St. Ignatius Wins Big Rivalry Game over St. Edward
St. Ignatius Wins Big Rivalry Game over St. Edward
It's difficult to fully represent the rivalry between St. Edward and St. Ignatius in Cleveland.
These two schools are just a few minutes' drive from each other and yet in some way are light years apart. You're an Ed's fan or you're an Iggy fan. You can't be both. Both schools have enjoyed success in a variety of sports and that includes rugby.
This past weekend St. Ignatius and St. Edward met at Ed's in three games—Varsity, JV, and Freshmen—in front of a packed house. Ignatius, defending national single-school champs but dealing with some injuries and the fact that most of their 2022 side graduated, were up against a St. Edward program that has drastically increased its numbers and is playing some much improved rugby this season.
In the end, Ignatius won the game, 37-5, but it was a battle as always and St. Edward took some key steps forward.
(Editor's note: GRR Editor Alex Goff is an assistant coach for the St. Ignatius freshman team, but was not present at this fixture. At times we do report on non-varsity results when they are pertinent to an overall event. We'll do that here.)
The JV game was very tight and the future looks positive for St. Edward. The SIHS Wildcats, however, prevailed 27-21. In the freshman game, the St. Ignatius freshmen continue a run that saw them go 3-0 on a recent tour of Pennsylvania and New York, and they took this game 50-0.
For the St. Ignatius Wildcats varsity team, players who stepped up during their tour of Japan continue to show good form. Teagan Frain has emerged as a very effective scrumhalf and he was always a threat to snipe around the edge.
Kevin Krebs was the defensive player of the game and fronted up well in a teeth-rattling contest. He was joined by Connor Bender and Cole Sutkus in the forwards setting the defensive tone. In the backs, senior Ryan Putka at fullback is a leader and unleashed a key 50-22 to follow up on a try, setting up another try. Fhylahf Aiden Pickston's only unseccessful kick was one that was blocked.
RUG: David Kotnik scores the opening try for the Cats in the 1st half! Cats lead the Eagles 5-0! #GoCats pic.twitter.com/fIvKTrR0WL
— SIHS Sports (@SIHSSports) April 23, 2023
"Ed's were super game for it and defended really well," said St. Ignatius Head Coach Dan Arbeznik. "I was really happy with how our kids were able to open them up in a number of ways. The maul was functioning and that's credit to [assistant coach] Owen Hundt. Our kids ran hard."
Arbeznik had praise for St. Edward and said they should be a favorite at the Midwest Championships in May.
