Jason De Guzman ’25
Plank Staff, Editor-in-Chief
Jason De Guzman ’25
Attendance (916) 482-6060
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.
Koen Miyashiro ’25: a loyal friend and mentor to all
When you meet Koen Miyashiro ’25 for the first time, you’ll quickly discover two things about him: he’s exceptionally smart and exceptionally friendly. He’ll speak first, curiously asking a question or sharing an observation. When you respond, he’ll show genuine interest and will continue asking questions or sharing stories. Before you know it, you’ll be deep in conversation with him, trying to keep up as he speaks rapidly and excitedly. Because of experiences like this one, many people at Jesuit High School Sacramento call Koen a friend.
While working with Koen to organize Echelon Catapult classes and events, Director of Admissions Mr. Matthew Ramos ’05 has watched Koen grow into a capable and confident leader.
Wrestling team plans to suplex their way to victory
After an outstanding 2023-2024 season, the Jesuit High School Sacramento wrestling team aims to continue their success this winter. The team has refined their skills throughout the off-season, training to dominate the competition.
“A lot of the wrestlers, including me, have been doing off season practices throughout spring, summer, and fall,” said Xavier Pizano ’25. “And outside of just practicing, we’ve also been going to tournaments and wrestling camps. We’ve done a lot of off-season competition and practices to prepare for this upcoming season.”
Inaugural Interfaith Prayer Service aims to inspire gratitude
On Friday, Nov. 22, Jesuit High School Sacramento will host its first ever Thanksgiving Interfaith Prayer Service. In light of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, the service will center on the theme of gratitude; more specifically, how we can be thankful in our everyday lives.
As the first interfaith Campus Ministry event, the service will feature Jesuit student speakers and guest speakers from various religions.
Jesuit demolishes Davis under the lights
On Friday, Oct. 4, the Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity football team dominated Davis High School 53-0.
One minute into the game, Davis was forced to punt, and Jesuit quickly capitalized on their first offensive opportunity when quarterback Teddy Rios ’26 connected with wide receiver Ryan Reeves ’26 on a 22-yard touchdown pass. Kicker Yudiel “Dragon” Mondragon ’26 added the extra point, making the score 7-0 Jesuit.
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.
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.
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.”
“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.
Let there be lights
Jesuit High School Sacramento has reached a key milestone in its endeavor to install stadium lights on the football field. At a hearing on Wednesday, June 4, 2024, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the installation of the lights, giving the go-ahead for a proposal that has existed since the fall of 2021. Jesuit has been working over the summer to fundraise for the construction of the four stadium lights, and as the school year begins, those permanent stadium lights are closer than ever to becoming a reality.
In the fall of 2021, Jesuit submitted Use Permit PLNP2021-00262, which marked the start of the school’s quest to acquire stadium lights. Over the next few years, the proposal went through a long county approval process filled with planning, analyzing, and communicating with neighbors. The proposal was finally set to be approved last March this year, but on the last day of public comment an appeal was filed and accepted by the county. So, a hearing was scheduled on June 4, which resulted in the long-awaited approval of the installation of stadium lights on the football field.
Jesuit lacrosse: dedicated, tight, and proficient
Emphasizing character and community, the Jesuit High School Sacramento Varsity Lacrosse team has worked its way to an overall record of 8-5 and a league record of 5-1.
Jesuit to host 52nd annual Auction
One of Jesuit High School Sacramento’s biggest events of the year is rapidly approaching. On Saturday, March 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. Jesuit will host its 52nd annual Jesuit Auction in the Fr. Barry gymnasium.
Otis Hill Academy wins 3v3 intramural tournament in spectacular fashion
This year’s 3v3 Intramural Tournament at Jesuit High School Sacramento ended in spectacular fashion. The championship game was played on Thursday, Feb. 8, during the Winter Sports Rally in front of the entire school. Everyone in attendance was fully entertained as Otis Hill Academy came storming back in the final minute to overcome a 6-point deficit and triumph over Jack’s Team.
