Brady Anderson ’25
Plank Staff, Layout Editor
Brady Anderson ’25
Attendance (916) 482-6060
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.
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.
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.
Open Mic Night: entertainment for all
On Friday, Feb. 28, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Asian Pacific Islander Club (APIC) will host its annual Open Mic Night in the Harris Center. This event offers high school students from across the Sacramento area a chance to showcase their talents, socialize with friends, and enjoy a variety of foods prepared by student clubs.
“I joined APIC last year when I was a freshman since I wanted to find a community at Jesuit that shared the same cultural similarities and experiences as me,” said Owen Hartono ’27. “Open Mic Night is a fun event where students and their families can come to watch a variety of performances, including cultural ones, such as the St. Francis’ hula team and Tinikling dance, as well as music performances from different students.”
Kai Switlick ’25: driven to excel
As someone who strives for greatness in everything he does, Kai Switlick ’25 has been a model of excellence during his four, action-packed years at Jesuit High School Sacramento.
Kai is known by his teachers and peers for his tremendous work ethic and commitment to excellence.
Jesuit bands to perform at Marauder Mardi Gras
On Saturday, Feb. 8, Jesuit High School Sacramento will be hosting its 15th annual Marauder Mardi Gras, formerly known as the Jazz Dinner. In a night filled with music, entertainment, and delicious desserts, the Jesuit band will be performing throughout the night to show off their skills and to raise funds for the program.
Compared to previous years, this dinner will now be showcasing other parts of the Jesuit band program beyond the jazz section, allowing for an exciting introduction to build up to the main jazz showing.
Science Olympiad team pursues excellence in scientific passions
The Jesuit High School Sacramento Science Olympiad team allows students to dive deeper into their love for science and engineering in ways that a conventional class does not allow. Whether it is building a bridge from scratch or maneuvering a laser through a maze of mirrors, the Science Olympiad team is always doing something fun.
While the team is enjoyable for every student that joins, the ultimate goal of the team is to prepare for an annual Science Olympiad competition.
Jesuit Environmental Justice and Sustainability Club aims to make a greener future
Environmental justice is a globally recognized issue that the current generation of students needs to confront now in order to protect the future of our planet. Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Environmental Justice and Sustainability Club seeks to address this issue.
The club aims to help the environment by spreading awareness for environmental justice among Jesuit students.
Jesuit Sportsman Club is a blast among students
The Jesuit High School Sacramento Sportsman’s Association helps students develop their passion for trap shooting in a controlled and welcoming environment. The club is led by Math Teacher Mr. Keegan Smith, and Mr. Mark Smith, the father of Cooper Smith ’25 and Griffin Smith ’27. Every week, Mr. Smith leads practices where members hone their skills, preparing for the several competitions they attend throughout the year.
“The club is primarily focused on giving the boys an opportunity to learn and practice clay target shooting in a safe and fun environment,” Mr. Mark Smith said. “We accomplish this by having practices at the [Sacramento] Valley Shooting Center on Sunday afternoons.”
Nurturing relationships at the Mother-Son Mass
On Sunday, Oct. 27, Jesuit High School Sacramento hosted its annual Mother-Son Mass in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs, showcasing the appreciation and love students have for their mothers and mother figures.
Senior Nicolas Norton ’25 has attended the mass every year during his four years at Jesuit, and enjoys the opportunity to nurture his relationship with his mom.
Mr. Havel brings creativity and innovation through English
Freshman English Teacher Mr. John Havel recently joined the Jesuit High School Sacramento faculty, and with 23 years of teaching under his belt, he is certainly qualified for the position.
One of Mr. Havel’s main goals is to connect with people on a large scale, which teaching enables him to do.
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.
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.”
Learning the beauty of game design
Since Jesuit High School Sacramento’s computer science curriculum began offering Honors Game Development, the class has undergone immense changes.
Honors Game Development teacher Mr. Peter Strawn ’04 has taught computer science at Jesuit for six years. He teaches a broad scope of video game topics in the class, from their code to their visuals and everything in between.
“[Game development is] all about, in my mind, studying the art, science, design, and beauty of video games,” Mr. Strawn said. “From the basics of how they’re made, to understanding the mechanics of the games that students already play and to building things of their own creativity.”
Showcasing the harmony of teamwork
On Thursday, April 18, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Orchestra performed their spring season concert at the Phelan Chapel of the North American Martyrs, where they got the opportunity to showcase their teamwork and skill.
Samuel “Sam” Gegax ’25 is happy with the turnout and feedback from the audience and feels like the orchestra’s hard work paid off.
“Gentlemen, may I have your attention…”
For more than 32 years, Cross Country Coach and math teacher Mr. David Zielke has been an inspiring and positive presence in the Jesuit High School Sacramento community. Mr. Zielke looks at life in a way that few others do and shares his optimistic mindset with everyone he encounters, leaving a lasting impression in their lives.
Open Mic Night to highlight talents for charity
On Friday, March 1, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Asian Pacific Islander Club (APIC) will hold its eighth annual Open Mic Night event in the Fr. Harris Student Life Center. This is a chance for high school students from all over Sacramento to come show off their talents, socialize with friends, and enjoy a wide variety of foods prepared by student clubs.
Tibetan monks visit Jesuit to spread compassion
On Wednesday, Jan. 17, Jesuit High School Sacramento received a visit from a group of Tibetan monks as a part of their Sacred Arts of Tibet Cultivating Compassion tour. Coming from Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery, these monks seek to raise money for their monastery and spread compassion to the people they meet throughout their journey.
John Faris ’24 models service
John Faris ’24 has made his mark on the Jesuit community by modeling the behavior of a servant-leader.
Promoting student well-being from the Dean’s Office
This year a familiar face has rejoined the Jesuit High School Sacramento community. Dean Joey Elftmann from the class of 2000 has quickly become known throughout the community as a friendly and outgoing face, who eagerly works to ensure the wellbeing of all students.
Opinion: Why lacrosse is underrated
Lacrosse is a severely underappreciated sport that deserves to be played, watched, and known by way more people. It is a game of skill and physicality that leads to enjoyable moments for both viewers and players.
Echelon Catapult launches students into STEM learning
The Echelon Catapult program, run by a mix of students from Saint Francis High School and Jesuit High School Sacramento, aims to expand interest in Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) subjects for students in fifth to eighth grade. Initially founded in 2020, the program has grown to become one of the most prominent at Jesuit.
Fall Play helps students process their pandemic experiences
This November, Jesuit High School Sacramento drama presented the fall play, “My Pandemic Love Story,” an original Black Box performance written by the cast. This production was a way for students’ to share personal anecdotes about their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Open House rains inspiration on future Marauders
Jesuit High School Sacramento hosted its annual Open House on October 22, welcoming many middle school students to campus to get a glimpse into the brotherhood. Despite battling rain, the event was a thriving success.
Open House invites future Marauders into the brotherhood
As the month of October progresses, Jesuit High School Sacramento prepares to host its annual Open House event to give prospective Jesuit students a chance to see the brotherhood in action.