Oh, and Go Cats!

It was not - in the words of Jack Corrigan, the "Voice of the Wildcats" - the result we all wished for.

The cold reality is that, in Division I, only one team walks off the field at the end of their season with a "W". It's an incredible challenge and when it happens, it's special.

But how about this for "special":
11-1
14-1
25-game winning streak
A state title.

For the seniors, a varsity career marked by only (2) unintended results - vs Glenville. Bookends to their careers. As irritating as that is to even type, it is not all that we are left with. As the disappointment and the frustration recedes, that "bigger picture" that Coach Kyle so often mentions comes in to view. There are no losses in St Ignatius football - just life lessons and memories.

Our guys will find that the opportunity to play on such a big stage, with such great teammates, under such good coaches, against the best week in and week out, wearing the blue and gold and that iconic paw on the helmet is something they will long treasure.

As for us TailCatters and parents, it is special and fun, too. We have our own memories and friendships. Thanks for letting me make the season feel just a bit longer - while poking fun at the expense of others (um, I think you know who you are!)

It's been a blast!

Oh, and
GO CATS!!!!!

Pre-game....

This is to confirm this week's TailCat location is at the Firestone Service Center at the corner of Madison and Bunts.

OK, really this is just an excuse for me to vent some pregame energy...

It's simple, really.
Tackle well. Swarm to the ball. Protect the football. Win special teams. Expose their poor run defense between the tackles. Wear their lines down and take advantage in the 2nd half.

The weather favors us. Our coaching staff favors us. Our discipline and conditioning favor us. Our tough schedule has prepared us for this second season. Since August, we have developed depth and experience we didn't have in Week 1. And I might guess that we are now "in their heads" - a complete reversal, perhaps, from just a short season ago. The class of 2009 showed how to get it done against these talented Glenville teams.

In 36 hours, we will be 4-1 against the Tarblooders the past 2 years.

I - can't - wait!

It's simple, really.

GO CATS!!!!!

Season 2 ~ Game 2: Glenville

It's deja vu all over again - the Cats vs Glenville at Lakewood in the Regional Semifinals. You could have bet the ranch on this rematch happening at some point during these playoffs!

Glenville advanced by scoring 21 points off of (5) North Royalton turnovers. You just don't win in the playoffs if you turn the ball over - and you sure won't win any game against Glenville with mutliple turnovers; we know that too well. If the Cats take care of the ball and again take advantage of Glenville's special team weaknesses the game is ours.

Our offense has vastly improved since Week 1. We went into that game with a receiving corps that had zero varsity receptions other than Brendan Carozzoni and a running back with zero varsity carries. We now have a deep and experienced group of receivers to complement a very good running game. And a red hot "Mule" Myers.

The defense is a little dinged up but it sounds like we'll have all the starters that have been so solid all year - and an expanded list of experienced backups at all of the LB and secondary positions. So let's get it started!

Glenville theme: IRISH!!!
(I just couldn't withstand the groundswell of genuine support for the Irish theme. And if we have to fill in with burgers and dogs, oh well.)

TailCat location: the Firestone lot - 13740 Madison. At the corner of Madison and Bunts - across the street from the stadium.We'll be collecting $1/person till we cover the cost of renting the lot - we only need about $50; I have money left over from the Holy War TailCat that we can put towards the cost.

Some playoff TailCat observations: since seats are general admission - and since this game is at Lakewood - the teardown begins earlier. (I'm heading in no later than 6 PM!) So all would do well to get there earlier for these next 4 games; showing up at 5:30-5:45 with a table and food doesn't cut it in Season 2!

GO CATS!!!!!

Weird and Wonderful

That would describe both the weather on Saturday and the game. On a night when the offense struggled to find a rhythm and with key starters out on both sides of the ball, the Cats found a way to win. In spite of all the flags. In spite of an officiating crew that conferred on almost every call, took forever to confer when they did, took forever to make the call when they came up with a decision - and then took forever to spot the ball! Geesh!

At least we got to tailgate and watch the game in some very mild November weather.

The playoff TailCats always have a different feel. There are no other events at Byers or any other field since the other teams and sports are done - Byers is very quiet and serene on gameday afternoons as a result. In contrast to the tension-filled games that follow later.It also means you can wander out on the field before anyone gets there.

Joann Ross - goin' deep

It also means we're TailCatting under the lights by 5:30ish. Which makes it easier for Tim Ryan to hide in the shadows and avoid doing any work. Speaking of hiding in the shadows, has anyone seen Axel Hoyer lately?!?!

Speaking of work - Joe Carozzoni has stepped up bigtime as the playoffs have arrived. Workin' his tail off! "Mr. November" -that's him!

Speaking of whiners - Dave McVey has really, really fallen off the radar screen. It's been a steady string of excuses for his late arrival - "I have to check some books out of the library"; "I have kids"; "I have to rearrange my sock drawer"; etc, etc, etc. This past week Dave said he advanced to "The World Series of Whiners" or some such. No surprise there. He'd have gotten our vote. If anybody asked. You go, Dave?!

Multi tasking

Season 2, Week 2 is now upon us!! The "it was destined to be" rematch with Glenville! Bring - them - on!!!

GO CATS!!!!

Season 2 ~ Week One: Boardman

We've had a few days to dwell on that rare perfect season. 10-0. (It's fun just to type it again!) A real team effort from start to finish. But that first season is behind us and means nothing over the next several weeks.

The Second Season starts this Saturday night. The Spartans of Youngstown Boardman. The first of a series of one week seasons. The mild weather will probably not stay with us. The competition will get tougher each week. So we have to stay focused and step it up, people! And that includes the Cats, too!!

Season 2, Week 1 TailCat Theme: Chili and Soup Cook Off

There was some sentiment to give equal time to my heritage and have an Irish theme. But there just aren't that many different ways to dress up a potato.

So if you have a special recipe put it to the test against the best of the rest!
Or, if you're like me, bring something that goes with chili or soup.

Or, if you're like Joe Carozzoni or Tim Ryan, you'll just show up. Work 2 weeks in a row?!?! Naaaah.

Joe and Tim hard at work?!?!

GO CATS!!!

On a much more serious note, you may have heard of the serious football injury suffered by a local HS player, Kory Wiita. Please continue to keep Kory in your thoughts and prayers. In addition, Judy Martin has offered to man a donation jar at all the TailCats for the Wiita family so keep an eye out for her.

PERFECT!

In all respects, Saturday turned out to be a perfect day.

The weather actually matched the forecast and cleared up as the morning went on. Dr Ross' House of Pain on Detroit turned out to be the perfect tented site for the first-ever pre- and post-TailCat. Giovanni Nardi is recognized pregame for his academic exploits - I'd say a 4.31gpa is darn near perfect (video).

And, of course, our Cats put a BEATDOWN on the Eagles.

A 10-0 undefeated regular season!

The first perfect 10-0 season since 1995 (the Cats went 9-0 in 2000).

It certainly was a peculiar atmosphere for a Holy War. The occasional bright sunshine that splashed the players just didn't seem right. And despite the Eagles' attempt to intimidate our Cats before the national anthem - it seemed as hollow as it was - the only question seemed to be "by how much?". Not the usual formula for a Holy War.

The pre-TailCat got off to a bit of a rocky start as we thought the tent was going to blow away. Or that Frank Ross was going to blow himself up trying to get the firepit lit in a windstorm. Or that the nearby high rise residents were going to clean us out when we were at the game. (No worries - they cleaned us out at the post-TailCat!)Mssrs. Duffy, Ross and Ventling put their Bloody Mary recipes to the TailCat test. I'd say it was a dead heat - we need a runoff.