James Randall ’24: lifelong learner
In the summer of 2022, James Randall ’24 and the Jesuit High School Sacramento’s robotics team triumphed over colleges and universities from around the world in the Marine Advanced Technology Education International Underwater Robotics Competition, held in Long Beach, California. The team had been preparing for the competition for a year and all that work was worth it for James.
Aiming for a blue banner
On Wednesday, Feb. 7, the Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity basketball team won their most crucial game of the season to that point. In a bout against Sheldon High School, Jesuit won 55-39 to tie for first in the league rankings with SHS. Two days later, on Friday, Feb. 9, Jesuit triumphed again on an 84-58 victory over Pleasant Grove High School.
Cole Epperson ’24: playing at a high level
Cole Epperson ’24 has been instrumental in leading Jesuit to a Delta League Championship this year. As one of Jesuit’s starting forwards, he’s made a name for himself by impacting every game on offense and defense.
Opinion: Chiefs hold the advantage in Super Bowl LVIII
Super Bowl LVIII will be held on Sunday, Feb.11, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Many Jesuit students will be tuning in as the game will feature a familiar matchup: Kyle Shanahan’s San Francisco 49ers will face off against Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs. The two teams played each other in Super Bowl LIV four years ago, where the Chiefs won 31-20 thanks to a dominant final 8 minutes where they outscored the 49ers 21-0.
Basketball mid-league review
From Jan. 10 to Jan. 19, the Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity basketball team played a total of six games. Jesuit won four of these games and lost the other two, giving them a record of 14-7 for the season and 5-1 in league play.
Jesuit swim team prepares for final Delta League Championship
Jesuit High School Sacramento had a hugely successful 2023 swim and dive season, winning the league title, the section title, and finished 10th in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Swimming and Diving Championships. This year, the team aims to build upon that success and dominate in Jesuit’s final year in the Delta League.
Fr. Stiegeler makes his return
25 years after departing Jesuit High School Sacramento, Fr. Francis Stiegeler, S.J. makes his return; this time as chaplain.
Jesuit looks to bounce back after Fr. Barry Tournament
From Thursday, Dec. 7 to Saturday, Dec. 9, Jesuit High School Sacramento hosted the 49th Annual Fr. Barry Classic Basketball Tournament. Jesuit welcomed seven other teams, coming from as far as Houston, Texas. In the end, Archbishop Mitty High School won the tournament, beating Brophy College Preparatory 54-52 in overtime.
The Wrap: Del Oro takes the playoff game of the ages
On Saturday, Nov. 11, Jesuit High School Sacramento lost 40-34 at home in a triple overtime thriller versus the Del Oro High School Golden Eagles. This game was a quarterfinal matchup in the Division 2 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Sac-Joaquin Section Playoffs.
Ms. Fox shares the beauty of the Spanish language
Spanish teacher Ms. Katy Fox has returned to Jesuit High School Sacramento after four years away. Having worked at Jesuit from 2011 to 2019, she is excited to once again teach Jesuit students the wonders of the Spanish language.
The Wrap: Jesuit shuts out CVC
On Friday, Sept. 29, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s varsity football team defeated Clayton Valley Charter High School in a 26-0 shutout on CVC’s home turf.
Ms. Bernardi seeks to serve
Administrative Assistant for the Office of Service and Justice and Campus Ministry Ms. Tina Bernardi has been a part of the Jesuit High School Sacramento community for many years now, despite only joining as an employee this summer. Her experience with the Jesuit community has helped her excel at her job right away.
Jesuit dominates Christian Brothers to win Holy Bowl 52
On Sept. 9, 2023, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s football team defeated Christian Brothers High School 41-8 at Hughes Stadium in the 52nd annual Holy Bowl.
The Wrap: Jesuit beats CB at Holy Bowl 52
On Sept. 9, 2023, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s football team defeated Christian Brothers High School 41-8 in the 52nd Holy Bowl.
Freshman Overnight opens the tents back up
For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Jesuit High School Sacramento will host its Freshman Overnight retreat on August 26-27.
Football kicks off new season
As the new school year begins, the Jesuit High School Sacramento football team prepares for their upcoming season. The team has been hard at work, practicing since late June.
