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Duane Drotar ‘70: A “Man for Others” lifestyle

by Dominic Gideon ‘14

Alumni Column

To many high school students, the question of a future profession is a daunting thought, a prospect shrouded in uncertainty. That was no different for Mr. Duane Drotar ‘70.

If one were to ask him as a senior what he was going to be when he was older, Mr. Drotar would have had nothing close to a definitive answer, and certainly nothing close to what he has dedicated his life to for the past 32 years– aiding and advocating for the poor and disadvantaged as well as teaching, coaching, and mentoring youth.

Mr. Drotar had his vocational revelation as a college student, but before he found God’s call to his career and before his formative years at Saint Ignatius, his journey to where he is today began when he was a young boy from St. Benedict’s Catholic grade school on the east side of Cleveland.

St. Benedict’s, no longer in existence, was in the Buckeye neighborhood a few blocks away from Benedictine High School. While there, Mr. Drotar spent a lot of time serving masses at St. Andrew’s Abbey where the Benedictine monks live.

Although attending Benedictine for high school seemed like a no brainer for a young Mr. Drotar, who had already formed close ties with the Benedictine monks and who went to a school which saw the vast majority of its students go to Benedictine, he had a yearning for something different.

So he decided to attend Saint Ignatius– venturing out to the unfamiliar west side of Cleveland to attend a school run by an order quite different than the Benedictines, and go to class with boys from neighborhoods unlike the urban setting he lived in.

“It was a cultural change,” said Mr. Drotar. Just as today, Ignatius drew mainly suburban boys, often from well off families, and Mr. Drotar wasn’t used to the “suburban atmosphere,” being surrounded by nice clothes and penny loafers while interacting with guys whose lives in Rocky River or South Euclid somewhat contrasted his experience in the city.

However, Mr. Drotar was able to assimilate into the new culture with the help of the school community, especially the Jesuits. “They made an effort to reach out and make me feel real comfortable,” he said. He also was able to connect with kids through basketball, his favorite sport, which he played all four years at Ignatius.

He wanted to play football too, but for financial reasons Mr. Drotar had to work to pay off his tuition, so he could only choose one sport.

Interestingly, Mr. Drotar did not develop his love of service at Ignatius. He had a few service experiences, but back then service work – the aspect of the student experience that most defines Saint Ignatius today – was not an emphasis of the school. It wasn’t until three years later that Fr. Pedro Arrupe gave his very inspiring and motivating “Men for Others” speech, and it wasn’t until a couple decades later that service at Ignatius became one of Ignatius’s central focuses.

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“There were Jesuits who I had in class who introduced this whole new way of thinking about what it means to be in the Church.”
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Although he had yet to discover his lifelong passion, Mr. Drotar did cultivate a sense of spirituality at Ignatius which became the basis of his future calling. He went on retreats, learned about his faith in theology classes, and experienced a momentous time for the Catholic faith which he called “a redefinition of the Church”: Vatican II.

“The Jesuits were at the forefront of bringing these new ideas to the people,” he said. “There were Jesuits who I had in class who introduced this whole new way of thinking about what it means to be in the Church.”

While Mr. Drotar was slowly discovering more about himself, his faith, and the world around him, he still had a ways to go before finding his calling.

“When I was at Ignatius I couldn’t quite get my hands around it all,” Mr. Drotar said, describing his initially narrow view of life and his future. “I was still living for the weekends, making sure I got good grades. I wasn’t asking real serious questions about what I wanted to be.”

Mr. Drotar ended up going to Xavier University, still rather unsure about his future until he got to the end of his sophomore year, when he found a job which he thought would just help him get through college, but ultimately determined the course of his life.

He landed a job coaching and teaching at a grade school in an impoverished area right near Xavier, and immediately knew service was his vocation. Eventually Mr. Drotar started working exclusively in jobs dealing with the poor, addicted, and mentally ill, and served nine more years at churches, schools, and nonprofits in Cincinnati until he moved back to Cleveland.

In Cleveland, he began with short teaching and coaching jobs at places like Ignatius and Urban Community School until he dedicated the rest of his career to homeless services and neighborhood improvement – his career from 1989 onward, with the exception of a one year stint at Beaumont in 2001-02. Currently Mr. Drotar is the executive director of Salvation Army’s eastern territory.

“It was really the poor that helped me to become aware of my own self,” Mr. Drotar said, reflecting on his career. The people he has aided through his job not only helped him discover his vocation, but also revealed many hidden scars in his life.

