The Sochi Winter Olympics
March Madness is coming...
Don’t forget almsgiving!
Find out how Jesuit is planning to serve the community this Lenten Season. p. 2
That’s a lot of Spring sports! The Marauders have a lot of competition this season. Find out all about it! p. 5-7
Hear Brennen Honaker’s story. Was Russia a good host? p. 4 March 2014
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Jesuit High School
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Social Justice Summit
By Tristan Mullany Throughout the week of March 3, Jesuit Marauders will be attending a Social Justice Summit in which they discuss different topics and ideas about mental health and illness. The hope of the summit is for students to be aware and conscious about various illnesses and diseases. Statistics show that nearly 50% of all people will experience a mental illness or disease at one point or another, which means almost everyone will be affected by mental illness whether they experience it themselves, through family members or their friends. Mental illnesses include various diseases, such as ADHD, depression, and Psychophrenia. These illnesses tend to be “invisible” and there can be a stigma or stereotype that goes along with them. Moreover, a person with a mental illness might not be as comfortable telling others about it; whereas, a person might disclose a
more “acceptable” illness such as diabetes. This summit is different from ones in the past in a sense that it is more relatable to the average student and has a greater personal connection. For example, this summit is said to have a more direct relationship than the one based on global poverty. “This topic is bound to personally impact someone on this campus; especially if they have a family member or know somebody with a mental illness,” said the summit organizer, Mrs. Anderson. The hope is that everyone who attends will be impacted by the summit. “Everyone is on the spectrum of full mental health, and I think it is much more apt to have a direct relationship to our students,” said Mrs. Anderson. Throughout the week, there will be a variety of speakers. One is UC Davis professor, Dr. Ser-
gio Aguilar-Gaxiola, who went to a Jesuit High School and worked in the mental health field. On Tuesday, March 4, Dr. Seishas will talk about the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses, and a panel on myths about mental health will also be held. On Ash Wednesday, there will be some mini-documentaries to watch at break and lunch. The topic on Thursday covers personal stories. A panel of veterans and soldiers will talk about various diseases, such as PTSD, and others will tell stories about patient dumping at Loaves and Fishes. On Friday, members of the senior class will run a panel of students who will share their own stories of mental health. This is a week to consciously look at mental health issues and how they affect our everyday life. These issues might be hidden in the shadows and media may not cover it. It is our moral obligation to shine a light on these issues and be “healing agents” for those who need our help.
Trial Block Schedule By Brett Soutiere The week of February 17, Jesuit tried out its new schedule for next year with 80 minute classes, but fewer classes per day. Although the schedule was not entirely the same as it will be next year, it offered a glimpse into what extended class periods might be like. Several students enjoyed the new schedule because of fewer classes per day, the freetime in class and the additional time 80 minute classes allowed for homework review. “The longer classes gave us more time to ask questions and review our homework. I am looking forward to our schedule for next year,” said Junior Luc Barbe. Some students are still on the fence about next year’s changes to the schedule.
Junior Mac Yates said, “For some classes, it beneficial to have more time, but other classes we need the entire 60 minutes, much less 80.” “Having a prefect all class period created a boring and unproductive class,” said Senior Patrick Stevens. Granted, the new schedule will not be entirely the same as the trail week. For example, there will not be late starts every morning, but the rehearsal week offered a glimpse into next year’s schedule.