Tim Myers appears to be blown away by his role as official Bloody Mary taste-tester

Despite our best efforts to get it on film, Joe Carozzoni actually did something this week - he cooked burgers!
You'll have to trust me - that's Joe; he wasn't there long enough to get a good picture
Rumor has it that Tim Ryan was serving the burgers that Joe cooked but let's not push it - both of them actually doing some work at the same TailCat?!? Sure, whatever.

Dr Ross says "Save those blue cups - you'll need what's in them when you cash in that free root canal"

Speaking of Sue Ryan - where has she been?!!? Sue!!! Come back!!!

I think this is an opportunity for another caption contest:

A final game note: the usually mild-mannered Wendy Myers was heard to respond "O - VER RA - TED! HA!" to the entire St Ed student section in the 4th quarter. That is just not like her. Usually, she'd take on the entire visiting team fans - not just the student section. It was just that kind of Holy War, I guess...

Some due thanks

It would be wrong to not acknowledge the help and cooperation of a few suppliers who worked with us to supply everything we needed and to help defray the costs of the St X fish fry. I can confirm that over 400 people were served!So a special thanks to the following suppliers - give 'em some business if you can!:

OHIO STATE FISH - GARY ROWAN 216- 451- 5551
AUGIES PIZZA – DAN JENKS 440-237-2080
DUBICK FIXTURES – JOHN CIPRIANI 216- 391-7189
NORTH PARK FINE WINES – JOE 440- 582-5090

Filleted and Fried!

Neither rain nor wind kept us TailCatters from our appointed duty - that of hosting our St Xavier guests at the fish fry. And if you add "nor bubonic plague" to the wind and rain it would apply to the game played by our Cats.



What an incredible victory for our guys - as always when these 2 play each other, the St Ignatius - St Xavier winner truly earns the win. To do it when so many were battling the flu may explain why the coaches looked so genuinely happy after the game. So many highlights: Scott McVey had a monster game on both sides of the ball; George Newrones' pick 6; Jesse Franklin's 3 field goals in a tough wind; KJ's pick; "Mule" Myers lining up at WR (I know for a fact that hasn't happened since 3rd gr flag football); Jesse Franklin's continuing streak of 3 games with at least one tackle on kick coverage (no offense, Jesse - but we may have to move that to the lowlights; ya generally don't like to hear about kickers once foot contacts ball); David Joseph's TD catch as he provided the "meat" in that St X sandwich; Mule's throw to make it happen. And how about that offense that - when everyone in NE Ohio knew they'd run it - ran it effectively till they popped the 56-yd TD! Kudos to the Oline!!


So we filleted and fried the perch and the Bombers all in one afternoon!


I can't say enough about the efforts by all us TailCatters. It's so great to have an opportunity like that to "show our stuff" and put in all the time and effort as a group with no more promise than the chance to hang together for a few hours, pulled together by our kids' common interest in playing football. Let's all pat ourselves on the back for a job well done! (Momentary pause in typing as he waits for all to pat selves. Waiting...waiting...) The St X attendees once again showed their genuine appreciation - and admiration - for our hospitality.


Special thanks to the Ambroses - Terri, specifically - for putting up with us Friday night (Your garage will stop smelling like fish about, oh - say, April. April, 2011). The proverbial bar has been raised to Olympic heights for future breading parties!


Now I don't think of myself as a superstitious person - though I'll admit to wearing the same St Ignatius golf shirt and St Ignatius Football cap to every game since 2003 - but I thought it was tremendous that Judy Martin stopped at Byers Field on the way to JCU and clipped some sprigs from the berry bushes at Byers. To bring "a little bit of home" to our "home" stadium for the day! Don't you love it?!? (She had one helluva time cutting through the turf at midfield to bury a branch prior to the game, though).












"As soon as she gets distracted, I'm going right for the brownies"


















"I wonder when is a good time to tell Ken I dropped the car keys in there again?"Our Co-"Mr Fish Fry 2009" winner"Ocho - The Next Generation"



I think this is an opportunity for a "caption contest". Early entries are:

"Patty Dowd enjoying a meal with all of her friends"

or

"Honey, the scary Halloween look is for next week"

or

"Tom Dowd is toast when she sees this!"

Week Ten: The Holy War

This is a slight breach of TailCat etiquette - we usually send out the recap before moving on (proper protocol, don't you know) - but under the circumstances I felt the need to get this out to TailCat Nation sooner rather than later.

St Ed TailCat theme: Eagle Wings

This week's TailCat will be graciously hosted by Frank and Joann Ross at his dentist office (14213 Detroit Avenue Lakewood). We'll have a large tent over the parking lot and, of course, the Mobile ManCave. It's a great setup - ample parking, 2 blocks from the stadium, a covered party area, access to toilets.

Here's the twist: given the 2 PM start time, we're going to have an informal "coffee and bagels" pregame and then the actual TailCat AFTER THE GAME till whenever. That would make it a TailPost; no, an AfterCat; no, a CatAfter; no, that's not right - an AfterPostCat?! aw, heck - it's the "First-Ever-Post-Game-TailCat"!

And we'll be ordering wings and things from the Lizard for delivery to the Ross' for after the game. Players included. Postgame showers are not optional. For the players, that is; we adults will just have to put up with each other.

It would help, therefore, to have a reasonable idea of the numbers for after the game.Given that it's Halloween many may have to or want to leave to defend their homes. Understood. The game will be over by 4:30ish; stay as long as you care, let the traffic thin out. We'll need a rough number either way -so please respond with an informal RSVP and we'll start a tally.

GO CATS!!!

Some football talk

(My apologies for the delay in posting this timely message!)

We've spent the whole week preparing for hosting the St X fans. We're ready. Now I have to vent with some football talk!!

Bring on the Bombers! Year in and year out the second-best program in the state! They've had our number in the regular season - but we started a streak of one last year that we'll continue tomorrow.

I asked my son Pat what he thought after seeing them on film; his response was something like "I think the first one to 3 points may win this thing." His comment tells us a few things:
1) they once again have a tremendous defense;
2) so do we!;
3) it reminds us of the respect these 2 teams have for one another - the winner truly earns it.

I really like what our offensive line brings to this one. This group has been intact and healthy since August - their play shows it with each passing week. St X will be VERY difficult to run on; their MO is to get you in passing situations and then blitz from everywhere and anywhere. So the battle up front will be critical.

I like our QB in this one, too (woop! woop! ManCrush alert!) I've coached or coached against Mark since 4th grade - he's a nasty, stubborn-like-mule gamer. (Heeey, I think I just came up with a new nickname for him - hmmm...) So I predict this offense will be fun to watch the next 7 weeks: "Mule" Myers; Bobby G; an expanding receiver corps with experience and depth; a tough Oline.

We'll make nice-nice to the St X fans till about 1:45. Then it's on, people!!!

GO CATS!!!!!

Week 9: Xavier & THE fish fry

It's aaallllll coming together as we count down the final days - hours - to the fish fry. And kick off!!

Bob Ambrose and Ed Martin, in particular, are doing a heckuva job coordinating this. Here are some details for the rest of us:

1) turkey fryers - I have Ambrose, Martin, Finnegan, Gatian, Ross, Paoletta as having committed to providing fryers on Saturday. We're assuming you will supply your own propane .


2) canopies/tents - it's going to rain. If you can provide a canopy, bring it. JCU is providing a 20' x 40' tent and a 12 x 25' tent so we will have cover - but can't have too much.


3) tables - if you have them, bring them. JCU offered us theirs but they're the wooden ones that weigh 3,000 lbs and we'd have to haul them to and from storage.


4) if you arrive early enough with stuff to unload, we are permitted to drive up the walk and to the site to unload. Worst case: unload your stuff on Belvoir at the walkway -we'll carry it in and you can park (see the map below)


5) if you have food warmers and/or chafing dishes, we can use them. We have access to plenty of electrical service, so that's not a problem.


6) Remember:
OFFENSE = SIDE DISH
DEFENSE = DESSERT

Bring enough to feed 7-10 people minimum.


