While the Philelectic Society performed their second production of Twelfth Night, the wrestling society put on a show of their own Wednesday evening (Nov. 15).

Nathan Koenig (160) pins his opponent with five seconds remaining in the match, and the crowd goes wild.

In front of a massive home audience, the Blue Jay wrestling team shined bright Wednesday night in its opening dual meet against Archbishop Rummel, winning 53-9.

View the Photo Gallery for the Jesuit-Rummel Dual Meet

“First off, I really want to thank all of the student body and faculty who came out and talked up the event. This is what Blue Jay Spirit is all about,” said head wrestling coach Sheridan Moran.

When asked if the crowd was the largest he’s ever seen at a home opener, the third-year coach answered affirmatively. Coach Moran also offered advice to all Blue Jays on cherishing these kinds of moments.

Junior Luke Eccles (132) won by major decision 19-9.

“This is what students are going to remember while they’re in high school, whether they wrestled or just went to the wrestling match. It’s important that we’re all involved and enjoying the time we get to spend together. It’s a short amount of time we have in high school.”

Efforts like these typically start and succeed with leadership. Seniors Paul Treuting and Adam Larriviere, who Coach Moran named as team captains for the 2017-18 season, coordinated a tailgate outside the Roussel Building. Thanks to Blue Jay wrestling parents, students enjoyed jambalaya and music before making their way to the newly renovated Jesuit gymnasium, the Birdcage.

Decisive wins were posted by 10 Blue Jay grapplers, including three straight pins by senior Nathan Koenig (160), senior Paul Treuting (170), and junior DJ Ferrier (182). Sophomore Max Holmes (106) also pinned his opponent.

With two years of experience under his belt, Coach Moran approaches the team’s first district win with both optimism and caution.

“I think we wrestled well,” he stated. “It’s nice being at home for the first dual meet, especially in a new gym, and I know everybody’s excited. But, there are still some holes in our game, and we have to do a better job of wrestling with a chip on our shoulders and scoring points.”

Results from the meet against Archbishop Rummel (ARHS) are as follows: