The Plank

Plank Article Nick Ryan ’26

Marauders looking to keep Holy Bowl streak alive

On Saturday, Sept. 13, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s varsity football team will be facing off against Christian Brothers High School in one of the biggest football games of the year, the Holy Bowl. Coming off a couple of strong wins, the Marauders look to continue their winning streak in their annual rivalry game at Hughes Stadium. 

Plank Article Cooper Zarro ’26

You are wonderfully made

At the beginning of every school year, Principal Dr. Michael Wood ’99 offers a new theme for the new year. Drawing inspiration from Psalm 139, this year’s theme is “You are wonderfully made.”

Plank Article Cooper Zarro ’26

TeamCARE aims to spread awareness of suicide prevention

Each year, Jesuit High School Sacramento joins schools and communities across the United States in observing National Suicide Prevention Week. The week, centered around National Suicide Prevention Day, offers the time to shine a light on this heavy topic and works to combat the stigma around suicide.

Plank Article Zach Monahan ’25 Preston Le ’26

Vale bene, Domine Witucki

25 years of memories made. Thousands of students taught. Latin teacher Mr. Jon Witucki has made his presence known at Jesuit High School Sacramento. With undying dedication and a wealth of knowledge, Mr. Witucki has indisputably made Jesuit a better school. 

Plank Article Lucas Darling ’26

Goodbye Willie’s

Back when I was a wee freshman, my Jesuit big brother told me a lot of things that went in one ear and out the other, but there was one thing that prominently stuck: “Willie’s Burgers has a student discount.” 

For thousands of Marauders, Willie’s offered a typical burger joint, with fries, shakes, hotdogs, and more. But there was one defining feature for us Jesuit students – the student discount. 

Plank Article Bruce Van Parys ’27

Opinion: here’s why the Sacramento Kings are stuck in mediocrity

The Sacramento Kings once again failed to do anything in the play-in game, this time getting destroyed by the Dallas Mavericks. But unlike last year, the future of the Kings is bleak. There are many complications, but there are two issues that stand out to me the most: the style of play and head-scratching front office decisions, both of which stem from ownership decisions and misplaced priorities. 

Plank Article Brady Anderson ’25

A Minecraft Movie: a stellar disaster

On Friday, April 4, the highly anticipated and advertised “A Minecraft Movie” premiered, and it did not disappoint. While critics have rather mixed reviews over the movie, it is safe to say that watching this movie on opening day will be a moment remembered by everyone who attended. 

With critics rating the movie at 48% Rotten Tomatoes a few days after release, the movie appears to be unpolished and unappealing to some. When looking at the audience rating of the movie however, it sits at a high 87%. In my opinion, this disparity can be attributed to the fact that watching this movie in a room by yourself is a drastically different experience than watching this movie at your local theatre on opening day. While the movie may not have had the best character arcs or plot, the true entertainment came from crowd interactions, the nostalgia value, and the numerous funny moments from Jack Black and Jason Momoa.

Plank Article Aiden Thomas ’27

Opinion: Theology offers the best answers

When considering the most valuable subjects in school, people often default to mathematics, literature, and science. Each of these subjects have concrete, real-world applications that are commonly found on many career paths. I believe, however, that the most important subject is theology. Beyond spiritual fulfillment, theology delves into life’s greatest questions and shapes our morality.

Plank Article Nick Ryan ’26 Baron Smith ’27

Jesuit basketball: levitating, higher than ever before
[from the Print Edition]

The Jesuit High School Sacramento basketball team took home the school’s very first basketball state title. For the first time since 1994, the Marauders made it to the state final, and they won in dominant fashion. The hard work that Head Coach Tim Kelly, the athletes, and coach staff have put forth directly led to the banner that now hangs in the Barry Gymnasium.

At the beginning of the season, one of the areas of concern was that the roster was incredibly green. However, Amaury McKinney ’25 believes the team succeeded precisely because of this inexperience.

Plank Article Milo Moggan ’26

Anything can happen if you let it
[from the Print Edition]

If you’ve stepped into Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Black Box theater this year, then maybe you’ve sensed the spirit pulsing through it. Perhaps you’ve felt the dedication of the cast and crew that transformed the building. It’s not often you find a group of people like this – a production that absorbs you through infectious passion, a team so committed that their energy becomes tangible and transcendent.

By the numbers alone, Jesuit Drama’s musical production of “Mary Poppins Jr.” is the stuff of folk legend: the show sold out eight days before opening night, a mark the Black Box hasn’t seen since Sweeney Todd in 2008.

Plank Article

Rooted in Purpose, Rising in Excellence
[from the Print Edition] 

By the Editorial Board of The Plank

Two state championships.

A sold out play.

Multiple outstanding performances by the choir and band programs. Taking everything into account, it’s safe to say that Jesuit has had a very successful year.

But why? Are all of these accomplishments merely a result of luck and coincidence? Is this just a fluke, a peak year for Jesuit? Or is there something bigger at play, a newfound key to consistent success?

Plank Article Lucas Darling ’26 Aiden Dalida ’26

Mr. Zielke’s final sunrise at Jesuit

“We set a new world record and it was amazingly early,” said Mr. David Zielke. 

For 33 years, Mr. Zielke has been setting records as a fantastic math teacher, cross-country coach, former vice principal, and Advanced Placement coordinator. After a long career of service, Mr. Zielke will be retiring with a legacy of being a true man for others.