The Plank
Cubing Club: a unique hobby for all
Ever since its invention by Erno Rubik in 1974, the Rubik’s Cube has puzzled and intrigued people of all ages. In the mind sport known as speedcubing, or “cubing,” participants try to solve the iconic 3×3x3 puzzle in as little time as possible. Though cubing has been a widespread phenomenon since the 1980s, there has never been an official way for Jesuit High School Sacramento students to partake in this hobby.
That is, until the creation of the Cubing Club.
Opinion: Jesuit Drama soars above expectations with Spring Musical
When I walked into the Black Box Theater on Saturday, March 8, to watch Jesuit Drama’s production of Mary Poppins Jr., I was expecting a standard high school performance, complete with all the charming foibles one would expect of a high school play.
I did not see that show.
Mary Poppins Pops off in the Black Box Theater
From March 7 to March 16, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s drama department performed the musical “Mary Poppins.” The play sold out in the first 3 days, breaking the Jesuit Drama record.
The exceptional performances were in large part due to the hard work put in by the cast and crew.
“We rehearsed for almost 15 hours every week for two months, learned a lot of complicated choreography, and memorized a lot of lyrics for songs,” said cast member Ali Zaidi ’25. “Everyone gave it their all and did a great job.”
Godzilla Minus One: the latest masterpiece from an iconic franchise
Written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, “Godzilla Minus One” is the 37th movie in the Godzilla franchise. It was released in Japanese theaters on Nov. 3, 2023 and in American theaters on Dec. 1, 2023 for the 70th anniversary of Godzilla. The film received critical acclaim and won an Oscar for best visual effects a few months after its release.
“Godzilla Minus One” is a reimagination of the original 1954 “Godzilla,” and is heavily inspired by Jaws and Shin Godzilla. The title, “Godzilla Minus One,” hints at the fact that after World War Two, Japan was at its lowest point (aka ground zero), but the resurgence of Godzilla has taken Japan below zero (aka minus one). The film follows a former Kamikaze pilot, Kōichi Shikishima, who encounters Godzilla during the war and is destined to face the monster.
Jesuit Auction: a Party in Palm Beach
On Saturday, March 22, Jesuit High School Sacramento will host its 53rd Annual Jesuit Auction & Gala.
Every year, the Department of Advancement and parent volunteers spend months preparing for this event. The aim of the auction is to raise money to support students financially.
Recap: Jesuit basketball makes history in pursuit of their first state title
Over the course of Feb. 19 to Feb. 27, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s varsity basketball team played in the section tournament, fought all the way to the final, and suffered a devastating loss to Rocklin High School.
Despite ending the section tournament without a banner to hang, Jesuit did make the NorCal tournament as the three seed. Then, from March 4 to March 15, the Marauders would go undefeated over their next five games winning the Norcal Final and the first State Title in program history.
Opinion: College is not the only way
The Norsemen fought for entry to Valhalla; the Greeks sought to earn the favor of the gods for Elysium; Buddhists tried to achieve Nirvana. There’s always been status to achieve – a way to make it big. Now, success isn’t dictated by a glorious sacrifice of life in war but by the quiet, often unseen, sacrifice of happiness and mental health in the pursuit of college.
Many people see college as the only way to succeed in life, and they’re not totally wrong. College is definitely a good path to follow – it opens up so many opportunities for success while doing something that you love. However, despite the prevailing sentiment, it isn’t the only path to a fulfilling life. There are plenty of opportunities outside of a college education that also lead to fulfillment, such as trade jobs, or the military.
Jesuit Soccer displays growth throughout season
The 2024-2025 varsity soccer season was a year of growth, challenges, and achievements for Jesuit High School Sacramento, who ended the season with a record of 4-7-8. Despite being a largely new team, the players showed determination and unity, battling through every match to earn a playoff spot.
Contributing to this fresh team was a new coach: for the first season in 46 years, the team was without Mr. Paul Rose. Taking up this opening was Varsity Head Coach Joshua Palone ’99. Being the new face of the Jesuit soccer program, Coach Palone finished off his first season strong, fostering a competitive nature.
Jesuit Wrestling caps off another historic season
Jesuit High School Sacramento’s wrestling team has just wrapped up a successful season, culminating with Captain Logan Nguyen ’25 becoming the third Jesuit wrestler to make section finals in program history.