7) We will need some volunteers to dish out the perch and the burgers. I'd expect the biggest crush of people will be between 11:45 and 1:15. (We currently anticipate 435 people, not counting walkups. Oops, I forgot the "!" Here they are: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, and the "Holy shnikey!", too)


8) Location: In the image below, Belvoir Blvd is the street that runs north-south through the middle of the picture. All of the "on campus" parking - including the lot in the image - is accessible off of Belvoir. It will fill up quickly. JCU suggested entering the campus parking from the main entrance off of Fairmount Circle to ease potential congestion on Belvoir (the lot in the picture is accessible from that main entrance as well as from Belvoir) JCU provided no other suggestions for parking once the lot fills up - parking is permitted on side streets in the area. Pay attention to the signs. The fish fry location is marked in the image - we're just outside of the main entrance to the stadium. Follow the large walkway off of Belvoir, go through the causeway connecting the 2 dorms -we're right on the other side. Signs will be out on Belvoir Blvd marking the entrance.

The Ethnic Tailcat

Wow! I think we may have to go to "All Ethnic All The Time" for TailCat themes! I'm not so sure I'm kidding - that was fantastic! As for the game, it wasn't anything like I expected but - hey, back to the TailCat! Where to begin - we had one highlight after another.

It started with the dueling heaters - Frank Ross' new-fangled version vs the hardy metal propane version brought by the Martins. Heat - good. Cold - bad.Fraaaank! Fraaaa - aaaank! Mr. Ross also brought his new fryer full of some awesome home-made soup.

"Are you SURE you dropped the car keys in here?!?"

The early-arriving girls - JoAnn Ross and Judy Martin - were a bit miffed that we guys were monopolizing the heaters. So they emptied the ManCave by changing channels to male beach volleyball. We don't need to see guys rolling around in the sand in their trunks - we gave 'em the heaters.

I'm not sure if there's a connection there but - Doc Myers showed up later with a purse over his shoulder. It sure wasn't a medical bag; he doesn't do house calls.

"I'm a licensed medical professional; I should probably have vegetables with this"

The Godfather and Consigliere of our TailCat tradition - Mike Eynon and Axel Hoyer - showed us all what top-shelf schnitzel tastes like!

"OK - tell me again: How did that wedding reception get into our TailCat?!?"

Jim Anter was there and - oh wait, no - no he wasn't.

Fraaank! Fraaaa - aaaank!

The Ramoses have been at every TailCat - yet this is Fred's first mention. For a guy that's run for public office, he sure doesn't call much attention to himself. How IS that?!

Sue Ryan - come back!

Wendy is seen here texting all her friends that she's standing next to George Clooney

I started to make note of every dish that arrived - and that I sampled - and wanted to mention them all. But I know I'll slight someone if I leave them out! Gillissie's pierogies, Wendy Myers' Lazy man's stuffed cabbage, JoAnn Ross' soup, Gina McVey's svingies(?), Chris Carozzoni's meatballs. Here's a blog twist - let's open it up for "shoutouts": if you tasted a great dish, "reply all" and mention the dish and who made it. (This is NOT an invitation to tease ME! I'm very sensitive. Seriously.)

Fraaaaaaaaa-aaaaaaank! Frank!

Junior and Sophomore parents: Heed the call! Heed the warning!! Judy Martin pointed out Saturday night that - without the promise of a playoff appearance - that could have been the seniors' last game at Byers!! My god - it goes fast! 4 years. 8 weeks. Does it not seem like yesterday we were preparing to face Glenville?!? Or watching our Kittens in their first game at St Ignatius?! Make the effort to add an hour or two to your gameday schedule and come early -or earlier - to the TailCat; it's the only way we parents can make these days last a tad bit longer. You won't regret it!


As for our 'Cats, they have nothing but one tough matchup after another the rest of the way - playing playoff-caliber teams in playoff environments. Some of the best high school football in the nation - such a treat. Could we be any more proud of a group of kids that started the season with so much promise -but with just as many question marks? But now stand undefeated after 8 weeks?! Bring on the Boatmen!!


GO CATS!!!!

Fish Fry Business

The St X Fish Fry is just around the corner.

It's time to tighten up some of the details: we're holding an organizational meeting at the ABC Lounge tonight to coordinate a few things. Here are some other general facts for those that have not helped host one of these before:

This is an all-volunteer effort. We football families host and support the entire affair.
Set up on game day will start on Saturday 10/24 at 9 AM at JCU. Our site is perfect - JCU has offered us the use of their fenced-off VIP area right next to the main entrance to the stadium.

We anticipate being ready to serve by 11:00-11:15. We expect those that attend the JV game at Wasmer will arrive by 11:30-11:45.

The Friday night Breading Party will be at Bob Ambrose's house. Start time and his address to follow. It's a lot of fun - an opportunity for the guys to bread fish, talk football, smoke cigars - basically, act childish for a few hours. As with the Saturday morning event, many hands make light work. The sooner we are done, the sooner we can cuss and scratch.

In addition to providing Lake Erie perch, chowder, hamburgers and hot drinks we are asking our families to provide a side dish to fill out the menu. We're going with the "offense-defense" suggestion: if your guy plays offense, bring a side dish; if he plays defense, bring a dessert. Portion: bring enough to serve 5-7 people minimum.

If you have further questions or suggestions, feel free to call or email me. I'll confirm other lingering details later this week.

JoAnn and Judy provided the following list of those who have paid so far. We'll be collecting again this week at the TailCat. We will accept money the day of as well but obviously would prefer to know what money we have to work with and a minimum head count prior to Saturday.

LAST NAME
Carrizoni, Joe
Dowd, Tom
Gatian
Halter
Hopkins, Jim
Lavelle, Tim
Layton, Rob
Lyons
Marquard, Jim
Martin, Ed
Myers, Tim
Ramos
Ross, Frank
Ryan, Pat
Ryan, Tim
Smith, Tim
Sodd, Vince
Thomas, Kevin

All Ethnic ~ Grandparents Day!

Back by popular demand, it's ethnic week - bring your family's favorite recipe! Celebrate your heritage! And bring along the generation that passed on the recipe to you!I, for one, am looking forward to it - I've heard great things about this theme; we missed it last year.

Side note: The St Ignatius Father's Club is hosting a tailgate alongside us this week.I mention it for a few reasons: there will be a few more people on Saturday (they expect ~170); it will be a great recruiting opportunity for our TailCat!; they are charging admission to defray their costs, so we'll have to be mindful of their setup and make sure we freeloaders don't unintentionally crash their event.I suspect we'll keep our set up along the bushes and they can set up along the fence/on the paved lot.

Dig through that recipe book and start pulling together the ingredients for your favorite dish! Make healthy portions - I'm going to start fasting Thursday afternoon...

Gritty

I'd have to say our Wildcats are gritty. Despite alot of offensive fireworks from both teams - and from the scoreboard(!) (pretty cool at a HS game, by the way) - neither team could finish the deal down close. No one would've guessed that 38-yd field goal would be the difference when we hit it. We can certainly say that this team doesn't give in to the situation - slow starts have taught this team how to engineer comebacks and keep their composure with a short clock. To be able to win with a running attack and a resilient defense when points are tough to come by is huge!

With each year that I've been a dad watching the seasons unfold - they're all unique - I continue to marvel at Coach Kyle's system that gradually works contributions in from more and more players - and more underclassmen. It was great to see some of the younger guys called on and to see them respond. We know how much work all these kids put in - it eventually is rewarded! No team goes deep into the playoffs without depth and experience - it's what these tough regular season games prepare us for.

