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Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the St. Ignatius Football Team, which won the 2011 Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Division I State Championship.

St. Ignatius High School was founded in September of 1886 on Cleveland's West 30th Street. At the time, it was the twentieth secondary school sponsored by the Jesuits in the U.S. An all male college preparatory high school, the Wildcats continue to live by the school motto, ``Men for Others.'' Academically, St. Ignatius is one of Ohio's most prestigious high schools. It is St. Ignatius great emphasis on academic achievement which produces scholars and which translates to success both on and off the field. Each year 99% of its students go on to four-year college programs.

Led by Coach Chuck Kyle, the St. Ignatius Wildcats took to the field at 7:07 p.m. on December 3, 2011 against the Pickerington Tigers. The Wildcats gained an early lead in the first quarter, highlighted by a 45 yard touchdown pass by Eric Williams to Tim McCoy. The first half ended with the Wildcats ahead, thanks to two Tim Shenk field goals and a Tim McVey rushing touchdown, by a score of 20-13. The second half was dominated by the Wildcats defense, which did not allow the Tigers to score again. The Wildcats offense continued to produce; Tim McVey ran for another touchdown and Eric Williams threw a 40 yard touchdown to Jake Mooney. At 10:03 p.m., the St. Ignatius Wildcats left the field as OHSAA Division I State Champions for the 11th time in 12 state championship appearances with a score of 34-13.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating the 2011 OHSAA Division I State Champions, the St. Ignatius Football Team.