The Plank

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.

Plank Article Aiden Dalida ’26

Spring choir concert: a sonorous success

On Wednesday, May 7, the choir hosted their Spring Choral Concert at the nearby Our Lady of Assumption Parish. This concert’s theme was “Music For Others” – a play on the phrase “Man For Others.” The music selected exemplified this theme, with a wide variety of songs ranging from Michael Jackson to traditional Hebrew Prayers. 

One of the most memorable parts of the concert was the acoustics within the building. The beautiful layout of Our Lady of Assumption’s church allowed for the voices of the singers to blend perfectly, creating a great listening experience. 

Plank Article Aiden Thomas ’27 Bruce Van Parys ’27

Jesuit volleyball team aced their season

Jesuit High School Sacramento Volleyball teams have had an exceptional and storied past. Even though this year’s season did not end the way Jesuit’s Varsity Volleyball team wanted, the team was able to create great chemistry and continue the legacy of past teams. This year, with their ascension into the Sierra Foothill League (SFL), they have proved themselves as one of the toughest teams in the area. 

Plank Article Brady Anderson ’25

Jesuit golf team swings into action as postseason begins

The Jesuit High School Sacramento’s golf team has finished a very successful regular season, accumulating an overall record of 10-3-1. With these accomplishments as preparation, the team worked hard to get ready for the postseason. In the first round of sections, Jesuit placed second place. As a result, they gained a spot in the next round at the San Joaquin Section Masters.

Leading the team out on the course, Captain Luke Dariotis ’25 is very hopeful that the golf team goes far in the playoffs. After ending the season with a first place win in the last center match of the year, Luke and the team will try to keep the streak going in the postseason.

Plank Article Toby Hekkanen '25 Preston Le ’26

Jesuit music program bands together for a spectacular performance

On Wednesday, April 16, Jesuit High School Sacramento held their Spring Band Concert, where the Funk Band, Prelude Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band all performed. Their performance consisted of Silent Movie Suites, video game music, and many other interesting pieces.

Clarinet and Baritone Sax player Samuel Gegax ’25 is very proud of his bandmates’ performances, and is happy that everyone’s hard work paid off.