Saint Ignatius High School Wildcats Shine in Rugby Ohio Northern Division Varsity 7s Rugby Week 1

The Saint Ignatius High School Wildcats excelled in the Rugby Ohio Northern Division Varsity 7s Rugby Week 1 on September 21, 2025, at Euclid HS. Competing against Hudson/Highland B, Eds B, and Shaker A, the Wildcats showcased their prowess across multiple matches, achieving a majority of wins under variable weather conditions. The Wildcats A side started strong with a decisive 46-0 win against Hudson/Highland B, followed by a high-scoring game against Shaker A, which concluded with a 43-15 victory. They wrapped it up with a 45-5 win over St. Edward Bs. The Wildcats B side kicked off with a commanding 43-0 victory over Eds B., however, the match against Shaker A ended in a dramatic draw, 24-24, with the score tied by Oliver Latkovic's crucial try. Key players such as Max Reed scored five tries over the day's action. Tommy Cummings was solid for the Ignatius A side, and his hard running was set up by Henry McGowan and Connor Gallagher. Charlie Banaszak and Bryce Comeau were a punishing duo with damaging runs. Head Coach Matt Pickston said the team was "irritated" at having given up three tries to Shaker. "Shaker was successful in breaking the notoriously tough Iggy D, using a confusing blend of speed around the outside and offloading directly through the middle," he said, adding that in their final game the Wildcats came out "focusing on the basics—stretch the field, and create holes." For the B side Rowan Lobozzo scored three tries against Ed's B and was Man of the Match. Kelly Convery and Tommy Madden also excelled for the B side. Looking forward, the Wildcats are in action again in Round 2 of the series of 7-a-side rugby tournaments this fall. Rugby 7s is the Olympic version of the sport, with shorter games that allow multiple matches throughout the day. With over 70 players participating in the Ignatius program, the Wildcats are fielding six teams in two divisions. Week 2 of the Rugby Ohio 7s tournaments is scheduled to return to Euclid HS on September 28, 2025.