Campus Life
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March 2014
Lenten Fundraisers
Our Lenten Sacrifices
By Riley Spieler Lent, the 40 days before Easter, is fast approaching. A lot of people seem to “give something up” for Lent. I spoke with Mrs. Pryor at the Christian Service office, and she gave me the scoop as to what this “giving up” practice is really about. Mrs. Pryor said that Lent is a time to grow closer to God. This happens mainly through repentance of one’s sins. She also mentioned that, traditionally, people recognize what is blocking their relationship with God and get rid of or tame it. This can mean giving something up, though it doesn’t have to mean that. Apparently, somewhere along the line, the true meaning of these 40 days of repentance has been lost. This is just something to keep in mind as you head into the Lenten season. That being said, here is what some students and staff around campus are doing to grow closer to God during Lent:
Michael Flodin As “Pennies for Patients” came to a close on February 21, the Executive Council raked in over $1000 thanks to the generous students here at Jesuit. Led by Chief Justice Evan Mattern, the Executive Council raised money to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society that funds blood cancer research and provides education and patient services. A new, upcoming fundraising project that is being done for the first time at Jesuit is the Baby Bottle Project. It supports the Sacramento Life Center. At lunchtime during the second and third week of March, look for the members of the Students for Life club walking around campus with a giant baby bottle collecting money! “The Baby Bottle Project will help spread a
greater awareness of the issue of abortion, as well as convey the message here at Jesuit that abortion is not just a womens’s issue and that the man is also a big part of it,” said Senior Hagen Lendewig, president of the Students for Life club. Lendewig encourages the men at Jesuit not to be shy about helping this fundraiser. In 2013, the project made over $50,000, which enabled the center to help over 2,500 women and men. Jesuit is hoping to be a solid contributor to that goal this year. With all these fundraisers going on at Jesuit, you, as a student, can help make a difference in people’s lives by giving whatever you can. These fundraisers are an ooptunity for each of us to be a Man for Others.
Tim Brannan (Freshman) is not going to eat chocolate or cookies.
Casey Hunt (Sophomore) is not going to eat meat during Lent.
Jazz Band Going To New Orleans
prestigious list of clubs and teams that can say they have traveled around the country. The Jesuit Jazz Band is journeying to New Orleans, Louisiana, to compete in the Jazz and Heritage Festival, which is the largest jazz festival in the city. Regarding how Jesuit’s band will stack up against the competition, Jazz Band conductor Ron Cunha said, “The Jazz Band has been doing very well, but it’s the first time we’ve gone out of state and it depends on which east coast bands are at the festival.” The band leaves during Spring Break in April, and will be gone for a week. In addition to performing in the festival, the Jazz Band will be staying at the Mustard Seed House for two nights and volunteering at the St. Bernard project. They will also be visiting Loyola University, By Adam McGrew New Orleans, and giving a lunch time perforJesuit’s athletic and academic teams have mance for New Orleans Jesuit High School. a strong history of not only maintaining a “The trip really embodies what Jesuit is all prominent local presence, but also a phe- about. First and foremost, we are being ‘Men for nomenal national image. This year, another Others,’ but we are also showcasing the talent Jeco-curricular activity is being added to the suit has to offer,” said Junior Ryan Kenneally.
Thomas Ryan (Junior) won’t be drinking soda during Lent.
Berk Eppler (Senior) thinks that he is giving up eating chocolate.
Mr. Cargile (Band Teacher) is not swearing during Lent.
Entertainment
Beauty and the Beast Opens
March 2014
The Lego Movie
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By Patrick Stevens On March 6, the Jesuit musical Beauty and the Beast opens. Go and see the show!
How I Met Your Mother Finale By Andrew Reid How I Met Your Mother is currently in its ninth, and final season. So far, season nine has offered us the unbeatable comedy we’ve come to love, numerous plot reveals, and many more insights into the mother (the most complex character in the show). As the hype builds up for the final episode, we get closer to seeing how Ted will meet the mother. How I Met Your Mother is no doubt a comedy, and season nine pays tribute to this feat. Most of the comedy takes place at the Farhampton Inn, where Ted, Lilly, Robin, and Barney, are staying. Marshall, on the other hand, is on his way to reach the Inn in time for Robin and Barney’s wedding. So far, the season is as funny as any other, and if you have enjoyed the comedy of previous seasons, you are sure to love season nine. Barney keeps the show’s comedy at its peak, as always, along with the unique mix between the earnest plot points that will bring the show to a close, and the skillfully crafted humor that has defined the show since 2005. Of course, being the final season, the show must wrap up its many intertwining plots that fuel the overall memorable story. A re-watch of previous seasons might be a good idea, as the references to previous episodes are among the really special moments of season nine so far. The final slaps of the “slap bet,” the disclosure of Barney’s job, and Marshall’s new job offer will no doubt be rewarding for long time fans. For Barney and Robin, though, this season is all about their marriage, and the events leading up to it. Yet, the show is about Ted and, although a comedy, it continues to remind us that this is a love story in reverse, albeit a very funny one. Ultimately, this season is all about the mother and how she and Ted meet.