“I was oblivious to my attachments and addictions because everything seemed to be going alright in my life,” he said. “I didn’t realize how much healing I needed.” And so Mr Drotar began to see his service as a symbiotic relationship, or “mutual healing” as he calls it,  where the one he serves is not the only one gaining something from the interaction.

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“It was really the poor that helped me to become aware of my own self.”
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Because of his steadfast dedication to helping those in need and his great contribution to the Cleveland and Cincinnati service industries, Saint Ignatius chose him as one of two winners for the 2013 distinguished alumnus award.

Usually, this award is given to alumni who are very successful in the business world, so Mr. Drotar was unique in focusing more on service, the ethic that the school tries to engrain in the lives of its students.

“He’s an inspiration,” said Mr. Malone, Director of Alumni Relations. “You really couldn’t find a better example of someone living out the motto ‘Men for Others.’”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNDc7XWFjJU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNDc7XWFjJU

Nerf Club: Locked & loaded

Patrick McCafferty ’17

Just last year, Principal Bradesca shot down a student proposal for a shooting club on the grounds that student safety might be imperiled. Any future connection between the Saint Ignatius student body and firearms, at least on campus, seemed doubtful. But with the advent of the NERF Club, a freshman-driven organization that aims to host massive on-campus NERF shootouts, along with Humans versus Zombies dart gun-based competitions, guns – albeit harmless guns – may be returning in style.

According to club vice-president Joey Ripcho, he and his friend Vinny Camma decided to begin the club after overhearing a proposal by sophomore A.J. Hocevar, now the club’s chief officer. The idea gathered steam quickly, and the freshman soon found eager members, including Fergus Pearson, Justin Boes, and Sean Smith.

As the ideas for the club quickly evolved and became more definite, the freshmen entrepreneurs realized that they needed to find teacher moderators. The club is now aided by the faculty triumvirate of Ms. Sebring, Mr. Cottos and Mr. Masterson, who provide friendly guidance to a group of student organizers that has proved especially dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of their events is planned in depth – even though the club is still in the final stages of acquiring approval from Mr. Bradesca.

“We’ve finished all the paperwork, such as the rules, and the waiver, but none of the club’s founding members have common free periods or days off after school, so we can’t organize ourselves enough right now to get it approved,” Fergus Pearson said. “However, through the use of social media, we hope to finish the process and get the club under way.”

The Nerf Club leadership plans on hosting large-scale competitions, including Capture the Flag, Humans versus Zombies – popularly known as HvZ, an event that routinely gathers hundreds of participants in suburbs in the Cleveland area – and all on campus, likely during Saturday afternoons when campus will be free of passerby who could become civilian casualties. They are hoping for an enthusiastic response from the student body, which they believe contains many students like themselves: people who are as interested in the mechanics and culture of NERF guns as the actual gunfights in which they are used.

NERF culture revolves around discussing, evaluating, bartering, and, most importantly, modifying the Hasbro Corp. blasters that are sold in department stores nationwide. Modifications can range from shortening or lengthening barrels to adding sights, taping magazines, increasing or decreasing the distance the darts travel or changing the shape and functionality of the darts themselves. The NERF Club has a thriving modification trade, and freshman Fergus Pearson has emerged as a prominent NERF gun profiteer. He and his fellow enthusiasts are active in online communities on YouTube and NERF forums, where they learn the tools of the trade that have helped them become proficient in manipulating the complicated air-compression systems that are the power behind NERF guns. They are obsessed with improvement, and they hope other students will be too.

Once the NERF Club finally receives the administration’s go-ahead, organizational meetings open to the public will promptly follow. With the school stamp of approval, NERF Club looks to become the epicenter of the school’s lively, and surprisingly peaceful, gun culture. Rubber-tipped darts may be making their way to an Ignatius hallway near you.

New cell phone policy by and large a good call

by Daniel Ertle ‘15

At orientation in the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year, Principal Bradesca announced an exciting new policy for in-class use of cellphones. Much to the joy of students, this new, more liberal policy allowed for students to use their phones not only in certain common areas such as Rade Dining Hall and the library, but also in their classes upon permission from teachers. The shift to this new policy was due to administration’s belief that cell phones, specifically smart phones, could be an important educational tool.

At the midpoint of the academic year, following a semester in which they got a first-hand look at the way the new policy affected classroom learning, Mr. Gavin, Mr. Ptak, Mr. Sabol, and Mr. Strauss agreed to sit down and give their input on the policy thus far. The general consensus was that, while cell-phones can be useful, versatile tools, they generally serve as tools of convenience, merely holding place for more powerful devices.

Among the most-noted advantages of cell-phone use were the easily-accessible versatility and convenience that the devices offer. According to Mr. Strauss, as the English department has started to modernize, online books have been a good alternative to hardbacks. Because of this modernization, students are often able to follow along the text using their phones in class.

Down a few flights of stairs, Mr. Sabol has been able to use those same phones to take in-class polls, using a program called “Poll Everywhere.” According to Mr. Sabol, “Poll Everywhere is a nice program because it offers anybody with a cellphone the opportunity to participate, not necessarily just those with smartphones.”

As for Mr. Ptak, his experience with cell-phones is that students can now easily use their phones to verify his claims, and when necessary, correct those claims, which will then start a conversation. However, Mr. Ptak doesn’t limit this use to just cellphones. “I don’t use them as cellphones, per say, but rather just a device they can get on the internet with,” Ptak said. He also added that he prefers other devices for the speed and practicality. “There’s almost always a couple of kids in a class that have iPads or laptops, and I’d probably turn to them first because phones just seem slower and harder to read.”

While they saw some opportunity for use, the teachers also noted that allowing students to use their phones requires a certain level of trust on their part, as a student across the room could just as easily be trying his luck in yet another brutally frustrating game of Flappy Bird. According to Mr. Gavin, such improper use will not be tolerated, and simply is a distraction to the class.

Students, on the other hand, have enjoyed the freedom to use their phones throughout campus and occasionally in class. James Zajaczkowski ‘15 has taken advantage of this new program, saying, “I frequently use my phone to check email and my grades, as well as to quickly look something up. I also have used my phone to take pictures of textbook pages so I can spare hauling the book home.” James also added to that list “of course texting girls as well so they don’t think I’m ignoring them. It’s for both my studious and social sides.”

The art of the dunk

by Brandon Borges ‘15

While there are countless types of plays in the sport of basketball, one athletic feat in particular has become arguably the most recognizable. The move goes by many names depending on the nature of its execution, often bold, intimidating, and emphatic: the tomahawk, the double pump, the windmill, and the slam dunk. Some of your classmate along with your favorite professional athletes have been able to work on this exciting play.

Varsity basketball player Mikal Outcalt ‘15 is a witness of the importance of the dunk to the basketball player’s psyche and the sport as a whole, and says that a strong dunk can swing the outcome of a game.

“Dunking is a big play that can change the momentum of a game to your favor, and it brings the crowd into the game,” Outcalt said. Outcalt himself had a momentum changing dunk earlier this season against Berea-Midpark, which kept the Wildcats in that game.

Outcalt is just one of the numerous players on the varsity team who say that they can dunk, along with Isiah Barbra ‘14, David Black ‘14, Eric Black ‘14, Jaylin McDonald ‘15, Andre Wolford ‘15, Jake Strippy ‘14, Devin Stover ‘16, Dylan Nieto ‘15, Ogo Okolo ‘14, Danny Bova ‘14, and Tim Kiefer ‘16.

But while some players may merely be capable of the physical action itself, the team is host to a few standouts – leapers whose jams rise above the rest, although Outcalt couldn’t specify one clear champion.

“The best dunker on the team is either one of the Black twins or Jaylin [McDonald],” he said. But Jaylin has been recognized as the best dunker by teammates Nieto and Kiefer. “He gets up,” said Kiefer. Jaylin McDonald had a dunk late in the game against on February 1st against the Bedford Bearcats, solidifying that Wildcat victory.

Although dunking has the potential to get the crowd excited, it’s not always a practical choice.

“Dunking in a game is extremely effective because it brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the team and to the crowd,” Kiefer said. “It can be a total game changer and ruin the flow of the game for the other team. However, missing a dunk does the complete opposite and is extremely embarrassing.”

According to Outcalt, sometimes the safest option is the most beneficial. “Usually just securing the [points] with a lay up is the safest route,” Outcalt said.

Although dunking can prove to be impractical, players say that the momentum a successful jam creates can be worth the risk. When the crowd gets on a basketball team’s side, the cheers are always an advantage. And nothing can get more fan support than the slam dunk.

