The Plank

Plank Article Aiden Dalida ’26

Alumni Spirit Shines

On Saturday, Sept. 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Jesuit High School Sacramento will be hosting their first of many Alumni & Family Monthly Masses at the Phelan Chapel of the North American Martyrs. While the mass is for alumni, it is not exclusive and can be attended by anyone.

Fr. Harris believes that these masses can help people rekindle their connection with Jesuit.

Plank Article Lucas Darling ’26 Cooper Zarro '26

Looking to help where needed most

This year, Jesuit High School Sacramento welcomes a new face to its counseling department. Ms. Jocelyn Kulper, who previously taught health education at Tokay High School in Lodi, California, stepped into the position as Administrative Assistant for Counseling.

In her new role at Jesuit, Ms. Kulper is in charge of ensuring that communication is smooth and efficient throughout the Counseling Department.

Plank Article Joshua Deligero '26

Club Day offers new opportunities to explore

On Monday, Sept 23, 2024, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Club Day will give students an opportunity to discover and sign up for the various clubs offered at Jesuit.

Student Activities Director Mr. Peter Ferrari encourages students to make the most of Club Day by engaging in as many activities as possible.

Plank Article Brandon Smalls '26

Maureen Longyear: 20 years for Jesuit

Jesuit High School Sacaramento’s Advancement Department has helped Jesuit accomplish many feats over the years. Much of that success can be attributed to the recently retired Vice President of Advancement Ms. Maureen Longyear. 

Ms. Longyear’s work behind the scenes has been crucial in raising money for many different areas of Jesuit. 

Plank Article Jason De Guzman ’25

Computer Science Club builds their future, bit by bit

As technology evolves and the world shifts into a digital era, the demand for cybersecurity is rising. According to Statista.com, annual worldwide revenue in the cybersecurity industry has increased by nearly $100 billion since 2016. 

Jesuit High School Sacramento has taken note of this booming industry. There’s now a way to explore the world of cybersecurity right here on campus: the Computer Science Club. Moderated by Math Teacher Mr. Justin Tsai and Computer Science Department Chair Mr. Peter Strawn ’04, the Computer Science Club competes in various competitions throughout the year that test programming and cybersecurity skills.

Plank Article Baron Smith ’27 Milo Moggan ’26

Jesuit Water Polo: aiming high

Following a strong 16-11 season, the Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity water polo team aims to continue their success this year. The team believes they can compete at an even higher level by growing in all areas of play.

Last year, the Marauders finished second in the Delta League, and finished fourth in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Division 1 Section Playoffs. This year, Head Water Polo Coach Josh Ford and the team seek to build on their past success.

Plank Article Aiden Thomas '27

Neon night open dance aims to bring students together

On the evening of Saturday, Sept. 21, Jesuit High School Sacramento will be hosting its first Frosh Soph Open Dance of the school year. This exciting “neon night” will be held from 7 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. in the Father Barry Gymnasium. 

Student Activities Director Mr. Peter Ferrari and the student council organized this night full of festivities. 

Plank Article Aiden Dalida ’26 Brandon Smalls '26

Ms. Katrina Fox brings comfort and support to Jesuit

This summer, Jesuit High School Sacramento added to their wellness counseling team with the hiring of Wellness Counselor Ms. Katrina Fox. 

In her previous position at Saint Francis High School, Ms. Fox worked as a school counselor and was the moderator for California Scholarship Federation (CSF) and senior student council. Her current role at Jesuit focuses on providing mental health support to students in need of such support.

Plank Article Jason De Guzman ’25

Jesuit defeats CB in a low scoring Holy Bowl

On Sept. 14, 2024, Jesuit High School Sacramento beat Christian Brothers High School 7-0 in Holy Bowl 53.

The game was dominated by defense from the very beginning. Jesuit had the first possession, but they fumbled the ball on the 3rd play of the game.The defense made up for it, however, by forcing a 4th down and then stopping CB’s fake punt. The two teams went on to trade possessions for the rest of the quarter.

Plank Article Zach Monahan ’25 Nick Ryan ’26

Marauders sail confidently into the Holy Bowl

Saturday, Sept. 14 marks the 55th annual Holy Bowl at Sacramento City College’s Hughes Stadium.

After commanding victories against Rio Americano and Bellarmine College Preparatory, Jesuit High School Sacramento football is looking to secure a third victory against Christian Brothers. The pressure is on for the Marauders this year, as they have not lost a Holy Bowl since CB won 30-27 in 2019.

