FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sacramento, CA  - Monday, October 28, 2019

Jesuit High School’s Athletic Department announced today that Rugby Head Coach John Shorey would be stepping down after a storied 23-year tenure with the Marauders.

Shorey has been a fixture with Marauder Rugby since the 1990’s when Fred Khasigian, who led the charge to form Jesuit’s rugby program, asked Shorey to step in and coach for one year.    

“It is time for me to step back and let new leadership and energy continue the Jesuit rugby program. It has been a tremendous career. The program’s 10 National Championships and 17 National Championship game appearances speak for themselves. As I often tell people about our program, it takes a village, and over the past 23 years it has taken the love and support of my family, dozens of coaches, hundreds of parents and supporters, and thousands of players to make this program what it is today – a leading example of grassroots youth rugby in the United States,” Shorey shared in a meeting with Jesuit Athletic Director Hank Weinberger.

Under Shorey’s coaching, Jesuit Rugby alums have gone on to compete at the highest levels, including college, professional and international play. Shorey is leaving the head coach position effective immediately but plans to continue to have a presence with the program. Phil Nuxoll, rugby faculty liaison, will be coordinating all off-season team tasks until a new head coach is chosen.

“We are very grateful for John’s commitment as head coach of the rugby program at Jesuit. While we are sad to see him step down, we are thrilled that he will still be an active part of the program. He is leaving our Marauders in terrific shape, and the future of Jesuit Rugby is bright,” remarked Principal Michael Wood.

Before coaching at Jesuit, Shorey competed in both football and rugby at the University of California, Davis, then continued to compete in rugby as a member of both the Sacramento Rugby Club (1989-2010) and the Cal Bald Eagles International Rugby Touring Team (2000-2010.) Shorey has been serving as Jesuit’s Head Coach since 1996.

“On behalf of all of us at Jesuit High School, I to want thank Coach John Shorey for his 23 years of service as the leader of our very successful rugby program,” Jesuit President Rev. John P. McGarry, S.J., said, “Coach Shorey’s dedication and enthusiasm have benefited our student-athletes, and he has served as a role model for them. The mission of Jesuit High School has been enhanced by his work.”

Jesuit Rugby, a non-cut spring sport, begins its first day of official practice on January 6, 2020.

About Jesuit Athletics

Jesuit Athletics is a community of student-athletes, coaches, and staff whose primary focus is to achieve academic excellence while striving to produce teams and individuals committed to athletic competition and outstanding performance. Home of “The Marauders,” JHS has one of the region’s most successful men’s athletic programs, which includes 13 national championships, 22 state championships, and 312 league championships. Currently, JHS fields 36 teams, with two out of every three Marauders playing a sport. The success of JHS student-athletes both in the classroom and on the competitive field can be seen in the 24 seniors signing letters of intent last year to continue playing their sport at the collegiate level.

About Jesuit High School

Jesuit High School (JHS) is a Sacramento regional Catholic high school that provides young men with a life-building experience. Founded in 1963, the school delivers an academically rigorous college-preparatory education to graduates prepared for lives of leadership and service. Student enrollment is approximately 1050, representing diversity in geography, ethnicity, religious affiliation, and socioeconomic background. JHS draws from more than 70 zip codes throughout the Greater Sacramento Area, with 99% of graduates going on to college or university.