The arts (and coffee) will be flowing at the Coffeehouse

by Brendan O’Donnell ’16

Creative Saint Ignatius students from all artistic backgrounds will be performing for the public next weekend as part of Student Senate’s revival of the “Coffeehouse” event series. The festivities, according to senior organizer Vincent Hwang, are “a celebration of the arts that don’t get the attention that they need to get on our campus.”

Admission will be free and open to anyone, targeted towards a student audience, and coffee will be sold for 25 cents a cup. Senate spokesperson Dominic Gideon stressed that girls from area schools would be in attendance. The first show will be March 2nd from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the Atrium.

Students from all grade levels are asked to perform at the event. Performances will include “bands, stand-up comedy, violinists, as well as some teachers [who will] read poetry and essays,” according to Hwang. “The added dimension to having teachers is to see them outside of the classroom,” said Hwang. “It’s a really different experience.”

Mr. Gallagher, English teacher and member of the class of 2004, once attended a Coffeehouse event and said he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“It was a fun way to see classmates and friends showcase their musical and poetic talents in a way that they don’t usually have an opportunity to do so,” Gallagher said. While he did not personally participate in the event, he did watch his fellow classmates perform. “I had friends who were musicians and really talented guys, and I came out to support them.”

Although Coffeehouse is a long-running tradition, it has not happened this decade, so the revived show will be a new experience for all students in St. Ignatius. “I’m really interested in seeing the talent that our school has to offer,” Hwang said, “outside of athletics and academics, that we don’t always get to see.”

Music Review: Mind Over Matter

by Matt Nicolay ’14

Mind Over Matter by Young the Giant

Just released on January 21, Young the Giant’s second studio album offers an interesting indie rock sound. Mind Over Matter combines near-ambient instrumental parts with somewhat contrasting strong, driving vocals. “It’s About Time” is a popular radio hit, but I actually prefer “Anagram” or “Mind Over Matter.” “Anagram” is a prime example of the near-ambient sound, except it also adds in a simple, driving bass line which really helps to beef up the song overall, and provide a better backing for the vocals. The belting vocals of “Mind Over Matter” catch my attention in particular, and the rhythm and feel of the song are both very appealing and fun. That keyboard slide right at the beginning of the song really sets the atmosphere of the song immediately, and the listener gets almost a dance feel from it. Near the middle of the album, just as the listener begins to think that all the songs are a bit too similar, “Firelight” slows everything down to a soft, very ambient-feeling level. Everything about the song is soft, including the vocals, which helps to break up the album a bit and add a mild, calming song into the mix. This calm vibe continues with the next song “Camera,” which offers soft instrumental and vocal parts once again. Following this, the album picks right back up to its original speed with “In My Home”, preceding my favorite song on the album, “Eros.” It’s a fairly simple song, focusing particularly on the drums, bass, and vocals. The guitar offers nice backing riffs, and one particular quick chord progression at the end of the chorus adds a simple but cool-sounding accent to the melody. This melody line, formed by the vocals, is really catchy and interesting, like the song overall, and I highly recommend it. I recommend the entire album of Mind Over Matter for any indie rock fans.

Oscar’s Preview

by Bradley Merk ‘14

2013 was a profound year for movies across the board. Renowned directors such as Martin Scorsese, Alfonso Cuaron, and Woody Allen aspired to new cinematic heights while new directors such as David O’Russell and Steve McQueen continued to break new ground in filmmaking. With the 2014 Oscar’s quickly approaching, it can be helpful to understand who is nominated and how great of a year it has truly been for the movies.

Actors and actresses were the main spotlights for movies this year. Many films such as American Hustle, Her, 12 Years a Slave, and The Wolf of Wall Street were more character study than anything else, an impressive feat for a time when movies seem more focused on spectacle.

Women especially had a wonderful year with actresses such as Amy Adams, Cate Blanchett, and Sandra Bullock all receiving nominations for best actress. Supporting actress nominations were also full of wonderfully complex female roles such as Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle) and the always reliable Meryl Streep (August: Osage County). My guess is that American Hustle dominates these two categories (although I’m rooting for a surprise win from 12 Years a Slave’s Lupita Nyongo’o) with wins for Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence, just like at the Golden Globes.

