats, and they were led by a huge performance from senior captain Dennis Grosel. In the game, Grosel had four rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown, giving him five all purpose touchdowns, that were more than enough to lead the ‘Cats to a 55-0 victory over the Parma Redmen.

The first quarter kicked off with a Parma drive of over 50 yards that resulted in a turnover on downs at the St. Ignatius 30 yard line. The Wildcats second drive resulted in a better outcome. A bad punt gave them great field position and they were sure to capitalize. A couple of passes from Grosel set up a Jimmy Andrews touchdown run to make it 7-0, with 3:29 left to go in the first quarter. The ‘Cats would get the ball one more time before the quarter ended. This drive saw a big play from a big playmaker, as Dennis Grosel ran for a 54 yard touchdown run zig-zagging all over the field to make it 13-0 Wildcats, as Goodfellow missed the PAT. This score would hold and take us into the next quarter.

More of the same followed in the second quarter for the Wildcats. Just over two minutes in, Grosel led a drive down the field, that ended with his second rushing touchdown on the night. It would be 20-0 in favor of the home team. Later on, the Redmen would go for it again, but were stopped shy of the first down marker. They struggled on 4th down conversions on the night.

The Wildcats found success on the following possession. Dennis Grosel ran it in for his 3rd rushing touchdown on the evening and the ‘Cats were cruising up 27-0, with 4:00 to go in the half. The ‘Cats added on again when Grosel found Grbac on a touchdown pass to make it 34-0. An interception by Ryan Berger gave Grosel another opportunity to get out there on the field. He made the most of it and dove into the end zone for his fourth rushing touchdown on the night to make it 41-0. That score would hold as the teams went to the locker room for the half.

A running clock was implemented for the second half, but even with this, the Wildcats still found the end zone. On a fourth down and short from the red zone, Elijah Wahib ran it in to extend the lead to 48-0. The touchdown run would account for all of the scoring in the third quarter, as the Wildcats led by 48 heading into the last quarter.

The ‘Cats found the end zone, one more time in the final quarter of play. There was under 8 minutes to go in the game, when a miscue, by Parma on a Wildcat punt, led to a recovery by St. Ignatius, who would take over in Redmen territory. Several plays later, David Welcsh ran the ball in for a touchdown and it was 55-0. This would be the final score, as the St. Ignatius Wildcats, led by an incredible performance by Dennis Grosel, who had 5 total purpose touchdowns, dominated the Parma Redmen 55-0.

Wildcats down Warriors with comeback drive

by Matt MacKenzie ’18

In a thrilling come from behind victory the Wildcats came back to defeat Walsh Jesuit 30-27 thanks to a touchdown pass from Dennis Grosel to Jimmy Burger with 8 seconds to go in regulation.

The first quarter started off with a productive first possession from the Warriors that resulted in a field goal to make it 3-0. The Wildcats quickly answered with a Dennis Grosel touchdown pass to make it 7-3 with 5:29 to go. That score would hold as it was 7-3 ‘Cats to end the first quarter.

The Wildcats and Warriors both had more offensive fireworks throughout the next quarter. Grosel ran it in for a touchdown, but the PAT was missed and the score was 13-3. Walsh Jesuit responded with a touchdown of their own to make it 13-10. Both teams nailed field goals before the half and it was 16-13 in favor of Saint Ignatius heading into the intermission.

The third quarter saw both teams stumped offensively. Walsh Jesuit scored on a short touchdown pass to make it 20-16 with 2:55 to go in the quarter. Dean Stowers set up Grosel and Company with a big return on the kickoff. Grosel scored with his legs again, his second on the night, to make it 23-20 heading into the final quarter.

If you thought that was dramatic, the fourth quarter surpassed any expectations that you may have had. Still down 3 points, the Warriors fumbled the ball with 6:00 to go in the game. Walsh Jesuit would get a second chance and they made the most of it. A big 4th down conversion with around 2:00 to go saw a miraculous escape from the Warriors and a rainbow pass to set them up for a first down.