On to the TailCat:

Ed Martin and Pat Ryan were VERY anxious to let everyone know that THEY were the first ones to the Harding TailCat. Which breaks their string of embarrassingly tardy arrivals but -hey, it's a start. What they DIDN'T relay to everyone was their confusion and complete panic upon arrival. The conversation went something like: "Hooo boy! We're first! Take THAT, TailCatters!! Uuuh, OK - where the heck do we set up? HOW do we set up? How does a TailCat actually start, anyway? Does someone blow a whistle?! Fire a gun?! Recite a chant?!"

So despite the outdated satellite shot on GoogleEarth and the early arrival of Ryan & Martin's Laugh In things got off the ground.

"Tubular Meat" seemed to work quite well - lots of varieties of sausages and dogs were had by all. Joe Carozzoni struggled - there's an understatement - with the theme, however: he brought rice krispie squares. Oookaay - other than being non-tubular and meatless it worked. He was seen trying to grill a few and stick 'em in baggies...

Please send a note of sympathy to JoAnn Ross. She'll be listening to games on the radio from here on out. With each week's declining temperatures she's adding layers to her cold weather gear that would already outift a run to the North Pole. And it's only in the 50's - the forecast is for the 40's this week; I don't think Frank fits her into the family car anymore...

Sue "I-don't-want-any-attention-in-the-TailCat-recaps-but-secretly-I-do-cuz-I-keep-providing-such-good-material-each-week" Ryan was caught - on film - upgrading from sipping wine to chugging Johnnie Walker from a paper bag. Man, I'll bet she's a lot of fun at the Christmas party, huh?

Inkster. St X. St Ed. Playoffs. No rest from here on out. We TailCatters have to do our part in what promises to be slowly deteriorating conditions the rest of the way. And since tailgating is an outdoor activity the challenges will be many - but not insurmountable! It's only another 8 weeks...

GO CATS!!!

Week 7: Warren Harding

I did a double-take when I typed "Week 7"! Hard to believe we're this far into the season; we remind ourselves each year that it goes quickly but it still seems so fast!

Week 7 brings another tough matchup; another team looking to avenge a thumping on our way to #10 last year. Harding is a team with serious playoff aspirations -add them to this growing list in the last half of our schedule. Mollenkopf Stadium is a really unique place to play - not just the stadium (which I hear has been refurbished) but the sometimes "inexplicable" things that happen during games! Our Cats have to stay focused on taking care of business and improving with each week to be ready for Week 11.

This week's TailCat theme: Tubular Meat!!

As in - sausage, brats, dogs, kielbasa. If it can be stuffed in a sleeve and cooked, it counts! (Got it from a website compliments of Wendy Myers)

Our location:

As you enter the lot off of Elm, we'll park along the edge of the grass field next to the baseball diamond.

The address: 860 Elm Rd NE Warren, OH 44483

Massillon Recap

Well, I'd say we got a split for the weekend. Our Cats once again found a way to win in a game in which neither team played well enough to win but neither team deserved to lose (if that makes any sense). Both teams made critical mistakes and played sloppy at times. But what a battle. Give Massillon credit - they've clearly turned things around from the last several years. I look forward to the opportunity to see them again - in the State Semis!

Oh, and - you can call me fickle but - my new ManCrush is Bobby Grebenc.

As for the split - we TailCatters got SMOKED, absolutely SMOKED by the Tiger Faithful. My reference to Custer's Last Stand earlier this season was WAY more appropriate this past weekend - we were a small island of BlueNGold in a sea of orange and black! We have lost our way, TailCatters! Can't tell you how many times I heard "Gee, kinduva thin crowd this week". Understandable at 2:00-2:30 - but NOT 5:30-6:00!! C'mon 'Catters - time to buckle up and get in "playoff march" mode now!

Thin crowd or not, there are always highlights - and lowlights:

Frank Ross wowed the crowd with his "walking tacos". He carried all his supplies from the car in what sure looked like oversized purses. The combination inspired Tim Myers to say - I was there; I heard it - "Boy, under different circumstances, I'd marry Frank Ross".
Wendy was sulking in the Mobile ManCave till Tim promised not to marry Frank.

Jim Hopkins prepared his famous Mexican Meatballs. Agreed, there's no such thing - but you tell that to a guy who shows up in a sombrero he stole from a 6-year-old.

After we found Chris Carozzoni a corkscrew, we were going to offer her a glass but as we turned to give her one she spit out the cork and drank right from the bottle. She has moved waaaay up the list in the "All Time Top 100 TailCatters - Hard Core Mom" category.

A couple of TailCatters going over their tardy slip alibi: "OK, was it you that had the flat and I stopped to help? Or did I have the flat and you helped me?!"

Tim and Sue Ryan were heard to say "Hey, we NEVER arrive before 5:30 - what's the big deal?" (Insert multiple frownie faces here)

However, Sue "I want more attention in the TailCat blogs" Ryan DID participate in the new Mom Tunnel tradition right before kickoff. Moms Ryan, Halter, Hopkins, Dowd, Myers, Carozzoni were there at the south end cheering the boys as they took the field.

The Massillon series is, for now, over. 12-1, in favor of our Wildcats. They will be missed - Massillon fans apparently triggered some uncomfortable conversations after the game. Some sweet old bluehaired ladies in orange hoodies were giving Ignatius fans - young and old - the, ah, international peace sign. "Dad, why is that old lady holding up her finger like that?" I can offer a couple of helpful responses: 1) "I think she's hailing a cab"; 2) "Well, dear, despite the loss she still feels her team is #1"; 3) "I'm not sure, but I think she's reminding us how many times they've beaten us"; 4) "Well, dear, it's a rather inflammatory gesture that, ummm, uh - go ask your mother".

Next up - road trip to truly unique Mollenkopf Stadium. Start focusing now, people - TailCat directions and instructions to follow later this week, once we get our game faces on!

GO CATS!!!!

The 4th St Ignatius-St Xavier Perch Fish Fry

Saturday, October 24th

immediately following the JV game
(approximately 11:30 am - 1:00 pm)

at

Don Shula Stadium ~ John Carroll University

2574 Milford Road – University Heights, OH 44118

All St Xavier families, fans, alums, etc are cordially invited to the now-traditional fish fry hosted, prepared and funded by the St Ignatius football families!

Our menu will include:

Fried Lake Erie perch
Clam chowder
Hamburgers
Sides
Desserts
Hot coffee, Hot chocolate, other beverages

PM.

Cost: $10/adult ~ $5/ Child

Please make your reservation & payment at the next Tailcat (Warren G. Harding / Inkster)

This is fishy

Yo TailCatters,

As I'd mentioned, the fish fry that we football families traditionally host for the St Xavier families will be held the morning of the game on 10/24 at John Carroll. Just like a normal TailCat, we families prepare the food and host it. In this case, we also bear the expense of hosting the St. Xavier families who can attend for free.

A few of us have waded through the early stages of organizing and planning and placing orders for the fish, etc. There will be an informal invitation to answer some of your questions about the details, too, if you haven't been involved before. We will be accepting money and reservations from the St Ignatius families. We are asking for $10 per adult and $5 for children 12 or less.

It is no small undertaking in terms of effort and preparation and cost - we expect the total will come in around $1,600-1,700, about what it has in years past. Yet it's alot of fun and the St. X families have been VERY impressed each year with the operation we put on for them. So in true St Ignatius fashion, we need to rally 'round and make it another smashing success!

So keep an eye out for the signup sheet at the next few TailCats. Note that we will not turn down donations - or offers to help, or ideas for sides, etc, etc.

Stay tuned for more info.

T-I-G

E! - R! - S!

It's Massillon this week, TailCatters, and we're going to hear that chant till we're sick of it - about 2 hours before kickoff! You can be sure the Tiger faithful will show up in big numbers, will show up early, and will be very loud come kickoff. Rise up, TailCatters!!! The playoff march takes another big step this weekend!!