Males had a wide variation of roles this year that will be making these categories more unpredictable. Main actors such as Christian Bale (American Hustle), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), and Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club) all have a chance of winning. However, due to the Internet’s despair at his multiple snubs, Leonardo DiCaprio’s role as the money-hungry Wall Streeter Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street may just snatch the award. Supporting actors such as Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club), Jonah Hill (The Wolf of Wall Street), and the underdog with a wonderful performance in Captain Phillips, Barkhad Abdi, all have a probability of winning. My guess goes to the crowd favorite Jonah Hill but Jared Leto could be a worthy adversary coming off his win at the Golden Globes.

The original screenplay category must go to Spike Jonze for Her: simply a given. Adapted screenplay may be Terrence Winter for Wolf, but Richard Linklater’s Before Midnight could be a surprise winner due to the immense critical success of the final film in his trilogy.

For the big two, best director and best picture, I find it very possible these wins will go to separate films. Depending on whether or not American Hustle will parade awards throughout the night, David O’Russell could win best director along with many of his actors achieving Oscars. Steve McQueen may also receive well-deserved recognition for his powerful direction in 12 Years a Slave. Best picture seems to be up in the air due to the eclectic group of choices. If I were to choose, personally, I would pick Her. Yet something tells me the Oscars voters are going to have a hard decision, yet again, between American Hustle and 12 Years a Slave.

Be sure to turn in on March 2 at 8:00 p.m. to see the winners and losers of the biggest night in Hollywood.

2014 Signing Day Profiles

by Pat McGuire ’14

James ByrneByrne, James

A three year letter winner, James Byrne was a tremendously important figure on the Wildcat offensive line. Byrne, a towering figure played tackle for head coach Chuck Kyle for three years, with three different quarterbacks of varying style. After being a mainstay for the Saint Ignatius offensive line, Byrne will be moving on to the collegiate level for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Byrne says that he has found a good fit both athletically and academically in the University of Notre Dame, similar to his alma mater, but in a larger scale. Jim was recruited heavily by colleges during the 2011 Wildcat state championship campaign, protecting a very talented quarterback in Eric Williams. Byrne will be mentored in the coming years by a very talented Fighting Irish coaching staff including offensive line coach Harry Hiestand and head coach Brian Kelly. James Byrne look to build on a very successful Saint Ignatius Wildcat career and play on Saturdays this coming fall for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

 

Jacob MarunaMaruna, Jacob

Jacob Maruna looks to build off a very successful, final-four 2013 lacrosse season, and finish his Saint Ignatius career well before heading to the Crusaders of The College of the Holy Cross. A very talented midfielder and a captain, Maruna took a lead role in the 2013 regular season as well as into the tremendous run in the OHSAA playoffs. Jacob Maruna, having collected a total of 42 points in his 2013 campaign, looks to return to Wildcat Lacrosse as a senior leader on a very young, but talented squad. Following his senior season, Maruna will become a Crusader for The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. Maruna said that Holy Cross separated itself from the rest is a solid athletic fit as well as academic fit for him. Maruna will continue his Lacrosse under head coach Jim Morrissey in the Patriot league.

 

Dominic Santora

To say that Dominic Santora takes pride in his boats in the Wildcat Navy is a tremendous understatement. Santora has led his boats to outstanding results in prestigious regattas such as races DOMINIC SANTORAwith the fastest crew teams in the nation. The numbers don’t lie: Dominic’s boats placed incredibly well. Starting in the spring of 2012, Santora led his boat to 8th place in the nation; in the fall of 2013, he boat placed 10th nationally; and then in the spring of 2013 a 13th place finish. Dominic says he looks forward to finishing his senior year well this spring with his dedicated teammates Charlie Casa, Andrew Turk, and Aidan Blake, whom Dominic says he couldn’t do it without. Santora will be moving on to Syracuse University to join an already strong top 10 program in the Orange. Look for Dominic Santora to be competing for national championships in the coming years in Syracuse University Navy.

 

Kyle Berger

Three year letterman, Kyle Berger, will be heading to The Ohio State University next year to play for Coach Urban Meyer and don the scarlet and gray. Kyle Berger became well known throughout Berger, Kylethe state of Ohio as one of the toughest and scrappiest players in the high school after a phenomenal junior campaign. Utilizing quickness on blitzes to outrun linemen and strength to overpower running backs, Kyle forced the Wildcats’ opponent to game plan specifically for his tremendous defense. Berger wrecked havoc on even the most talented quarterbacks like Shane Morris, Mitch Trubisky, and Ryan Fallon. Needless to say, scouts took notice of the Medina native. Offers started flooding in, including the then top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, but Kyle chose Ohio State based on a variety of factors. The two most significant factors for Berger were the coaching staff of Urban Meyer and Luke Fickell as well as the proximity to family. Kyle is confident he has found the right school for him both academically and athletically. Kyle plans to plan football at a very high level this coming year for the Bucks in the Big Ten.

