CLEVELAND, Ohio — When Chuck Kyle took over his alma mater’s football program in 1983, St. Ignatius had a proud history, but nowhere near what was yet to come.

Kyle and longtime assistant Nick Restifo turned the Wildcats into a perennial state-title contender by 1988, winning their first of 11 state championships, which stood as an OHSAA record until Division VII Marion Local began its recent tear among small schools. After 40 seasons of leading St. Ignatius, Kyle retired and turned over the program to defensive coordinator and former player Ryan Franzinger.

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