The Saint Ignatius lacrosse program has a new leader.
The team's next coach is a familiar name. He is a former Saint Ignatius lacrosse captain, starred in college, and has played a significant role in helping to grow Northeast Ohio lacrosse.
Mason Wynocker '91 is the new head coach of the Lax Cats.
Wynocker will look to build upon the Wildcats' tradition of excellence. Under different coaches, the Lax Cats have reached the state championship game in back-to-back-to-back seasons. The Wildcats finished 16-8 in 2018, falling to St. Xavier in the OHSAA Division I State Championship, 10-9.
"Mason will be a great leader for our lacrosse program," said Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick '88. "He brings a broad range of experience, along with a knowledge of Wildcat lacrosse and our mission to form Men for Others at Saint Ignatius High School. Our lacrosse program is in excellent shape because of all of the hard work by players, coaches and parents over the last few years. I am confident that Coach Wynocker will keep us going in the same direction."
The experienced coach comes to Saint Ignatius via the Bay Village lacrosse program. Wynocker coached in the Bay Village middle school and youth program for the last seven years, mentoring a variety of different boys and girls lacrosse teams.
Wynocker previously served as the defensive coordinator at The Ohio State University in 1996. Wynocker also served as an assistant coach for the Wildcats' freshmen team in 2000, as a volunteer.
Wynocker excelled on the field during his time as a player. Wynocker earned All-Midwest and All-Ohio recognition with the Wildcats. He served as a team captain during his senior year with the Lax Cats. Wynocker also played linebacker for Head Football Coach Chuck Kyle '69, helping the Wildcats win the 1989 state title.
Following his time at Wildcat High, Wynocker matriculated to Harvard University. He played two years of football and walked on to the lacrosse team. Wynocker started three years for Crimson lacrosse squad, accruing plenty of accolades along the way. He earned distinction as an All-Ivy and All-New England player. Wynocker was a team captain for his senior year.
Wynocker earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Harvard in 1995 and a JD/MBA degree from Ohio State in 1998. He currently works in investment banking.
Wynocker is excited to begin the quest to bring a state title back to Ohio City while forming men of faith through lacrosse.
"Saint Ignatius had had such a positive influence on me," said Wynocker. "I am honored to be selected as coach and have the opportunity to give back to the Ignatius family and help to continue to build this great program."
Wynocker lives with his wife, Erica, and their two children, Bella and Drew '22.