Giambattista remembers 1988 title run by Ursuline

He started the baseball program and took the Irish to their first title game.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
COLUMBUS -- From high atop Cooper Stadium, the architect of Ursuline High's baseball program reigned.
Matt Giambattista stepped into the broadcast booth for the first time as a n analyst Friday during the Irish's state semifinal game against St. Henry.
The 54-year-old Ursuline High graduate started the baseball program in 1975 and directed it to its first state championship in 1988.
"Everybody says, 'You started it all,' but these guys are carrying it," said Giambattista, who partnered with Chad Krispinsky on WNIO-AM 1390. "It's their time, and they're doing a wonderful job."
Making it happen
Giambattista was referring to Ursuline coach Sean Durkin and assistants Bill Metzinger, Joe Metzinger, Anthony Perfilio, Randy Rair, Ben Santiago and Jim Hanek.
Together, they have helped the Irish make three more trips to Columbus since Giambattista's team defeated Cincinnati McNicholas for the 1988 title.
"I think about that [championship year] in a way that it set the tone for what was to come," said Giambattista, an assistant on Mike Popio's staff at Chaney this season and also a guidance counselor at Lisbon High.
"I had the right players that year, and I didn't want to screw it up," Giambattista said. "When you get to this point, you just have to let them play."
So close
Giambattista watched Ursuline fall short of its third state title, losing to St. Henry 10-0 in the semifinals Friday. The Irish also won the championship in 2000.
"You have to acclimate the kids to the surroundings, and Sean did that," Giambattista said. "[Thursday] they worked out at Watterson, stayed over night and tried to keep them calm. It just helps with all the rush down here."
Ursuline, however, was in trouble early. In the first two innings, senior pitcher Josh Conkey had trouble finding the strike zone, the defense committed two errors and St. Henry stormed out to a 7-0 lead.
"Josh's arm seemed a little tired, but he did the best he could," Giambattista said. "St. Henry is a good club. I'd be surprised if they don't win it all."
Battling adversity
While Austintown Fitch, Boardman and Cardinal Mooney were tying for the Steel Valley Conference title, Ursuline, with a 6-15 regular-season record, was trying to find an identity. The Irish did so in the tournament.
"The Steel Valley schedule prepares you well for the tournament," Giambattista said. "The biggest thing in trying to get here [to state] is based on who you play all year."
In the end, it wasn't enough to put Ursuline back in the championship game. St. Henry and Gahanna Columbus Academy will have that honor this afternoon.
"Anytime you get here, you're disappointed if you don't win it all," Durkin said. "These kids faced adversity that none of the other teams had to deal with.
"In a couple of days, they'll say, 'Wow, what an accomplishment.' "