 

Nick FabianFabian, Nick

Nick Fabian, arguably the best all-around athlete in Saint Ignatius baseball is coming off a tremendous 2013 season, culminating in the state runner-up trophy. Fabian, both a pitcher and an outfielder, is the kind of player who can alter a team’s season throughout the course of every game. Nick showed in the 2013 season that he is perfectly capable to striking out 10 while pitching and then turning around to hit a bomb in his next at bat. Fabian was a crucial part of the Wildcat starting rotation as well as a mainstay in Left Field. Nick will look to have an even more significant role in his senior year for coach Brad Ganor and the Saint Ignatius Wildcats before heading to West Virginia University in the Big 12 conference. Confident that he has found the right school, Nick says that he is excited for his senior year and future career as a Mountaineer.

 

Nick Longo

Another very talented Wildcat outfielder, Nick Longo gave the 2013 a powerful left-handed bat further down in the lineup, challenging opposing pitchers to throw strikes. Longo, the starting right fielder for Brad Ganor’s 2013 Wildcats, was the fifth batter in a lethal Wildcat batting order, who made pitchers pay for leaving the ball over the plate. Longo looks to continue his success in this coming season as well as at the collegiate level for the Miami Redhawks. Nick decided on Miami rather earlier based on various factors like the coaching staff and opportunity to impact the team even as a freshman, giving him all the tools to be successful at a higher level. Longo plans to finish his career well as a Wildcat this spring and bring that momentum to coach Dan Hayden next year for the Miami Redhawks.

 

Peter SimcoxSimcox, Peter

Pete Simcox is finishing an extremely successful career as a Wildcat swimmer for coach Jeff Ridler. Pete, a very consistent competitor, swam as the sprinter as well as in the butterfly for the 2013 Wildcat swimming and diving team. Simcox was part of some the most successful swim teams at Saint Ignatius, along with Nathan Christian. He plans to continue his swimming career next year at Miami (OH.) for head coach Pete Lindsay. Simcox says that he was drawn to Miami for a variety of reasons including athletically the coaching staff and facilities for the swim team as well as the business school in terms of academics. Pete is confident he has found the right match for him and will compete for the Redhawks at the collegiate level.

 

Dameon Willis

An integrral part to very talented Saint Ignatius Wildcat defenses, Dameon Willis proved himself to be one of the most talented and hardest-hitting defenders in the state of Ohio. Dameon Willis, DameonWillis, a three year letter winner, played outside linebacker as well as safety for coach Chuck Kyle, developing the skills to defend the pass but also be able to step in and stop the ground game. In 2013, Dameon played a type of rover position in the secondary, allowing him to stay matched up one-on-one with his man or almost the entire game. Even against more talented wide receivers like Brandon Fritts, Dameon locked down the Cardinal receiver in meaningful games for the ‘Cats. He will now move on to play Division I football for the Indiana University Hoosiers. Dameon says that he is looking forward to playing or head coach Kevin Wilson because of the opportunity for early play. Look for Dameon Willis to continue to lock down talented receivers as he will be tested against Big Ten opponents in the coming years.

 

Nick MargeviciusMargevicius, Nick

Nick Margevicius was a stellar starting pitcher for the Wildcats during their state runner-up effort in 2013. Margevicius went 9-1 in the 2013 campaign, helped by his senior-led infield of Tyler Finkler, Dan Rowbottom, and company. This coming season, Nick will look to keep his momentum from last season’s already tremendous performance. A southpaw, Nick will be a mainstay in the 2014 starting rotation for coach Brad Ganor and the Wildcats. Nick Margevicius will be heading to Lawrenceville, New Jersey to become a Rider University Bronc and play baseball for head coach Barry Davis. Nick says that he enjoyed meeting with coach Davis and was impressed by the opportunity to play early for the Broncs. Nick will follow his senior season at Saint Ignatius by moving onto greater competition with the Broncs in the MAAC conference.