The late winter months of January to March are a dry season for movies. It is the time of year to dump the films that production companies don’t feel will succeed. So it’s incredibly striking when a film, particularly an animated one, rises above the rest and sets records while winning audience’s hearts. The Lego Movie has done exactly that. Animated completely in CGI, the film’s visual charm comes from the fact that its animation emulates the style of stopmotion, a form of animation popular with Lego products on YouTube. The film’s animation is not the only gem here, as the script is both witty and incredibly
well crafted, going as far as to acknowledge the very nature of what Lego Products are. Interestingly, the film’s major plot twist changes everything. In fact, it could be removed and still be a great film, but it establishes the touching relationship between Man and Brick. The cast includes Chris Pratt, Will Farrell, Elizabeth Banks, Morgan Freeman, as well as Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill and many other hollywood celebrities in cameo roles. The Lego Movie is a rare film that defies expectations. It’s one you won’t want to miss.
Hints on the mother have been dropped throughout the show’s history, and we finally found out who she was at the end of season eight. Now, it’s all about discovering more about the mother, and just how Ted will meet her. Episodes in season nine, such as “How Your Mother Met Me” (the show’s 200th episode), really bring us closer to the mother’s character.
The season finale is sure to be a good one. How I Met Your Mother has been going strong over the years, and it will definitely be sad to see it end. That being said, the build up to the final episode is so far a worthy effort. The season isn’t over yet, but if the season keeps up the good work, it will be no doubt “legen-wait for it-dary, legendary!”
Opinion-Editorial
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March 2014
The Winter Olympics By Brennen Honaker
rive, it’s actually quite shocking. Sure, you have McDonald’s on the corner, but that’s as AmeriRecently, the Winter Olympics were held in Socan as it gets. Nobody speaks English (which chi, Russia, and I had the opportunity to attend. is in fact very rare even in a foreign country), 50 billion dollars were spent on these the architecture is so completely different and games. The affair is both lavish and grand, the people all seem to be either 6’ 8” or 4’ 7”. and it is truly quite a spectacle. It’s like It’s like being placed in a different world. Disneyland on steroids to be honest. Finally, the last thing about Russia is comThe first thing you’ve got to know about Ruspletely unexpected. As Americans, for the last sia is that it is really cold in the winter. Moscow, one hundred years or so, we have been feed the capital city, never gets much above freezing the notion that Russians are Communist-loving during this time. However, ironically, this year’s criminals. That can’t be farther from the truth. winter games were held in a city at the heart When I arrived I was terrified. I mean I’ve of the warmest region of Russia. Sochi is Rusheard the stories of Americans being kidnapped sia’s version of San Diego. It is a beach town. The second thing you need to know about Russia is the fact that it is so un-American. This sounds quiet obvious when you consider the fact that they were the bad guys for much of the nineteenth century. However, once you ar-
(I also saw Die Hard 5 the week before, which didn’t help). Yet, I was shocked to find the biggest group of nice, genuine people. They were so excited to learn that I was an American, and a Californian at that. They constantly tried to accommodate me no matter what lengths they had to go. Seriously, they were so incredibly nice. Now, on to Sochi and the Games. Once you arrive you realize why the Russians put 50 billion into this place. It may be the perfect vacation getaway for the entire world. It’s a beach town, and it’s just a twenty minute train ride away from the center of the city. The games were structured Continued on Back...
Squeeze-Inn Review
By Mac Yates Last Thursday, I ate at the Squeeze Inn in Roseville, which is at the corner of Douglas Boulevard and North Sunrise Avenue. The restaurant is made to have a “snow” theme, with everything from skis to hockey sticks on the walls, along with a separate room in the back with arcade games and a foosball table. The walls in the back were covered with pictures of happy customers and employees. Also, the ceiling was covered with toothpicks. We were told that they were shot up there by the customers, who used straws to blow them up into the ceiling. To start, I went up to the register to order. There weren’t many other people in the restaurant, being it was a Thursday night, so I didn’t have to wait very long. I had the Squeeze Inn Burger with fries and a milkshake, figuring that was the popular choice. The employee was very kind. The service was quick, and before I knew it, I had my meal placed in front of me. The burger was well-sized, with an interesting ring of cheese around the burger itself. I had never seen this before and was intrigued by the restaurant’s personal touch. The burger was delicious, along with the fries and the milkshake. The price was reasonable, as well. I was quite satisfied with my first Squeeze Inn experience and hope you’ll take the time to stop by for a bite to eat.
