OhioVarsity.com Article
October 20, 2009
by Mike Parris
OhioVarsity.com Staff
Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius and Cincinnati St. Xavier will be squaring off this weekend in one of the most highly-anticipated high school football games in the country. But the two teams from opposite corners of the state will be joining together for a greater cause.
St. Ignatius, an all-boys Catholic school on Cleveland’s near Westside, recently began a spirited campaign to prevent youth violence. The philanthropic efforts have been spearheaded by players and coaches of the school’s nationally-ranked football team. The Wildcats, who have won a state-record ten Division I state titles, are taking advantage of their notoriety to extend their reach.
This Saturday, before the Wildcats and Bombers kick off, the schools will honor youths and families affected by violence with a presentation and moment of silence during pre-game.
St. Ignatius and St. Xavier, both Jesuit schools, each share the motto “Men for Others” with community service as a requisite for graduation at both institutions. With philanthropy and service at the forefront, the campaign against youth violence was quickly embraced by St. Ignatius football players when the idea was introduced by assistant football coach Tyrone White.