 

PJ Malik

A three year varsity letterman, PJ Malik will become a Flyer as he is heading to the University of Dayton. Malik was a very impressive player on Coach Brian Becker’s 2013 golf team, shooting his lower scores on the most difficult courses in Ohio. As a senior Malik shot a 76 at the Windmill Lakes Golf Course and a 75 at Firestone Country Club as well as a 71 in the sectional tournament at Sweetbriar, each an impressive feat in its own right. Malik recently received his scholarship offer from Dayton following his senior season and accepted, saying that he was immediately impressed during his official visit. Malik will be playing for head coach Gip Hoagland and the Flyers in the Atlantic-10 conference this coming season. PJ Malik likes his decision of Dayton based on the great coaches and the direction of the Flyers’ golf program. Says Malik, “Overall, it was an easy choice for me.”

 

Michael VitaleVitale, Michael

Coming off a very impressive team run to the final four this past season, Mike Vitale will finish his Saint Ignatius career and then play collegiate lacrosse for Siena College. Vitale was a solid attacker for coach Patrick McManamon during the 2013 campaign. Vitale and the Wildcat Lacrosse team will have a very difficult season ahead of them as they will play arguably their most difficult schedule in years. As a senior, Vitale will take a leadership role along side other seniors like Jacob Maruna in leading a very talented, but young Wildcat team. Mike will finish his Saint Ignatius career this coming spring before heading to Siena College to play for head coach John Svec and the Saints. Vitale will be joining a Saints program that has found recent success, becoming MAAC tournament champions three out of the last five years. Watch for Mike Vitale to finish his Saint Ignatius career this spring for coach McManamon before heading to a bright future at Siena College.

 

Anthony McLaughlinMcLaughlin, Anthony

Senior Anthony McLaughlin, chosen as a captain for the 2013-2014 Wildcat wrestling team, will be moving on to wrestle at the United States Air Force Academy. Anthony wrestles for Saint Ignatius head coach Mark Sullivan at the 182 pound mark for the 2013-2014 season. McLaughlin will continue to compete against some of the strongest wrestlers in the area as well as in the State of Ohio this season. Anthony will wrestle at the Air Force Academy for head coach Joel Sharratt as well as other very talented assistant coaches. This season, Anthony hopes to be wrestling in the Schottenstein center in late February for a shot at a state championship before he heads to a well-regarded Air Force wrestling program.

 

Matt McVeyMcVey, Matthew

Following in the footsteps of previous McVey brothers, Matt McVey found success on the defensive side of the ball for coach Chuck Kyle and the Saint Ignatius Wildcats. Matt was part of a very talented defense along with seniors like Scott Arthrell and Dameon Willis. Among the many highlights of McVey’s season was the performance that he and his fellow defenders pitched against the Saint Edward Eagles. Matt and the Wildcat defense held the prolific Eagle offense to only 17 points, essentially secure the Wildcats’ week 8 upset of the then undefeated Eagles. McVey will be heading to Erie, Pennsylvania, this coming year to compete for head coach Brad Rzyczycki at Gannon University. Matt has found the right match in terms of both academics and athletics and is very excited for what the future holds.

 

Michael Siragusa

Michael Siragusa, a star Wide Receiver for coach Chuck Kyle and the Saint Ignatius Wildcats, will be heading to New Haven, Connecticut, to play for Yale University. Siragusa completed his Wildcat career with very impressive numbers, especially since he saw quarterbacks of varying styles. Arguably Siragusa’s biggest moment came during the 2012 regional final matchup against the Mentor Cardinals. Siragusa caught a final minute, game tying touchdown to send that unforgettable game into its first overtime. Michael racked up double digit catches as well as over 200 yards receiving in that game alone, making for one of the most memorable games in Saint Ignatius history. Siragusa will be heading to New Haven, Connecticut, to play for head coach of the Bulldogs, Tony Reno. Michael says that on his visit there about two months ago, he knew nearly immediately that Yale was the best opportunity for him both on and off the field.

 

Michael Dobscha

Michael Dobscha, a very strong and talented rower in the Wildcat Navy will be heading to Syracuse, New York after the conclusion of his spring season of crew at Saint Ignatius. Michael has consistently raced for Saint Ignatius in some of the fastest boats in years, qualifying for a multitude of national honors. Michael will be moving on to be an Orangeman for the already prolific Syracuse University crew program for coach David Reischman. He says that he has found the right match for both academics as well as athletics. Michael plans to enter the Forensic Science program at Syracuse University as well as continue his rowing career at the collegiate level. Michael says that he was immediately drawn to Syracuse because of their tremendous academic courses and study abroad opportunities as well as the opportunity to be part of a special crew program at Syracuse. Look for Michael to finish his Saint Ignatius rowing career before moving to the next level at Syracuse University.

