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The tennis courts around Cleveland are an exciting place to be these days, as Ignatius has yet again fielded a very strong tennis squad this year. Despite losing many solid seniors last year, the Wildcats have still proven themselves to be a formidable force coming into playoffs this year. The Wildcats are still returning four starting players from last years’ 3rd place-finishing team at states. At first singles this year is Matt Chiricosta, who qualified for the individual state competition last year. He has done very well this year, and qualified for the District tournament. At second singles, Brian McNamara has been a consistent player with a solid forehand who has made himself to be a reliable winner for the team. Playing third singles, Sean McPhillips uses his consistency and crafty play to get himself many wins this year. In doubles Jason G. Chamoun and senior Mike Stickney have combined at first doubles, and have pulled off many solid wins, including an easy win over a tough Cleveland Heights team. And finally, twins Tim and Tom Carey are playing second doubles. The tennis team has played a tough schedule this year, and has only lost three times, all to highly ranked teams in the state. This year they finished in the elite eight of the team tournament, losing to Wooster 3-2, a close match that could have gone either way. The Ignatius JV team has also done extremely well, only losing one match to the always-tough Shaker Heights team. They have even taken out the tough University School team, who had never been beaten by Ignatius before this match. A tough trio of freshmen, Corey Atkins, Brent Mehall, and Dave Udlach, have made a great line-up for singles, and rotating at doubles are freshman Pat Knoth sophomore Danny O’Connor, and juniors James “Stan” Morrison, Dan Castrigano, and Paul Divincenzo. Special weapons Mike Marksz and Krishna Swamy came out in times on need. Congratulations on a great year for the tennis squad, and good luck next year. |
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