And the St Ignatius-Massillon match up is personal for us Dowds. The Wildcats only loss to Massillon was in 2005 during our son Dan's senior year. A very traumatic game. Hard hitting and intense as all these games have been - but the Tigers were talented and very tired of the losing streak. In a close game in the 4th quarter, Robby Parris took a big hit and dislocated his hip, lost for the season. Right in front of our bench. It was very upsetting for our kids - and the fans, as well. Massillon took possession and drove down to score the winning touchdown with seconds on the clock.

Hearing the Massillon players and fans run around Byers celebrating - for what seemed like hours - was very, very tough to take. As we all assumed the worst about Robby's injury as he left in an ambulance. I've never seen Coach Kyle look more troubled after a game.

This current series ends Saturday night - we need to end it with a loud and supportive crowd. And a win! Massillon is NOT happy about the record-setting loss they absorbed from us last year at Paul Brown Stadium. We're not happy cuz - well, cuz it's Massillon!

This week's theme: Mexican

GO CATS!!!

Buffalo--Recap!

First of all, I simply must come clean. I think this is something like "falling on your own keyboard":

After running my mouth last week, I didn't go to the TailCat.And to make matters worse, I got pulled into a book club discussion - in the warm, dry comfort of a nice little Italian restaurant near the field. I am weak. It won't happen again.

OK -back to the game: that was my first experience with the St Francis "Field of Dreams". Isn't it amazing the difference between high school football in Ohio and New York? And why does it always rain every time we play in Buffalo?

On the subject of cold and wet - I'm pretty sure the seniors haven't played on grass since freshman year. And we haven't played in weather like that since, well, Strongsville. Overheard in the fourth quarter: "Oh my God - here it comes again!" "Yes, but this rain feels warmer". It's a bad, bad sign when you're comparing downpours at a football game.

As for St. Francis:- it's very hard to take a team seriously that has to resort to a taped cheer of "Dee - fense - (clap) - (clap)". Playing music - any music - between plays is wrong - this is not the NBA. Playing KC and Sunshine Band was bad enough - Tony Garofoli busted out his 70's mixer dance moves when KC came on - but Neil Diamond?!?! Neil Diamond?!?!?! At a football game!?!?!
Announced attendance: 283. I'm thinking 233 were from Ohio. I'm also thinking that if the attendance is 283, I'm not announcing it to anyone.

Despite all these distractions, our Cats and the fans pulled this one out. Slogged through the rain, slogged onto the buses and headed home. Speaking of buses, I have NO updates regarding events on the bus. We can have a "Screw Your Busmate" contest - kind of like "Screw Your Roommate" dances in college - if you'd like. Pass along something newsworthy from the bus trip (anonymous or otherwise) and I'll try to embarrass the heck out of your target. And, perhaps, you!

The "up and down" portion of our schedule is over. There are no more "breathers" - only teams looking to secure a playoff spot. The kids are looking good and in great shape at 5 - 0. Next up is the Massillon Tigers. They will bring a large, vocal crowd. We have to bring our "A game" from here on out fans - and it starts with this humbled TailCat Coordinator.

Details for this week coming soon - stay tuned!!!


GO CATS!!!

When the going gets tough...

Boy, something like a little bit of a challenge such as crossing state lines and my "fearless" TailCat compatriots run to the line for the bus!
That's OK - Patty and I will NOT give in and take the "easy route".
No, WE are going to carry the TailCat banner, fight our way through traffic, negotiate our way through "EZ Pass booth or cash booth?", until we arrive - early and proud - at our TailCat destination.

While you folks ride 3 hours in a bus, eating and drinking, enjoying each other's company, not a care in the world and - Patty!! Come back here!! Get out of that bus line!!

Here's where you will find the Dowds:

Kinda like Custer's Last Stand - we will be there, in the open, gamely carrying on - until you "Bus people" arrive

FAN BUS TO BUFFALO

Hi all,

Jennifer Fight forwarded these details on the bus to the St Francis game this weekend:

Cost: $20 per person

There is a signup sheet in the Athletic Department. They need to reserve at least 1/2 the bus to make it worthwhile. I'm guessing that would be about 25-30 people.

The bus will leave St Ignatius at 2:00 PM Saturday and return to school immediately following the game.

All money must be in to the Athletic Department by Friday, 9/25.

Go Cats!

Better in Mentor

Their Chamber of Commerce got it right - it was truly magnificent in Mentor for our 'Cats Friday night. After what looked like the beginnings of another tough Mentor-Ignatius battle, the boys settled in and took it to Coach Trivisonno and his Cardinals. Their home winning streak is over. Bookended by two thumpings from the Wildcats. It appears from the quotes in the paper that Coach Trivisonno has a ManCrush on Mark Myers after his performance. Heck - I do, too. (Don't worry, Mark - that's a secret between me, you and several hundred TailCatters).

As for the TailCat roadshow - hmm, how to characterize this one... Well, after an inspirational flag raising...



the effort was, I'd hafta say, "uneven."

For instance:

Pat Ryan apparently thought we were playing Erie Prep - he was in Conneaut before he realized he overshot Mentor.

Joe Carrozzoni was looking just a weeeeee bit panicked at 6:00 when he still didn't have any tickets for the game. Joe - not even frosh dads do that.

Jim Hoppy Hopkins - in a preview of things to come (see Ambrose and Martin below) - couldn't keep his grill lit (Jim, I hear there's medication for that now) and kept sticking his face in the grill to see if it was on. Maybe that's why each time you asked he'd tell you the kick off was moved up - from 7:30, to 7:00, to 6:00. He shut his grill down at 4:50 so he wouldn't miss the game...

Tim Ryan stopped by the TailCat on his way to the beach, I think. Showed up in sandals, his speedo and a muscle T -team colors, mind you - but still. For a night game. With temps forecast in the 50's. Then he borrowed a jacket from a Mentor fan to stay warm during the game. Can you spell "no pride"?

Dave McVey - geezuz, Dave, this hurts to say this - was overheard discussing BOOK CLUB with a few moms-who-shall-remain-nameless-but-have-already-been-called-out-about-such-unacceptable-TailCat-behavior. You have to be stronger than that, Dave.

The team of Ambrose and Martin (shades of Lewis and Martin?!) talked up a big turkey fry for this one. Brought the fryers, the turkeys, flavorings, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, temperature gauges -the works. Just no propane. And no oil. And they volunteered to organize the St X fish fry. There's a Mickey D's near the JCU campus, folks.

In a shameless attempt to deflect attention from his grassroots effort to start a "TailKnit", Frank Ross suggested there are others of like mind in our midst. No names but he hinted that a certain someone who - when not shooting perps is shooting pictures, whose initials are KG, whose last name begins with "G" and ends with "E" and it's not Genesee - is also fond of needle and thread. I refuse to believe it. I didn't bite on J Edgar Hoover in a skirt, either.

Now if you think we were challenged going to Mentor - we're crossing state lines this week, people. And we have a special contest this week. Tim Myers has offered to bring the Mobile ManCave to Buffalo if there are enough people who would be going early enough to enjoy it and justify the effort. Early, as in Tuesday. No, seriously - respond by email if you are NOT taking the bus and would be up there by, say, 4ish. Each vote emailed to me (straycatdowd@gmail.com) in favor moves the ManCave a little closer to Buffalo! No pressure here - if it's not feasible will make it a low-tech effort. Just let me know.

This week's theme: SUB. Subway. Submarine. Substitute for a better idea... We'll keep it simple and portable. Whatever you can handle that will travel 2 1/2 hrs.

GO CATS!!!

Mentor Cardinals

This is a big game for our Wildcats tomorrow evening. The Cardinals are apparently young but we have always had a tough time with their spread offense. They have 2 good running backs and their QB, Mayse, came in in the 2nd half last year and was very effective. If he is "on" tomorrow night our defense will have their hands full.