Flappy Birds Review By Charles Fries In just a few days, the iPhone application Flappy Bird became a worldwide sensation. The app, developed by indie game creator Dong Nguyen, is based on the fairly popular classic helicopter game. Flappy Bird incorporates a Mario-type design, featuring the classic pipes and 8-bit interface that Mario games are famous for. Soon after the game blew up, Dong Nguyen published a press release on his Twitter account (which now has about 172,000 more followers as a result of the game), saying he “will take ‘Flappy Bird’ down.” It is rumored that Nguyen suffered from social anxiety, and the “success” of the game was not helping. After many of his followers claimed his now famous tweet was just a marketing stunt to increase downloads, Nguyen effectively removed the app from Apple’s App Store the next day as promised. Although Flappy Bird was a free app, Nguyen made the decision of programming Apple iAds right into the application. iAds are an app network for iOS developed by Apple. At the height of Flappy Bird’s popularity, Nguyen was driving over $50,000 in revenue every single day. This fact is a theory of why Nguyen eventually took down the app, blaming his social anxiety. In addition to the general popularity of the app,
after the game was removed from the App Store, fans of the game were so distraught that they resorted to purchasing iPhones and iPads which included the game for as much as $10,000 on eBay. Unlike many of The Plank’s app reviews, Flappy Bird is indeed NOT available for download on the App Store.
Sports
March 2014
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Basketball Playoffs
By John Lambert As the season draws to a close, the Jesuit Basketball team finds itself as one of the best squads in the city. Jesuit enters the Division I playoffs as the top seeded team in the bracket, playing either Turlock or Stagg to advance to the next round. Despite being at the top seeded team, the Marauders are staying humble. Each game is just one step towards the Section Title. “Looking at the Division I bracket, I think it’s wide open, but I think we have a really good shot at winning,” said coach Greg Harcos. “For
us, it’s about whether or not we bring our effort, and I think if we bring our effort and play as hard as we can every night, we will give ourselves a great chance to pull through,” added Harcos. Jesuit is led mostly by their talented seniors. Captains Lake Lutes, Nick Hilton, and Brady Anderson all provide strong leadership and a great work ethic to the Jesuit team. Further, team’s scoring attack is bolstered by junior sharpshooter Isaiah Bailey. “I think that it comes down to the fact that we play really hard,” continued Harcos. “And,
Jesuit Golf By Matthew Glass As spring sports kick off, keep an eye on the Varsity golf team. Led by Coach Fleming, the team is full of determined and talented players who have their sights set on yet another great season. Although the Marauders won the Sac-Joaquin Section Championship last year, they missed out on advancing to the state tournament by one stroke. Devastated, the team will stop at nothing to be on top once again. Returning seniors Davey Bloom, John Burke, Mark Cobey, Chad Kubes, Zach Liberatore, and Drew Smythe look to make this season their best one yet. Jesuit will be tested during Delta River League play when they face Oak Ridge. “Oak Ridge will be our toughest opponents, by far, in our league,” stated Senior John Burke. The Maurader’s opened league play on Monday, March 3, at Empire Ranch in Folsom. The team finished second. On March 7 and 8, the Marauder’s host the annual Father Barry Junior Masters tournament at Ancil Hofman Golf Course. The tournament features squads from all over Northern California and will be a great test for the golf team.
I think that was the reason why Folsom got us. is. They simply played a little bit harder. So, we are just trying to convince our guys that that’s what we need to do in order to be successful.” Jesuit’s work ethic and commitment to excellence puts them in a strong position to take home the Section Title. All they need now is to stay as focused as they have been throughout the season, and the title will be theirs. Editor’s Note: The Basketball team plays for the Section Title on Saturday at 8:30 at Sleep Train Arena versus Rodriguez.