Exploring exciting student art
On April 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Jesuit High School Sacramento will host an art showcase known as The Exhibition: Cannonball Collection. This is the first Exhibition in our history, and it will consist of pieces from the students in Digital Media and Studio Art classes. To conclude the Exhibition, there will be an awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
Jack Zill ’23: talented musical leader
Jack Zill ’23 started his journey at Jesuit High School
Sacramento before he was even in high school; in fifth grade he
joined the junior Marauder Band, where he met Jesuit Band
Director Mr. John Cargile. From that point on Jack became a key
part of multiple bands, and learned to play a variety of
instruments.
AP Environmental Science will grow student’s passion
In the 2023-2024 school year, Jesuit High School Sacramento will
be adding AP Environmental Science to its course catalog. AP
Environmental Science is a year-long course, and as an AP course,
it will have a curriculum developed by the College Board.
Lenten Service Drive lends supports to Sacramento
From Feb. 27 to March 31, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Office
of Service and Justice (OSJ) is hosting the Lenten Service Drive,
which combines a donation drive and special events for education
on justice.
Clothing Exchange Closet helps students stay in uniform
When soon-to-be freshman Viliami Sitauti ’26 stopped by Jesuit
High School Sacramento to drop off some paperwork, he found out
that his uniform wouldn’t be arriving until September, a month
into his freshman year. Luckily, he was able to get free,
dress-code compliant logo wear for free from Jesuit’s Clothing
Exchange Closet.
Open Mic Night
Tonight, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Asian Pacific Islander Clubs
(APIC) from Jesuit High School Sacramento and St. Francis High
School, along with Jesuit Latinos Unidos and the Jesuit Student
Council, will host Open Mic Night in the Harris Center.
Matthew Ferrara ’23: keeping the brotherhood strong
As a Junior, Matthew Ferrara ’23 and classmates traveled to
Washington D.C. to attend a summit on social justice. It’s one of
his favorite memories, and it embodies what Matthew has
accomplished at Jesuit High School Sacramento: trying new things
and moving outside of comfort zones.
Sophomore Retreat: a journey of self-discovery
This year, the Sophomore Retreat will take place on Jan. 31, Feb.
2, Feb. 6, Feb. 9, and Feb. 13 at Christ the King Retreat Center
and are led by the Senior Retreat Team and facilitated by faculty
members working with Campus Ministry.
Baseball star Ethan Tsui ’23, a Marauder and a friend
At the start of 2019, the new batting cages for the Jesuit High
School Sacramento Baseball Team had just been constructed.
Varsity Baseball Coach Joseph Potulny ’76 was holding tryouts
when he noticed a freshman who was there almost every day. That
freshman was Ethan Tsui ’23 who would eventually end up starring
on Coach Potulny’s varsity baseball team.
Stop Asian Hate movement encourages respect in America
Ever since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, hate
crimes against Asian Americans have increased throughout the
country. In response, the Stop Asian Hate movement was created in
order to increase awareness and speak out against these crimes.
Now, two and a half years after the beginning of the COVID-19
pandemic, members of the Jesuit High School Sacramento community
reflect back on those troubling times.
Food drive aims to donate 100,000 pounds of food
Since 1968, Jesuit High School Sacramento has hosted an annual
Advent Food Drive; one of the oldest traditions at Jesuit.
Valorant club offers an alternative to sports
Valorant is a team-based first person combat video game developed by Riot Games. Since its initial release in June 2020, it has grown to be hugely popular among the gaming community so much so that students – along with the help of mathematics teacher Mr. Justin Tsai – have created a Valorant club at Jesuit High School Sacramento.
Mr. Richard Hanson brings optimism, empathy to the classroom
Mr. Richard Hanson began working at Jesuit High School Sacramento this year as a statistics and computer science teacher. He taught at Amador Valley High School for 29 years before coming to Jesuit.
Mr. Hanson appreciates the kindness of the faculty, staff, and students that has helped him adjust to teaching at Jesuit.