Plank Article Nick Ryan ’26 Brady Anderson ’25

Jesuit Dominates Rio In ‘The Battle for American River Drive’

In yet another victory over Rio Americano High School, and the first under the new permanent stadium lights, Jesuit High School Sacramento put on a dominant display in their season opener, defeating their American River Drive rivals 56-7. 

The Big Red Machine began the game with a strong drive that ended in a ten yard rushing touchdown by running back and linebacker Jack Patock ’25. After only three minutes of play and a successful point after touchdown (PAT) by Yudiel “Dragon” Mondragon Jr ’26, the Marauders established a lead that they never relinquished. 

Plank Article Preston Le '26 Toby Hekkanen '25

Service and Justice Agency Fair: A Wide Array of Opportunities

Jesuit High School Sacramento’s annual Service and Justice Agency Fair will take place on Thursday, Sept. 5, during the community period. The fair presents a valuable opportunity for anyone who’s hesitant about their service to connect with various service organizations.

Gordon Kim ’25 recalls how the fair introduced him to Loaves and Fishes, an organization dedicated to providing essentials for homeless adults and children.

“[The fair] gave me an idea of what I was getting myself into, which really helped me, since I’m one of those guys who is really uncomfortable doing things without knowing who I’m doing it for,” Gordon said.

Plank Article Zach Monahan ’25 Nick Ryan ’26

Jesuit Cross Country: excelling with depth

As Jesuit High School Sacramento’s fall sports kickoff, its cross country program, headed by legendary Head Cross Country Coach Walt Lange, looks stronger than ever. 

After Saturday, Aug. 17’s intrasquad race, “The meeting of the Marauders,” Assistant Cross Country Coach Thomas Witzgall ’98 is confident that the team will excel this season.

“As a team, I think we’re probably one of the best teams Jesuit’s ever had,” Coach Witzgall said.

Plank Article Aiden Thomas '27 Jason De Guzman ’25

Back to School Night grants parents a promising start to the school year

On Tuesday, Sept. 3rd, Jesuit High School Sacramento will hold its annual Back to School Night. 

While Back to School Night functions roughly the same between classes, each teacher has a different style of presenting. For English Teacher Mr. Kyle Trivits, his presentation revolves around giving parents and guardians the student experience.

“I try to accomplish two things,” Mr. Trivits said.“I want parents to experience my class, to get a taste of what it’s like for their students day to day. And the second thing is an overview. What sorts of things I hope to accomplish, my goals, and the ways I go about accomplishing those goals.”

Plank Article Brady Anderson ’25

Freshman Overnight, an initiation into the brotherhood

On the evening of Saturday, Aug. 24, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Freshman Class of ’28 had an experience they will never forget. A night filled with games, prayer, and community bonding, the Freshman Overnight Retreat served as a way to welcome this year’s freshmen into the Jesuit community.

Student Activities Director Mr. Peter Ferrari was an integral part in coordinating an evening full of fun and games. During this time, freshmen at the retreat were able to connect with their classmates and form relationships that will last throughout high school.

“[The retreat offered] a shared experience, an opportunity for the Freshman to get to know and bond with their classmates,” Mr. Ferrari said, “[They got] a shared experience, an opportunity to step out of their routine and explore a little bit of their relationship with God, and explore who they are in this community.”

Plank Article Jason De Guzman ’25 Cooper Zarro '26

“Pass the ball,” Jesuit celebrates its annual Mass of the Holy Spirit

At the start of every school year Jesuit high schools and universities all over the world celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit, spiritually centering themselves to start the year off strong. Jesuit High School Sacramento celebrated its mass on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024.

Each year, a set of special rituals are performed during the Mass of the Holy Spirit. At the start of the gathering, School President Jayden Canio ’25 and Vice President Justin Paredes ’25 named every school in Jesuit’s West Province, praying for them. Then, each class president lit his class’s candle, as Jayden and Justin explained the meaning of each class color.

Plank Article Matin Sayareh '25 Cooper Zarro '26

Kicking off, under the lights

A new era of Jesuit High School Sacramento football has arrived. With the move into the Sierra Foothill League and the addition of permanent stadium lights, the atmosphere at home games will never be the same again. The first of these matches, which takes place on Friday, Aug. 30 against Rio Americano High School, is crucial to setting Jesuit off to a good start.

Quarterback Theodore “Teddy” Rios ’26 believes that this highly anticipated game will give the team a chance to prove themselves in a new year.

“[The lights] will just bring another level of energy and excitement before the game,” Teddy said. “The Rio game is going to be really energetic, we’re really pumped, it’s a great rivalry, everyone is super close together at both schools and we’re just trying to go out and make a statement that we’re for real.”