Here's some entertaining background to this game that should get the juices flowing:
The last time Mentor lost at home was in 2005 to - you guessed it! - our St Ignatius Wildcats. Another one of my sons, Dan, played on that team. It was a relatively close game till early in the 3rd quarter when the combination of Kirbus-to-Parris went wild - final score: 55-35. The game was well in hand (55-21, I believe) in the 4th quarter. Coach Kyle took the opportunity to substitute liberally. Mentor coach Steve Trivisonno started hurrying up his no-huddle offense, throwing the ball all over the field against our 3rd and 4th teamers. Mentor scored. The onside kick(!) was successful. After several more passes, another score, another onside kick, timeouts used - the St Ignatius coaching staff was, um, rather vexed, to put it politely. Coach Kyle was forced to put the starting D back in to finish out the game. He was NOT pleased.

I can think of nothing better than to "bookend" the Mentor home winning streak by thumping them again this week! Grrrrrrr!

GO CATS!!!!!

TailCat update: Our first road trip TailCat is on as previously announced. Scroll down for the GoogleEarth location and directions. TailCatters will be gathering in force by 4-4:30.

There is a rumor that the team of Ambrose and Martin will be there earlier prepping fried turkey.

Mentor: Details and Directions

The challenges continue. The "Better in Mentor" festival is this weekend and is being held right next to the stadium. Traffic and parking will be a wee bit hectic.No worries - we've selected a site that keeps us away from the worst of the traffic snarls and yet a relatively short walk to the stadium:



The site is off of Market Street between Mansion Street and Munson Street. There is a LakePark commuter lot directly across the street from our location.Directions: Whether you approach from I 90 or Rte 2, exit at Rte 615 North. The first traffic light north of Rte 2 on Rte 615 North is Market Street. Turn right.I'm guessing it's about 1/2 mi from Rte 615 to our TailCat, which will be on the left - if you reach Munson, you've gone too far.



The Mobile ManCave will be in mothballs this week - but we'll be flying the colors.



Our early bird ETA is 4:00-4:30.
GO CATS!!

Distractions

The TailCat season is a marathon – sprinters and one-game wonders need not apply – so it's no surprise that distractions can work their way in and jeopardize our efforts. I'd have to say this past weekend vs Canisius was one of those.
To wit:
1) As those that show up on time (no later than 1:45) settled in after “set up” for a few precious moments of camaraderie and wholesome fellowship before the tardy masses arrive, we had our first Mobile ManCave misshap. As we settled in to watch one of the most stirring finishes of the college football season so far – after having adjusted the volume to hear the telecast over the incessant clicking of Frank Ross's knitting needles (like nails on a chalkboard, people) – we lost our picture!Ed and Judy Martin – who showed up late again (2:55 -tsk, tsk) – were obviously aware of their tardiness. Ed, in his haste to get caught up, tripped over the power cord and knocked over the satellite dish. At least, that's Tim Myers' story. Regardless, we banned Tim to solitary confinement.

2) Pat Ryan lapsed into HiDef coma watching ND-Michigan. I don't think he made it to the game.

3) Jim Anter showed up. He's always a distraction.

4) Word of the TailCat has apparently spread north of the border, eh?. We were all distracted by the advance scout from Toronto looking to take in firsthand what it means to be a TailCatter.

5) Sue Ryan – in a shameful display of “Me Before Team TailCat” - is apparently miffed that hubby Tim has gotten some attention in past weeks. Note how Sue jumped into just about every picture this past week. Sue, there is no “i” in Tailc – uh, there is no “me” in TailCat!

6) Seat exchange co-op? I may start one – would anyone like to exchange seats with me? I sat between Kelli Ventling and Patty Dowd – a thorn between 2 roses, for sure – but they were talking about BOOK CLUB at kickoff! Talk about distractions!

7) Our concerns were justified – our TailCat founder didn't make it this week. Cards and flowers can be sent to Axel care of the Burn Unit at UH.We mustn't dwell on all negatives – the 'Cats took care of business on the field. That puts Hopkins-Dowd-St Charles Borromeo at 3-0 and counting. And Jim Hopkins – a true TailCat warrior – was the only one manning his station at the grill Saturday. Inspirational! And the grilled sausage sandwiches – niiiiiiice!

So now, after surviving a rather lackluster effort - it's time to refocus, folks!

We're on the road this week! And with a short week of preparation.

In honor of our opponent, the Mentor Cardinals, this week's theme is: FOWL!! If it flies and it's feathered – it's however you want to prepare it: fried, fricasseed, garrotted, grilled, baked, battered, breaded, sauteed, stuffed.Our location is yet to be determined.

Once we coordinate our satellite reconnaissance with our assets on the ground we will publish the site. Stay tuned.

GO CATS!!!

ALL ARE WELCOME--NONE REFUSED!

A shifting core of players' parents have kept alive this pre-game tailgating tradition. We're trying to make more of an effort this year to communicate that it's not just for players' familiies, etc. We send out an email once a week or so with the primary objectives of:
1) giving each a hard time, and
2) announcing what the coming week's "theme" will be. (This week's theme is "Italian")

We've also created a blog site where the emails, etc are posted for anyone to see. the site is "Everything TailCat": http://tailcat.blogspot.com/

At Byers, we set up on the grass at the southeast corner of the field (The Ianni) - you can't miss us! For away games we choose a site beforehand near the stadium and broadcast the location that week.

We set up community tables to stage all of the food, etc. Those that have and can bring grills, etc to cook at the field do so. Everyone else brings snacks, drinks, plates, utensils, etc. And tables!


The offer is open to band parents and all Wildcat fans...

People start to arrive in earnest around 4-4:30 for a 7 PM kickoff; we start breaking things down by 6:15-6:30.

A few words from Axel...

Some thoughts on TAILCATS and the Reporter Tom DowdWell:

My best to you all this weekend - The great spirit of the TAILCATS goes on for I guess the 6th year - But with Tim Myers portable "MAN CAVE" the starting times are earlier - where was he when I needed to get to the IANNI (the official name of the Tailcatting Location at Byers)?- but clearly a well-oiled machine after all these years and the various Apprentices and Managers of the funtion.

The overall event was to allow Ignatius Football Fans to spend time together before the game and - well I think very few high school teams have TAILGATES. With families from all over the Greater Cleveland area sharing their love of St. Ignatius and their sons - the TAILCAT became a place to meet families from the other side of town - make new friends that last after graduation - and create special memories that will last forever. Celebrating the WINS was easy. Commiserating the Losses - well I think that's were the deep bonds of friendship were solidified. - and then ...the next day - the Sun came up.

So as I will not be in attendance tomorrow - I wish for another great day of weather - and despite the weather - rain or shine - Gather together and share the special day - as there are only so many. And one more thing - invite a freshmen or Sophmore family - the TAILCATS are not upperclass - Varisty specific - it is all IGNATIUS WILDCAT fans!!! So encourage others to attend and become part of it all.

Now to the REPORTING - TOM DOWD: It is great to see Tom "DUDLEY DOORIGHT" DOWD begin .....I said begin to provide a weekly summary of the social events. Yes, he has shown potential talent in the documenting and reporting of the weekly TAILCAT events. He is beginning to report the little things of the TAILCAT....but from my observation post - spends too much time just......enjoying the moment. Yep ...mingling and chatting is an important element of the TAILCAT....but the recording of events, attendees, culinary demonstrations....that it the real job of the reporter.

So yes, my Environmental Disaster while tring to feed the masses the Wiener Schnitzel hampered my performance - a return with heavy duty equipment is promised as I cannot live with the disappointment - the continual problems provided for more great material for all to read. That is my role now as TAILCAT consultant - making sure that Tom has material to write about - but this week let's hope that "Jimmy Olsen" can provide a bit more Multimedia evidence and enhance your reading. A story line will be my possible absence ...and after that....lets hope a report that really relives the day.