Sports
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March 2014
Marauder Volleyball By Luc Barbe This year’s Jesuit Volleyball team is looking to repeat as Delta River Leauge champions. Spearheaded by captains Brien Griffin, Adam Long, and George Procida, the Marauders aim to improve on last year’s quater-final exit from the CIF section playoffs. Senior middle blocker John Howe sets the bar high saying, “Anything less than a section championship would be a disgrace.” The team has been hard at work during the offseason, eagerly awaiting the season and hungry for success. Specifically, they have logged many hours in the weightroom. A Senior and starting outside hitter, Griffin adds, “Although we may not be the most talented team in the area, due to our offseason work, we will be succesful.” This Marauders’ outfit carries several Junior standouts, who all play club volleyball. For example, Juniors Jade Satelo and Michael Olenchuk are both outside hitters ready to wreak havok on helpless defenses. They will be set up by Junior Jon Arrow, who is looking to contribute during his first Varsity Campaign.
Jesuit Swimming
Jesuit Tennis
By John Howe Jesuit Tennis is more than simply watching a small yellow ball fly back and forth over a low net. It is much, much more. At Jesuit, tennis is an intense battle. The team practices and play matches at Rio Del Oro Racquet Club. This year, the team is lead by Senior captains By Jackson Cline Bobby Fretz and Anatoliy Beynars, but has a great This year, the Jesuit Swim team is looking to starts on February 28, when Jesuit hosts the supporting cast under Coach Ramon Perez. Much like last year, the team is expectrepeat as CIF section champions. They are led by 8th Annual Jesuit Invitational. Solander hopes Seniors Chris Wieser, Keegan Shuping, Earnest the team can outlast Bellarmine, Granite Bay, ing another successful season. Many people think tennis is an individual sport, but these Baynars and Ian Keane. Both Wieser and Shuping and Davis, all are powerhouses in the pool. will attend the University of Arizona next fall on The 2014 Marauders expect to repeat as athletes work hard and work together to bring scholarship, while Baynars will attend Pacific. Delta River League champions and strive championships to Jesuit. Go and support the tennis team this season at Rio Del Oro! Coach Mike Solander said that the season to win their 22nd CIF Championship.
Sports
March 2014
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Marauder Baseball
By Brien Griffin The Red Sox won the World Series after the Boston Marathon bombing. Alex Rodriguez is suspended for a year. The Pittsburg Pirates made the playoffs for first time in twenty years. Mariano Rivera, undoubtedly the best closer of all time, retireed. Derek Jeter announced that 2014 will be his last season. Most importantly, the Jesuit Marauder Varsity Baseball team will embark on yet another thrilling season under the tutelage of long time Coach Joe Potulny. Varsity returners include Quinn Connolly, David Mickle, Anthony Geremia, Andy Snow, JC
Montemayor, James Heinrichs, Liam McIntyre, Max Alfaro, Chris Loeb, and Brett Little. Snow will play next fall at Arizona State, Geremia at Santa Clara, and Loeb at Oregon State. The Marauder’s goal is simple: “Go undefeated in the Delta River League and continue to win a Section Title,” said Senior Connolly. Jesuit will be challenged the most this year when they play De La Salle, St. Marys, and Davis. All in the same week. “The De La Salle week will be the toughest week of baseball we have experienced in a while. It may be the most challenging week of baseball
Jesuit Lacrosse
in my entire time at Jesuit,” added Connolly. Another challenge will come at the end of the season when the Marauders will face both Pleasant Grove and Oak Ridge. The two powerhouses should pose a challenge to the baseball team. Jesuit may be experiencing rapid change around campus and in the classroom, but one aspect of the Marauder culture will always stay the same-the dominant Jesuit Varsity Baseball team. With an impressive line-up, six different jerseys, a fantastic schedule, and the guidance of Coach Potulny, the Marauders will make yet another run to the Section Title.
Jesuit Track and Field
By Will Schmidt Jesuit Junior Varsity Lacrosse team kicked off its season with a game versus Santa Rosa, and the team posted an impressive 14-3 victory. “It was a massacre. It got boring by the end of the first quarter. I hope we will get a more challenging game next time,” said Sophomore Dominic Quiggle. There are 17 players on the JV Lacrosse team this year, and all are eager to win. According to Quiggle, the JV have a dis-
tinct advantage over other teams. “We have two teammates who have already committed to a college for lacrosse.” The team is looking forward most to playing Granite Bay on April 1. “They are a powerful team, but I know we will be able to beat them this season. If we beat them, we might go undefeated,” said Sophomore Joe Sullivan. Go support the lacrosse teams at their games and show some Marauder pride.
