Jesuit basketball team members pose at Arlington National Cemetery (photos courtesy Meg Jennings).

The varsity basketball team traveled to Washington, D.C. over the Christmas holidays for the Father George National Jesuit Christmas Classic.

While in the Washington, D.C. area, the team managed to squeeze in a number of educational activities, thanks to the logistical wizardry of Jesuit Fine Arts teacher Meg Jennings, who accompanied the team along with her husband,  Chris ’78, the team’s head coach, and their six-year-old son, Christopher.

Upon arrival on Saturday, Dec. 26, the team made its way to their Bethesda, Maryland, hotel by way of the Metro and then headed out for a post-dinner nighttime stroll on the National Mall, taking in the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the National World War II Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial.

On Sunday, it was early to rise for a one-hour trip to Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.

Team members also were able to visit The National Museum of Natural History, The National Portrait Gallery, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Arlington National Cemetery

Tournament play kicked off on Monday, Dec. 28. Unfortunately, The Jays didn’t have as much success on the court as they did on the sightseeing front. Jesuit dropped all three of its games, losing 58-50 to Strake Jesuit (Houston), 64-61 to Regis High School (New York City), and 58-43 to St. Peter’s Prep (Jersey City).

The team also took a side trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Senior Rob Weiss posted impressive numbers during the three-game stretch, averaging 24 points, six rebounds, and four steals per game.

While the team hoped to come away with more victories, Coach Jennings, who also teaches American History, was philosophical about the experience. “We’re very fortunate to be able to take this trip each year. We do so much more than basketball.”

“Every year something different sticks with me. This year, it was the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. It really was impressive. I’d love it if our kids were able to execute our offense with the precision and discipline the Tomb Guard exhibits.”

Jesuit is now 5-10 on the season. They take to the court again on Tuesday, Jan. 5 for a home game against De La Salle. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.