The Love Guru: Valentine’s Day Special

by Joe Latkovich ’14

Ooo eee ooo ah ah, ting tang walla walla bing bang. Ooo eee ooo ah ah, ting tang walla walla bing bang. I told the love Guru I was in love with you (doo doo doo doo). I told the Love Guru I was in love with you (doo doo doo doo) and then the Love Guru he told me what to do, he told me ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang.

Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching, and my brother and I are schemin’ with the same girl. How do I eliminate him from the race? -David Sinclair ‘14

Since you and your brother, Derek ‘15, are both handsome young middle-eastern gentlemen, you should settle this like handsome young middle-eastern gentlemen; I recommend that you let your mother, Alice, pick your valentines, girlfriends, and eventually, wives for you boys so to avoid any brotherly discord.

My college of choice friendzoned me. What should I do? -Richard Kraay ‘14

You should tell them how you really feel. Send the Director of Admissions a letter proclaiming your love for the school. Dot every ‘i’ with a heart, and after you sign your name, throw in a couple XOXO’s. Attach a box of chocolates, too. Expect an acceptance letter in a couple days.

What if she has braces and you are afraid of braces? Those things could do some serious damage. I really need your help Joe. -Rusty Ellis ‘14

If your girlfriend has braces and you’re a senior in high school, you have more important things to worry about, like evading arrest.

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Love Guru Joe Latkovich in action, giving advice to a group of students

Will Aedan Mangan finally find love since he made the Atlantis Rugby Sevens team? -Mike Chambers ‘14

Actually, Aedan found love while he was in Las Vegas with the team for a tournament. He spent most of his time there with a female rugby superstar from Saint Joseph Academy. Aedan’s mother is very proud that her extremely weak, very short, and blindingly pale son finally came close to being as smooth as his older brother Seamus ‘11, and she personally requested that from now on, everyone refer to Aedan as ‘Lover Boy.’

There are over 1,000 girls from over 400 schools that asked me to be their Valentine, and I don’t know who to say yes to. I also have 5 girlfriends. I feel like you understand my situation. – Kevin “Styx” Stefancin ’15

I cannot morally bring myself to help you manage 5 girlfriends, but I suggest that you set up some sort of competition for the potential valentine candidates to partake in. I would suggest a series of athletic events, such as cross-country skiing and/or ping-pong, that would determine a winner by pure sport and not by your choosing. Or (and this is my personal favorite), you could feign an illness and not have to choose a valentine at all.

Love Guru, It’s obvious that the rapid thinning of my hair will lead to being bald. Do you think this will hurt my chances with the ladies? -Brendan Carney ‘15

Going bald should not affect any man’s ability to attract females. Just look at your brother, Patrick Carney ‘13. There is currently a campus-wide bet at John Carroll University on whether Patrick will go completely bald before or after the fall semester ends. This doesn’t stop him from “killing it.”

Bradesca keeps school open through harsh weather

by John Dorow ‘15

Even after Magnificat, St. Joseph Academy, and St. Edward elected to cancel their classes due to inclement weather on Wednesday, January 5, Principal Bradesca was insistent that Saint Ignatius stay open, to the dismay of many students and surprise of some faculty members who were expecting a snow day.

One of the main complaints from the students was about allegedly dangerous commutes. Throughout Northeast Ohio, snowfall and ice blanketed the streets Wednesday morning, concerning student drivers.

“The roads were awful, and we should not have been forced to come to school,” said Connor Schumacher ‘15.

Bradesca, in an e-mail to the parents, said that he decided to keep the school open due to many school districts’ decision to remain open, although students said that dangerous roads should have closed the school.

Morning commutes to Ignatius were elongated, in many cases doubled,  because of the traffic. As a result, Bradesca made another decision that drew criticism from the student body.

“The delayed start status is designed to accommodate additional time needed to commute to school,” he said, explaining why he announced a delay to the start of the school day at 7:58 a.m.

After four “calamity days” had already been exhausted earlier this year, many were left wondering whether Mr. Bradesca chose to keep the school open in order to save the last of five calamity days for possible future winter storms.

However, Bradesca wanted to dispel those rumors.

“The decision to keep the school open is never based on the number of available calamity days or important events on campus,” the principal said. “The decision to close or remain open is by no means an easy one.”

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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