(NEW ORLEANS, LA – May 8, 2024) Jesuit High School hosted its NCAA/NAIA Commitment Ceremony on Wednesday, May 8, in the Benson Arena on Banks Street. During the ceremony, seven Blue Jay student-athletes made commitments to continue their athletic careers in college.

The event, which showcased Jesuit student-athletes as they announced their college commitments, began with an address from Athletic Director Dave Moreau. Following a prayer from Fr. John Brown, S.J., Jesuit’s president, Jesuit coaches took the podium to present each student and his chosen university.

Seated on the gym floor surrounded by their families, athletes proudly wore shirts and hats from their respective destination institutions. The event concluded with a final address from Moreau, a round of applause for the commits, and a series of photographs and interviews with the press.

Beau Perez (Football)–Southeastern Louisiana University

Jesuit’s head football coach, Ryan Manale, had this to say about Perez:

Beau is a big, tough, and physical quarterback who started for us over the past two years. We loved to see his development each year in the program. He developed and improved on each throw made between the lines of a football field. Even though he has progressed as a QB, Beau will be committing to Southeastern to play tight end.  We are proud of him.

Mateo Mencos (Soccer)– Ave Maria University

Jesuit’s head soccer coach, Hubie Collins, had this to say about Mencos:

Mateo had an outstanding year on the pitch representing Jesuit. Mateo played a pivotal role in helping his team achieve Catholic League, District League, and State Championship titles. Playing mostly at center midfield, Mateo’s individual skills, tactical awareness, and defensive prowess made him a particularly difficult opponent to play against, but loved and admired by his teammates.

In the state championship final, Mateo had a difficult decision to make towards the end of the match. Without hesitation, Mateo put himself in harm’s way to deny an opponent a goal scoring opportunity. As Mateo was helped off the field, in much discomfort, his bravery and selflessness only further inspired his teammates to victor. Mateo was selected to the All-State and All-Metro teams of the year. Mateo will attend Ave Maria University in the fall to continue his education and play soccer for the Gyrenes. Congratulations Mateo on a fantastic career at Jesuit and the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Larson Klibert (Soccer)– Spring Hill College

Jesuit’s head soccer coach, Hubie Collins, had this to say about Mencos:

Larson’s passion and love for soccer has never waned since he was a young boy. Now as a young man, it’s wonderful to see Larson fulfilling his dream of playing soccer in college. Larson has committed to Spring Hill College, to further his education and play in the “nets” for The Badgers.

Larson played an integral role in helping his team win a state title for the Blue Jays in February. Larson and the rest of his defense were remarkable in the playoffs, and Larson did not concede a single goal in the five playoff games, including the final. Larson was named MVP for the state championship game, as well as winning All-State Defensive Player of the Year, and also Metro Player of the Year. Congratulations Larson on a wonderful career at Jesuit.

Spencer Lanosga (Wrestling)– United States Naval Academy

Jesuit’s head wrestling coach, Jon Orillion ’01, had this to say about Lanosga:

Spencer has done more than just win state championships for the wrestling team in his time at Jesuit. Spencer served as an example, in the hard work he put in on a daily basis along with his humble attitude, that helped put the wrestling team back on top as a championship program. He helped raise the bar for his teammates to bring them to another level in his pursuit of greatness in the sport of wrestling. The wrestling team is grateful for his commitment, and it will be exciting to see where this next chapter at the Naval Academy will take him. 

Michael Vocke (Cross Country)– Louisiana State University

Jesuit’s head cross country coach, Cullen Doody ’08, had this to say about Vocke:

Since his freshman year, Michael Vocke has been cornerstone during a historic run for our program. Michael was part of three state championship cross country teams and won an individual state title in cross country, two indoor state championships as a member of the 4×800 team, and five individual state titles in the 1600. He possesses great range, succeeding at distances from 400m all the way up to three miles in cross country, and I’m excited to watch him compete in college.

Josh Quintana (Cross Country)– University Louisiana at Lafayette

Jesuit’s head cross country coach, Cullen Doody ’08, had this to say about Quintana:

Josh has been a later bloomer for our program but has quickly solidified himself as one of the best middle distance runners in program history. Josh has shown prowess from the 400 meters all the way up to 5 km in cross country and finishes his Jesuit career as the second-fastest 800-meter runner in school history. I expect him to continue to make great improvements during his time at UL over a wide range of events.

Tanner Salsman (Cross Country)– Southeastern Louisiana University

Jesuit’s head cross country coach, Cullen Doody ’08, had this to say about Salsman:

Tanner has been one of the key leaders for our program by way of his hard work and commitment. It’s been a great joy to coach Tanner these past four years, and I know he’ll be a great asset to the Southeastern team.