Then with 53 seconds to go, the Warriors stunned Saint Ignatius and took a 27-23 lead. The Wildcats had one last chance to score and save their playoff hopes, and they stepped up big time. With 18 seconds to go Dennis Grosel patiently waited in the pocket and threw a pass that went right into the arms of Jimmy Berger. Berger outran the defenders and dove into the end zone for the game winning score to make it 30-23 in favor of the ‘Cats.

The defense stopped the last chance effort by the Warriors. The Wildcats prevailed on their way to a thrilling 30-27 victory over the Walsh Jesuit Warriors, due in large part to a Grosel to Berger touchdown, with 8 seconds left.

Wildcats react to Pope Francis’ address to Congress

by Gabe Mielke ‘16

In the midst of classes on Thursday, September 24, Pope Francis addressed the assembled members of the United States Congress, becoming the first pope to ever do so. Due to his status as the first Jesuit pope and his focus on social justice issues, Francis occupies a particular spot in the hearts of many Ignatians. It is to be expected that a number of Wildcats would have opinions about the Pope’s address.

Pope Francis focused on presenting a uniting message, a call to action for the stalemated politicians of the United States: “Our efforts must aim at restoring hope, righting wrongs, maintaining commitments and thus promoting the well-being of individuals and of peoples…”

Charles Heintel ‘16, known school-wide for having strong opinions on nearly everything, had this to say about Francis’ address: “Pope Francis said many things which Republicans would disagree with and that Democrats would disagree. Not once did he mention abortion, which is very disappointing, especially when he easily could have while he was speaking about the death penalty.”

Charley ended with the this: “Overall, I am satisfied with his speech, but I think it could have been better. The Pope often has a style of not being afraid to call out those who practice/perpetrate things that he does not like. It would have been nice to see him do a little more of that.”

Not everyone agreed with Charley. Senior Conor McGuire gives his opinion on the Pope’s address in this Eye interview:

What do you, as a Saint Ignatius student, think about the Pope’s address? Do you agree with Charley or Conor, or do you have your own opinion of the speech? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

The ‘Cats top the Patriots 41-0

by Matt MacKenzie ’18

On a wet and rainy night at Byers Field, the Saint Ignatius Wildcats cruised to a 41-0 victory over Valley Forge. The ‘Cats ran early and often as Jimmy Andrews dominated on the ground. The defense also recorded their first shutout since 2012 en route to the victory.

The Wildcats forced the Patriots to go nowhere their first time with the ball, and they had to punt. Moments later, Jack Cook set up Dennis Grosel and the offense on their first possession with a punt return inside the ten yard line. A couple of plays later, Jimmy Andrews scored on a tough three yard touchdown run to make it 7-0. Just the next series, Andrews did it again for his second touchdown of the game to double the score.

Later in the quarter, the passing game started to take shape when Dennis Grosel connected with Tyler Musbach for a 15 yard touchdown with a little over 3:00 minutes left to play in the 1st quarter. A bad snap led to a fumble recovery for a touchdown by Nick LaVigna and the Wildcats cruised through the first quarter up 27-0.

In the second quarter with 7:51 remaining Dennis Grosel found Cal Grbac on a slant across the middle to extend the ‘Cats lead as that made it 34-0. Elijah Wahib also had a nice touchdown run bouncing off the edge to make it 41-0 before halftime. That score would hold until the halftime.

A stagnant Valley Forge offense tried an onside kick to begin the second half, but found no success. That seemed to be the common theme with both offenses in the third quarter, as the running clock affected the scoring of the game greatly. Valley Forge held the ball for majority of the quarter and the score from the first half held, as it was 41-0 ‘Cats.

The fourth quarter saw a fumble recovery by David Speelman that set up the Saint Ignatius offense inside the Valley Forge 30 yard line, but the Wildcats were not able to capitalize on the opportunity. That play was the big one that stood out in the fourth quarter, as the offensive production slowed greatly and the Wildcats get a nice bounce back victory over the Valley Forge Patriots 41-0.

The Wildcats will travel to Colonial Field at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School next week as they face the Philadelphia (PA) St. Joseph’s Prep Hawks, in what will be a great game.

The final score from Byers Field: St. Ignatius – 41 Valley Forge – 0.

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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