After Third Golf Recruit, Loyola Values Qualities Brought by Saint Viator Student Athletes

Don’t look now but there seems to be a pipeline developing between Saint Viator’s boys’ and girls’ golf teams and Loyola University, and it’s benefiting both programs.

In November, Cate Reisinger ’21, of Park Ridge, signed a national letter of intent to continue her game with the Maroon & Gold. She is the third Saint Viator golfer in two years to commit to playing in Division I at Loyola -- and she brings some firepower to their lineup.

“We love the pipeline we’re creating,” says Loyola Athletic Director Steve Watson, “and hope to have many more students from Saint Viator join us at Loyola.”

 

Before COVID-19 shut down her senior season, Cate was ESCC conference champion three times and a state medalist twice. She also led her team to the state finals her freshman and junior years and would have done so again this year, says Coach Mick Drewes, had her season not been cut short.

 

“Cate is a great golfer, but she’s a better person,” Coach Drewes says. “She was loved by her teammates and coaches alike and was the perfect example of what a student-athlete should be.”

 

Loyola officials agree, adding that they look for those qualities personified by Saint Viator student-athletes.

 

"Cate has a high level of tournament experience and will make an impact on our program,” said Carly Werwie, head women’s golf coach at Loyola. “Her strong work ethic shows in her tournament results and I feel confident with the direction our program is heading with Cate being a part of it.”

 

Cate follows in the footsteps of former Lions, Timmy Crawford ’19 and Nolan Doherty ’19, who now are sophomores – and roommates – at Loyola. Both saw limited action last year during their freshman season, though Timmy turned in a memorable performance in September 2019, enabling the Ramblers to win their first team title.

 

“The highlight of Timmy’s year was shooting a 221 (77-76-68) to tie for ninth at the Zach Johnson Invitational,” says Ryan Haley, assistant communications director for athletics, of the annual tournament hosted by Drake University in Des Moines. “He fired a season-low three-under-par 68 during the final round to help us win the team title at the event.”

 

Haley adds that the team title was the first for the Ramblers since the 2014-2015 season, meaning Timmy may have earned himself a spot in the lineup going forward with that performance.

 

At the time of their signing, back in 2018, Loyola Head Coach Erik Hoops expressed his excitement to the Maroon & Gold faithful.

 

"I could not be more excited to have these two joining our program next fall," Hoops commented.  "They were two of the best players in the state the past two seasons at a program that has created some amazing college golfers over the years.”

 

Saint Viator’s Hall of Fame boys’ golf coach, Jack Halpin, encouraged his young golfers to consider Loyola, knowing they had the kind of character the Ramblers seek.

 

“Loyola, being a Jesuit school, recruits really good people and values their academic excellence,” Halpin said. “Loyola is No. 2 in the country in the graduation rate of their athletes. Saint Viator High School checks all the boxes for them.”