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Guerin Catholic edges Chatard in record number of PKs
INDIANAPOLIS – Before the Bishop Chatard Trojans attempted their first penalty kick inside IU Indianapolis’ Michael A. Carroll Stadium on Friday night, Guerin Catholic senior goalkeeper Ryan McGrath had to take a minute to compose himself.
With the Class 2A second-ranked Golden Eagles up 1-0 in what became an IHSAA state finals, record-setting three rounds of shootout penalty kicks, McGrath immediately thought of his father.
“Honestly, first pen, I was crying in the goal. It was a really emotional moment for me. I wanted to get the job done because I know he’s up there watching me,” McGrath remarked on his dad, Chris McGrath, who passed away in 2021. “Playing for Guerin, I really wanted to like reflect who he was as a person and win state.”
Chris McGrath, 53, coached the Guerin Catholic boys soccer team from 2016-21 before COVID-related lung complications tragically took him from his wife, Shari, and their three children.
While standing in goal during the IHSAA Class 2A state championship, Ryan knew what he had to do against 2A No. 11 Bishop Chatard (11-8-2) after 80 minutes of regulation and 14 more in overtime locked in a scoreless tie.
“Ryan dedicated the season to his dad. I wish Chris was still here. I do. Chris brought me into the program as a JV coach,” Golden Eagles’ coach Jim Alvarez said. “Ryan’s a great kid. To be able to coach him and to see him put so much into this season. He embraced it.”
IHSAA Class 2A Boys State Championship
Guerin Catholic 1, Bishop Chatard 0 (12-11 PK)
With 12 saves in 94 minutes for Guerin Catholic (18-4), Ryan McGrath recorded two more during the 26-shot penalty-kick shootout, including the final one to secure a 12-11 victory and the program’s first state title since 2014.
McGrath gave the Golden Eagles a chance with his first brushoff save to keep the margin 4-4 on a shot that bounced off the crossbar initially.
His final save – in the third round – fulfilled a promise, as Guerin Catholic won their 11th straight game and first-ever 2A title after going back-to-back in Class 1A (2013, 2014).
“I was pretty out of it to be honest,” McGrath admitted while recalling his mindset prior to the final save. “Christian Zermeno actually pointed to my left because apparently, I was diving right the whole time. So, I dove left, got it, ran in the corner and celebrated with my mom (in the stands).”
McGrath’s 12 saves bested the 2A boys soccer state finals record of 11 set in 2016 by Evansville Memorial’s Max Durchholz, but Bishop Chatard senior goalkeeper Jack Ryan ended up owning the new standard with 15 saves through 94 minutes.
Guerin Catholic defeated Circle City Conference rival Bishop Chatard, 4-2, during the regular season, but in the rematch, the Trojans’ defense was prepared for the program’s first-ever state finals appearance.
Through 80 minutes of physical play, both teams combined for six yellow cards – three each – and logged 28 and 21 shots in 94 minutes with Guerin Catholic holding the edge.
The rival teams tallied 82 attack attempts overall and registered 28 total shots on goal – split evenly.
A three-round shootout seemed only fitting.
“I think the longest I’ve gone in a game as a coach is six (PKs). When you go, you know, five, ten, then you’re like, OK, who’s going to do it? Then you get up to 13, and you’re just hoping that they miss, or your goalie makes a save,” Alvarez said. “It’s not easy on the coaches, but it was awesome. I’m extremely proud of the boys.”
The shootout was tied 8-8 before McGrath attempted his first PK of the season and drilled it to put Guerin Catholic ahead 9-8.
“I’ve been telling coach, get me in the pen lineup. Then, I was supposed to be fifth actually, and I told him to move me back because I didn’t think it was going to get to me,” McGrath said. “But I was ready for my chance, and I put it away. Probably first goal in, like, ten years, honestly.”
Trojans’ sophomore Hank Simmons knotted up the shootout 9-9 to end the second round, and in the third, senior Christian Zermeno converted Guerin Catholic’s eighth straight, setting up McGrath’s definitive stopper.
“Have the courage to be great. Being great doesn’t mean you do great things. It means you do the little things to get there, right? It’s the process, and it’s about going there,” Alvarez said. “We don’t call it pressure. I think part of it is preparation, and when you’re in those situations, you know, hopefully, you’re able to meet the moment. I never saw any doubt in the boys’ eyes.”
Neither did Bishop Chatard coach Mike Carney.
A semi-state qualifier in 2024, the Trojans only returned two starters this season and nearly added a third win over a top 10 ranked opponent this postseason.
Bishop Chatard beat No. 10 Cardinal Ritter, 2-1, to win sectional and No. 8 Heritage Hills, 2-1, to win semi-state and reach the state finals.
“These guys have been through so much. They’ve had season-ending injuries on this team. We’ve had so many guys quit this program. They could have easily quit at any moment and said it’s over,” Carney said. “But yet, these guys kept pushing, kept fighting, kept believing in something and went on one unbelievable run.”
Ryan McGrath made certain the Golden Eagles crossed the finish line.
“I got a cut on my forehead. I hit my head on the post. I was living in the moment, to be honest,” said McGrath referring to his bloody butterfly bandages. “I was happy I converted mine, but I really wanted to save one (PK) at the end of the day, and I eventually got it done. I’m glad to bring it back to the school.”
Adam Jurewicz of Guerin Catholic High School awarded Cato Mental Attitude Award
Following the match, Adam Jurewicz of Guerin Catholic High School was named the recipient of the C. Eugene Cato Mental Attitude Award.
Adam ranks in the top 3% of his class and is a member of the National Honor Society, Robotics Club, and Fishing Club. He has participated in varsity volleyball, varsity swimming and diving, and CYO basketball. He spends his time volunteering at the Eagle Scout Project, Gift of Water Organization, and Merciful Help Center Food Pantry.
The son of Tami and Michael Jurewicz of Carmel, Indiana, Adam is planning on attending Purdue University to study Mechanical Engineering.
The award is annually presented to a senior, who is nominated by his principal and coach, and has demonstrated excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability during his four years of high school. The award is named in honor of Mr. Cato, who served the IHSAA as its fifth commissioner from 1983 to 1995. During his tenure, boys and girls soccer became the 19th and 20th sports to be sponsored by the IHSAA.
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, a proud corporate partner of the IHSAA, presented a $1,000 scholarship to the general scholarship fund at Guerin Catholic High School in the name of Adam Jurewicz.
IHSAA’s Champion of Education Award, presented by Ivy Tech Community College
This award recognizes teachers and faculty who go above and beyond to challenge students to reach their full potential. As an organization that emphasizes keeping education at the forefront of high school athletics, the IHSAA is proud to shine a light on two honorees in this year’s class. On behalf of Ivy Tech Community College, presenting sponsors of the IHSAA Champion of Education Award, the IHSAA will award $250 to the classroom of each recipient.
Tom Streiff teaches Social Studies at Guerin Catholic High School. Tom is a thoughtful, student-centered teacher and demonstrates genuine care for kids in and out of the classroom! He is actively involved in student life and makes an effort to attend as many extracurricular events as possible!
Mark Duray serves as Director of Music at Bishop Chatard High School. Mark has left a lasting impact on numerous students over the years and excels at teaching life lessons through various forms of music! Students can always count on him for some worthwhile advice or a good pep talk!