ALL THE BEST - CONTINUE TO ATTEND - ENCOURAGE OTHERS - ENJOY THE MOMENT - and GO CATS!!! (also remember the TEAM COLORS are BLUE AND GOLD)

Do Not sleep on the Crusaders!

It may not have felt like it Saturday night but it has been confirmed that we witnessed an historic St Ignatius football game - according to Eddie Dwyer, no Wildcat football team had ever made up a 20-point deficit and gone on to victory. No mention as to whether any prior Wildcat football team

had snoozed for the better part of 2 quarters and lived to tell about it! So the proverbial bullet was dodged - now let's take care of business this week!

OK - on to more important stuff. Axel Hoyer is just KILLING me about not including pictures in my TailCat recaps. Through various back channels as well as a relentless, direct frontal approach. A slideshow on the the blog site is apparently not adequate. So here ya go, Ax - I held back one pic from last week; an "after" shot once his multiple grease fires were put out. I told you he wouldn't make it this week. See above...

Week 3: Canicius

Lost and Found, Part Deux"

After a week in which our 'Cats came out looking like LOST kittens for 2 quarters I don't think the boys will have trouble FINDING a little fire for Buffalo Canisius this weekend. Fortunately, they FOUND the "on" switch and played like they are capable of in the 2nd half. So after only 6 quarters of football, we FIND ourselves 2-0.

I happened to FIND Frank Ross hunkered down next to the Mobile ManCave, concentrating on his knitting a few hours before kick off. You read that right. Knitting. Frank Ross.

Tim Sarac apparently LOST his schedule - he came dressed in Glenville colors for last week's game. Oh, and John Kobunski - it's not "as we hail the Blue and Green". Wearing green on the day we play Gang Green - very poor form.

I FOUND out this week that Anne Hopkins did not go to Mass to pray for Jim (sorry Jimbo); she and Patty Dowd apparently went to St Charles to pray for the team. Anne, Patty and St Charles Borromeo have now teamed up to go 2-0; a new lucky ritual is born. I don't know how they're going to handle it for the away games at Harding and Buffalo St Francis - they'll figure it out. (Honey, I'll text you updates)

Frank - seriously - you know your way around a ball of yarn?!?

Bob Ambrose was FOUND wandering the TailCat - no dish in hand. I guess if it doesn't begin with "fried" he's not helping. We'll give him a pass - I wouldn't be jumping in line for fried bratwurst, either.

Pat Ryan was at the TailCat and - does Pat do anything other than eat and smoke cigars at these things?!?

I'm tellin ya - the man said he knits while wife JoAnn reads. Or she knits while he organizes the yarn (what does that mean, exactly?). Something like that. Either way, it's just wrong. Frank, I - please, fix it.

Axel Hoyer was FOUND explaining himself to the City of Parma HazMat team. Seems he had not one but two oil spills and grease fires. You won't see him this week for Canisius - his blistered legs are in gauze from the knees down. But the schnitzel made it all worth it.

Yes, Kevin Thomas did not show up empty-handed this week. Well, technically, he did - I think he made Gail carry everything in. Then he dumped all his brats on Jim Hopkins' grill. Nice move, rook.

This week's theme: ITALIAN

VANNO I GATTI SELVATICI !!

PS Frank, I'm an XL if you're going to make that pullover. Something in school colors, maybe a nice apres-ski kinda pattern across the chest?

PHOTO OPS

Hi Everyone,

As Tom mentioned this week is parent's night, and as most of you know we line up on the sideline in order by our sons numbers. Last year I tried to get a picture of everyone, parents and son together, but was unable to get everyone, as they all were trying to get their own pictures. I would like to try it again this week. If everyone could, that is if you want me to take your picture, let me take you picture first before you go off and take you own pictures.

I will also try and have them announce it as we are lining up.

Also for those of you who don't know I have a web site where I post, the few pictures I take at the games. You can download any of the pictures you want, then take them where you want to get printed, that would be your only cost. I am trying to get the school to add a link to the football page again, in the mean time below is the site.

http://stormbaseball.org/Photos/main.php

GO CATS!!!!

Ken Gillissie

Housekeeping

The following is another Public Service Announcement from your TailCat team:

1) We've accumulated a number of bowls, plates, utensils, etc that were abandoned by fans apparently in too much of a panic to catch kickoff. (I know because this past week they left them all on my table, which was under my canopy - both of which I decided to abandon 'cuz I was in too much of a panic to catch kickoff) We'll have a Lost N Found at the name tag table from now on.
2) Remember to bring plates, cups, plastic ware, etc.

3) We were dangerously close to not having sufficient table space last week! No self-respecting tailgater comes up short on table space...

4) This week vs Canisius is Parent's Night. As you are probably already aware, parents have to assemble in the stadium by 6:15. This is good news - it means the entire gameday schedule will have to be moved up; as a result, Myers should have a satellite link established just in time for the 11 AM College GameDay coverage.

5) The St Xavier Fish Fry: some of you may not be aware that the St Ignatius and St Xavier parents have traditionally hosted one another on the day of the game. The St X faithful have always been in awe of our OUTDOOR fish fry held right at the stadium. (Our wimpy southern cousins have usually provided finger food INDOORS down at St X. Insert frownie face here. Last year they were shamed into holding an outdoor event - with that God-awful chili). So we will be coordinating our efforts in the coming weeks in preparation for another fish fry to be held at JCU - the site of this year's game. Note that this is NOT a school-sponsored or organized undertaking - it's an all-volunteer effort, paid for by us TailCatters. More to come...

WEEK 2: Northmont

As I prep for my pre-tailgate walk through (doesn't everybody do a run-through unfolding their table, etc 24 hrs before the TailCat?!) I couldn't help but reflect on some Week 1 "Lights" - Highs N Lows:

Jim "Hoppy" Hopkins broke out his new grill and prepped mounds of sliders. Well done, Hop! But seeing him standing in front of his new ManToy with a lit match and a bottle of propane in his hand apparently inspired wife Anne to leave and pray for his safety.

Tim Sarac gets props for being able to set up his new canopy - still had the tags on it - in a windstorm first time out.

TailCat veteran Bill "Wolfgang" O'Malley brought his signature dish - BBQ'd shrimp. If you didn't get any you really missed something...

Tim Myers brought - well, you were there, you saw. 'Nuff said.

Kevin Thomas was screaming up everyone's draft boards as a lock for TailCatter for the Future. He even led a spirited discussion of "charcoal vs propane" at the JV game Saturday morning. Then he showed up late and empty-handed. Maybe he hitched a ride with - Axel Hoyer, who also wandered in late with his hands in his pockets.
Is there a Senior Tour for old TailCatters?!

Remember - all are invited! Bring tables, garbage bags, and your cooking skills. And this week we'll need suntan lotion.

And if you want to let the traffic clear out postgame and "decompress" after another 'Cat win, the TailCatters have a standing reservation at Antonio's after the game - walking distance from the stadium. Great family fare at reasonable prices.

GO CATS!!

Week 2: Northmont

It's time to focus on the 'Bolts of Northmont, TailCatters! We must officially put the stirring victory over Glenville behind us (Man, does that feel good to say!)

Make no mistake, the Northmont Thunderbolts are for real - they are a good football team. They had 2 losses last year - to us and to Elder. They also sport a rabid, energetic "Gang Green" fan base - which is planning a bus convoy of supporters for this week's game.

So we must once again rise to the challenge. Continue spreading the word: All are welcome, none are refused. It was great to see many new faces as well as returning veterans to The Ianni. Let's keep working to include JV and frosh families, in particular. Note: I've heard more than once that some people think this is a "player's families only" affair - please set everyone straight! If you are a Wildcat fan, you're a TailCatter.

