Blog #2 (Only 1074 to go!) The GIANTS of Saint Ignatius?? My wife, Mary Jo, prompted this article. She noted six of the letters of “IGNATIUS” could be rearranged to spell “GIANTS” with two letters left over. She even suggested that as a new option for a mascot. Imagine; using all of the letters, it might "U. I. GIANTS". There's something kinds of brutish about that if you say it with a low voice and grunt. I think that's called "irony".
Of course there are a couple of problems with that. For one, whatever our skills and achievements in athletics, size has not been the most obvious asset. The other reason for not changing to the "GIANTS" is that there is an historical link to “WOLVES”. Did you know that the name LOYOLA* is a contraction of “lobo y olla”, the Spanish words for “wolf and kettle”. If you look at the emblem of the Jesuits, there is a shield, a knight’s helmet and the image of two wolves standing at a kettle.
Still, her observation is interesting. Did you know that, in the ‘20’s, Ignatius was a powerhouse in Catholic League football. I discovered that fact while reading Fr. Jim Arimond's book on Loyola Academy’s sports history, including a connection with George Gipp (reference to "Win one for the Gipper."). More recently, some of you might be aware of the famous coin-flip of 1945 between Ignatius and Fenwick. If not, ask your grandfather, or Frank Raispis, who won. It's too painful to talk about.
I’m sure that we had many successful years between ‘45 and ‘60. I am aware of a couple fine players during that period. Don Hogan and Carm Pintozzi come to mind. But my first two years at Ignatius were not very successful. (It's a shame that there's not a symbol in English to denote "understatement".) It is always risky to name names, and, perhaps, missing many who are equally worthy of recognition. I wasn’t around Ignatius then, so I’m only referring to players with whom I am somewhat familiar. Apologies to the many others who deserve mention.
For the record, I want to acknowledge my deepest respect and admiration for the fine athletes who were on the football teams my first two years. I'll let those of you who were around then direct the blame.
I won’t take all of the blame for why Fr. Koch decided to drop the sport, but I can’t escape my role. To my players, I humbly apologize.
*Would it insult you if I said that I hoped everyone knew the tie between Saint Ignatius and Loyola
Hi, Mr. Spaulding
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that if I worked at it, I could comfortably call you Jim, but I knew and respected you as Mr. or Coach. I read in the Ignatius newsletter today that you had started a blog, and I thought that I could comment a "hello" and let you know that you were a very important part of my Ignatius life. I remember well...OK, so fairly well for my age...freshman football in '62. As a team, we struggled (where is that symbol for "understatement"?), but what a great group of guys, and your leadership, discipline and encouragement kept our heads up for every game. Along with many others, I was devastated when the school dropped football. I always felt that you genuinely sensed my deep disappointment, going so far as to keep me on the baseball team despite my marginal skills. You were a strong mentor who knew when and how to push while maintaining a sense of humor. Thanks for starting the blog and be well.
John Rowan '66
Finally, I get an explanation for why I was the only one to show up for football tryouts in the fall of '71. Frank Raispis, who claimed to be the principal that year, promised me a spot on the football team if I took Latin instead of Spanish.
ReplyDeleteI think that this blog is a great idea. Just as most traditions were handed down through story telling, this blog will provide those who come after us a record of the human history at 1076 W Rooselvelt Road. Thaks for stepping up the challenge Mr Spaulding.
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