More than 50 wrestling alumni from 1949 – 2015 returned to Carrollton and Banks on Saturday, Oct. 31 to connect with today’s wrestling program and meet the new leader of the prestigious program, head coach Sheridan Moran.

As the Jesuit wrestling team prepares for their 2015-2016 season, they certainly know they are backed by those Blue Jays who went before them, building a program that stands as one of the most successful in the state. That’s one product of the Wrestling Homecoming that took place on campus on Saturday, Oct. 31.

More than 50 wrestling alumni from 1949 – 2015 returned to Carrollton and Banks to connect with today’s wrestling program and meet the new leader of the prestigious program, head coach Sheridan Moran. The alumni and their families mingled with another group of wrestling supporters, the parents of today’s Jays.

Thanks to the good work of the Wrestling Homecoming committee – Coach Moran; athletic director Dave Moreau; advancement office personnel Tom Bagwill, Mat Grau ’68, and Br. Billy Dardis ’58; facilities assistant D.J. Galiano ’07; wrestling alumni representative Arthur Dupré ’76; current parents rep Phil de Gruy; and wrestling alumni parents reps Patti Mahoney and Betsie White – all enjoyed an afternoon dedicated to Jesuit wrestling.

The day began with a Mass in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs celebrated by Fr. Anthony McGinn followed by a reception in the Student Commons featuring food and refreshments provided by the advancement office and the parents of the 2015-2016 team. (Of course, hamburger sliders were aplenty thanks to Phil de Gruy, owner of Phil’s Grill.)

The alumni especially enjoyed viewing a slide show capturing wrestling program moments from 1951 to the present. The reception ended with a program in which Dave Moreau, Coach Moran, Arthur Dupré, and alumni director Mat Grau spoke about the importance of the connection between the wrestling alumni and today’s program.

Then with the season’s schedule and flyer announcing Jesuit’s first outdoor meet (vs. St. Paul at John Ryan Stadium on Thursday, Nov. 5) in hand, the crowd made its way to the gym for the Blue and White intrasquad meet.

At the end of the event, Mat Grau said, “I had hardly finished shaking Coach Moran’s hand when I met him during the summer when he was talking about having a homecoming event with the wrestling alumni. Clearly he understands the value of tradition and connection. This event happened because of his initiative and good work of the committee.”