On to business - this week's theme: German/Bavarian

I can give you 2 reasons for this week's choice:1) Northmont is a Dayton-area team. Dayton is near Cincinnati. I had a great time at the Cincinnati Hofbrauhaus a few seasons ago.

2) Tim Myers told me he would establish a ComSat link for the broadcast of the futball match featuring Liepzig vs Mannheim on Saturday afternoon. German soccer. High def. ManCave-on-Wheels. Does it get any better?!

Okay, 3 reasons:

3) Tim Ryan said he'd break out his lederhosen for this one.

So prep those brats and sausages and schnitzel and sauerkraut recipes.

Gehen Wildkatzen!
Schlagen Sie jene 'Bolzen!

Our blog site: Everything Tailcat

Basking

OK, it's Sunday afternoon and I hope all have basked in the glow of another great Wildcat win. But it's only one step in a larger mission so we have to get back to work and - oh, nuts to that!! Let's enjoy it for awhile longer!!!

I'm guessing there are others - like yours truly - who started to reflect in the 2nd half that "Well, a 13-7 loss will feel like a win. We played 'em tough, we have some things to work on; we played better than I thought we would at this point, etc, etc." We of little faith!!!

Preparation, coaching, determination, timely playmaking - our boys showed it all in another physical, hard fought, one-play-can-make-the-difference kind of game. Glenville once again displayed the kind of team speed and elusiveness that just makes you shake your head. But they also showed the confusion and sloppiness and lack of discipline that is there achille's heel.
I hope our guys really take the message from this game - the strength of teamwork - to heart. Each time I tried to come up with a short list of players who I'd want to single out for special mention - I just couldn't keep it short enough. So many different players made important contributions at so many different points in the game. And to pull it off in such dramatic fashion - after our sideline started to look more and more like a MASH unit - was just remarkable. And to see the way our guys responded at the final whistle, I wondered if maybe they, too, weren't sure if they could do it against another highly-touted Glenville team. Believe boys, believe - and you're only going to get better.

So Wildcat Nation - enjoy it for a few more hours! I will perhaps have a TailCat update later this evening - to get us all focused on the next step in this season's journey.
Tom Dowd
GO CATS!!!

IT'S GAME DAY!

GO CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aaaaahhhh! I can't help myself – I just have to release some game-week football energy!!!

TailCat '09 – Week 1 vs GlenvilleThis week's theme: All American Barbecue

Saturday it begins – another championship effort that we all hope will end in that 11th ring. “One For The Nose”?! Earlobe?!

All of the hard work since December is now focused on the Glenville Tarblooders. This match up is always entertaining – and always physical!! Some of the most physical high school football I've ever seen. And did I mention they are always close?! In close contests, little things can tip the scale. Like a critical article about our 'Cats in the PD. Or a tremendous turnout for the Blue and Gold!

And this is where we come in!! Be loud, be proud, be there for our guys!! It starts with the TailCat. Hatched in a burst of inspiration from Mssrs. Eynon and Hoyer many moons ago, the Wildcat tailgating tradition continues. “All are welcome, none are refused”

These 4 years go so incredibly fast. The TailCat is a way to show support for our boys (don't think they don't notice us as they file off the buses for pregame) but, selfishly, it's a way for us parents to make these days last a little longer. So freshman family, or senior, or band member or alum – or anything in between – share your time with us at the southeast corner of Byers Field for every home game. Away games, too.

Visit the blog site Everything Tailcat for updates, comments, important information as the season progresses. Bring a table, your favorite dish, your cooking skills. It all begins Saturday: 3:30 PM. Kick off at 7:00.

One For The Nose! (Somebody – please – we need a better rallying cry)

Tom Dowd

GO CATS!!

Heads up and Be Careful!!!

Tailcats do not condone drinking and driving under any circumstance! Let's stay safe!

Preseason TailScrimmage!

That's right, folks - just as the Cats tune up for another championship run with some games that don't count - we TailCatters need a tune up ourselves. And we may as well start the season where we'll end it - Fawcett Stadium!


So dust off your picnic basket - and table! - and join us for an informal, this-doesn't-count-in-the-standings tailgater for the scrimmage vs Canton McKinley this Friday afternoon at Fawcett Stadium.


And just as the Cats won't show the whole package until it counts, we won't either! This will be an informal affair - a true "tail gate" effort. Just bring yourself and a snack and something to wash it down!!


Here are the details:

WHEN: Friday, 8/21 3:30-4:00

(The frosh are scheduled for 5:00; the JVs will scrimmage after and the varsity is scheduled for 7 PM)



WHERE: "X" marks the spot - see the pin location in the attached picture (I'm VERY proud of myself for figuring out this Google thing. And I didn't even have to ask Axel Hoyer...)


WHAT TO BRING: Anything simple, easy or cold. Tables are always welcome.


Pass the word - all are welcome, none are refused!!


Hope to see you there!

Tom Dowd


Click on the picture

Create Memories

Dear Tailcats,

My name is Kelly Hunt. As some of you know, I created a yearbook documenting the 2008 season that culminated in St. Ignatius' 10th State Championship as a gift for my nephew, Tom Hunt. I am sending this email, because some of you have inquired about purchasing or creating a similar yearbook / scrapbook. Others have asked about creating their own project for the upcoming 2009 football season.

I still have the template that I created for Tom's book. The template can be customized, and additional books of the 2008 season can be purchased. The book is professionally printed on premium stock glossy paper and hard-bound. I have attached a file that shows a couple of sample pages from the book.

I would be happy to meet with you if you are interested in customizing or ordering a book. I would also be happy to meet with anyone who would like to get organized for creating a book for next year's season in order to share tips, ideas, etc for creating a book.

The software that I used for the project is Storybook Creator Plus, which is sold by Creative Memories at www.creativememories.com.

If you are interested in a book, there are several options:

1. A group of people can supply me with pictures of their sons. I will customize the book with pictures of everyone in the group and multiple copies of the same book can be ordered.

2. I can individually customize a book for a player.

3. I can help individuals or small groups get started on Storybook Creator Plus in order to create your own book.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, would like to see a sample or would like any additional information.

Sincerely,

Kelly Hunt
Creative Memories Consultant
Customer ID #63181362 for purchasing products from creativememories
kellywhunt@gmail.com
(440) 331-6741

ATTENTION ALL TAILCATTERS

It's time to begin the quest for #11!!

All past, present and future TailCatters are invited/encouraged/ordered to attend an Organizational Meeting next Wednesday, July 8 at 7:30 at The Old Angle on West 25th.

Incredibly important and otherwise weighty issues will be discussed. Your attendance - at this and all future TailCat events - is welcome and encouraged. We won't read anything into your absence; we will, however, volunteer you for LOTS of duties.

The Old Angle is on the corner of West 25th and Bridge - 1848 West 25th St.

Hope to see you on Wednesday, July 8!

WILDCATS! Book Signing

Gentle Reminder – Hope to see you there.

Sports Heritage Specialty Publications
4814 Broadview Rd.
Cleveland, Ohio 44109
http://www.sportsheritagepublications.net/
216-741-6532216-773-0188 (Cell)

St. Ignatius Head Football Coach Chuck Kyle,’69, and Tim Hudak, ’64, co-authors of “Wildcats! Vol. III, 1997-2008”, the latest volume in the history of St. Ignatius High School football, will have a book signing at Joseph-Beth Booksellers at Legacy Village on Sunday, April 26, from 1:00-3:00P.M. In addition to this latest book, Tim’s earlier books “Wildcats! Vol. I & II”, “The Game of the Year”, “When the Lions Roared” and “The Charity Game” will also be available for sale and signing.It is hoped that you will be able to stop by to chat with Coach Kyle and Tim at this event and have them autograph a book or two.

Dads

The warm-up before the torrential downpour. Who can forget the Strongsville game? or pregame?