Track and Field also kicks off this Spring, and the Marauders are ready. “We have a lot of new guys this year,” said veteran Coach Tom McGuire. According to Coach McGuire, the team is made up of roughly 100 athletes. “We will definitely have a lot of fun, be very competitive, and be contendors for the league title,” stated McGuire.
MARAUDER IN THE CROWD Name: Taber Brown Age: 18 Year: Senior Interest: Singing/Drama
Winter Olympics (cont..)
Each issue, The Plank interviews a student who is heavily involved in an activitiy outside of school. We see this as an opportunity to highlight the achievements of someone who would otherwise go unrecognized. If you would like to recommend a classmate, please email us at JHSPlank@gmail.com
By Brett Soutiere Taber Brown is a Senior; you may recognize him from one of the seven Jesuit Drama productions he has been in. He is playing Maurice in the upcoming Black Box production of Beauty and the Beast. When asked why he loved acting, Brown
said, “To me, it’s amazing to watch the process of transforming simple words and directions within a script into a work of art with the ability to arouse emotions and touch hearts.” Taber is also a member of the Chamber Choir, as well as Liturgy Workshop. He joined choir as a freshman and has enjoyed singing ever since. Taber said about choir: “I love making people smile with our voices.” As a Senior, Brown said the things that he will miss next year about Jesuit are, “The opportunities, the people, and the school spirit/life. I have felt that over the past four years I have been given many opportunities, and teachers have pushed my limits, which has caused me to grow immensely.”
Issue Comic
around two main venues. The one by the sea, which includes the opening ceremony, and all the other indoor venues. Again, just imagine Disneyland on steroids. It’s filled with rides, shows, and music festivals. It is also massive. It was roughly a thirty minute walk just to reach each venue. However, this doesn’t make the experience worse. In fact, it’s better. It’s like being at a party with a million different people from a million different cultures. It was amazing. Then, up the mountain is the second venue. This venue can be reached by either train or bus, but taking the train was easier and faster. This is where all the unfinished hotels that caused the large amount of controversy are located. However, the controversy does not take away from the location’s majestic beauty. This venue, although not as massive as the one down by the sea, is no less electric. This venue is home to all the outside sports. This venue is more like Las Vegas with the variety of different hotels and resorts. Much has been made about the terrorist threats to the Games. I must report that I have never seen better security in my entire life (and I’ve been to the White House, which pales in comparison to the Kremlin). Sochi is an incredible place, and I highly recommend it. It’s an incredible city with incredible people. The city was also an incredible host to the Winter Olympic Games. I will definitely miss Sochi.
Event Calendar Spring Musical Alumni Reception March 14
School Holiday! March 17
Executive Officer Elections March 21
PACE Gala Auction March 29
The Plank Staff Editor-in-Chief- Chandler Tapella ‘14 Photography- Brett Soutiere ‘14 Staff Writers & Contributors- Luc Barbe ‘15, John Howe ‘14, Patrick Stevens ‘14, Brennen Honaker ‘14, Charles Fries ‘14, Mac Yates ‘15, Will Schmidt ‘16, Brien Griffin ‘14, John Lambert ‘15, Matthew Glass ‘16, Tristan Mullany ‘15, Riley Spieler ‘17, Matthew Watson ‘14, Mitchell McFetridge ‘14, Will Keys ‘14, Andrew Reid ‘15, Michael Flodin ‘15, Cristopher Simon ‘14, Blake Clarkson ‘15, Carson Richards ‘15 Comic Artist- Jake Melavic ‘16 Thank you to Mr. Caslin, Ms. Paul, Fr. Suwalsky, S.J., and the rest of the faculty and staff! From Left: Charles Fries ‘14, John Howe ‘14, Brennen Honaker ‘14, Brien Griffin ‘14, Luc Barbe ‘15, Will Schmidt ‘16, Mac Yates ‘15, Patrick Stevens ‘14, Brett Soutiere ‘14, Chandler Tapella ‘14
The opinions in The Plank are solely those of the contributors and do not reflect the views of the Jesuit Community, Staff, Adminstration, or Board of Trustees.