While Logan soared above all expectations, there were many other stand out wrestlers, including Max Troppman ’25, who showed skill and growth during the season, landing him a spot in the Masters Tournament alongside Logan.
Jesuit wins first NorCal basketball title since 1994
On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity basketball team won a thriller against the Destiny Christian Academy Lions. The sold out crowd in the Father Barry Gymnasium witnessed a 65-55 win for the Northern California title. Once again, the team displayed incredible teamwork and a strong sense of pride.
A raucous student section greeted the team as they walked onto the court following the national anthem. After a short delay due to a uniform issue, the game began.
Opinion: March Madness, the pinnacle of American sports
The college basketball season may start in November, but for the majority of the country College basketball does really start until March. With its upsets, incredible finishes, and the births of basketball legends, March Madness is the greatest sporting event in America.
One of March Madness’ greatest traits is the amount of upsets, as smaller colleges get matched up with basketball powerhouses. Over the years, there have been many teams that have gone on incredible runs such as Saint Peters, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and Loyola Chicago. Before their runs through the tournament, these colleges were mostly unknown.
Student-Teacher Olympics: the dawn of a new tradition
On Monday, Feb. 24, Jesuit High School Sacramento began its first ever week-long Student-Teacher Olympics. Each day, students faced off against members of the faculty and staff in a new competition to decide who really runs the school.
Monday saw a team of trivia aficionados from each side pit their wits against each other in a game of Jeopardy – the students took this event home with a close win.
Golf team teeing off to a great season
This February, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s golf team teed off a busy season. Hoping to carry on momentum from last season, the team is participating in a challenging tournament this weekend, which will allow them to grow and improve their game.
“This season because of some success last season, we were invited to what’s called the De Lasalle Elite 12, where they choose what they think are the best 12 teams in the state,” said Golf Head Varsity Coach Tom Morton. “In [a few days] from now we’re going to be heading to Monterey to play a wonderful golf course at the old four-door base called the Blackhorse at Monterey, so it should be a really great tournament against some really great competition.”
See what’s Poppin’ in the Black Box Theatre
On Friday, March 7, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Drama program, along with students from Saint Francis High School, Christian Brothers High School, Rio Americano High School, and Country Day High School will present Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s “Mary Poppins.” This musical is the largest production Jesuit Drama has brought to stage in recent years, so the performance will be a night to remember.
George Srabian ’25 is excited for this performance, as he and the rest of the team have put in many hours to make this musical as special as possible.
Track team off to the races
The beginning of March brings the beginning of the track season, and this year’s track team, led by Head Coach Mike Rosales, is out to achieve their goals.
“Our goals for this season are crystal clear: we’re here to win,” Coach Rosales said. “We’ve set our sights on taking the league title and bringing home the section championship.”
Tennis team aces first two matchups of the season
With spring sports already underway, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s varsity tennis team has displayed impressive skill and depth as they begin their quest for a Section Championship.
After starting off the season with a scrimmage against McClatchy High School, Jesuit trounced Rocklin High School 9-0 on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
Orchestra and Symphonic Band combine forces at Honors Music Recital
Yesterday, Feb. 26, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Orchestra and Symphonic Band performed in their Honors Music Recital.
Cello player Nicolas Padilla ’25 believes that the performances throughout the night went off without a hitch.
Opinion: March Madness, the pinnacle of American sports
The college basketball season may start in November, but for the majority of the country College basketball does really start until March. With its upsets, incredible finishes, and the births of basketball legends, March Madness is the greatest sporting event in America.
One of March Madness’ greatest traits is the amount of upsets, as smaller colleges get matched up with basketball powerhouses. Over the years, there have been many teams that have gone on incredible runs such as Saint Peters, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and Loyola Chicago. Before their runs through the tournament, these colleges were mostly unknown.
Opinion: Don’t close the book on the King Library
Nobody knows how to check out a book.
15 years ago, we were still using the Joseph J. King S.J. Library as a traditional library: researching, reading, and learning from physical books. But then we stopped. The computer was faster, easier, more expansive – plainly better – and those books were no longer needed.
Ralph, Mazibuko lead Teachers to overtime victory vs. Students
The Father Barry Gymnasium has never been this loud.
On Tuesday, Feb. 25, all of Jesuit High School Sacramento rallied behind their faculty and staff for the Teachers vs. Students basketball game. To close the annual Winter Sports Rally, the final two teams of the intramural basketball tournament took on 8 members of Jesuit’s faculty and staff.