From The Blue Jay, Vol. 87, No. 3, Homecoming 2014

By Patrick Fine, Editor-in-Chief

Senior Francis Plough is a busy man in the pool, flying flags, chipping near the green, and in the chapel. Plough is involved in Student Ministry, Varsity Swimming, Varsity Golf, Pro-Life, Sodality, National Honor Society, Peer Support, and Academic Support. Plough is an integral part of many organizations around campus and does not seem to like slowing down.

Plough is a co-captain of the Varsity Swim Team and has his sights set high. As the team nears the end of its season, the goals are all looming at the end of the pool.

“The practices are hard, as they should be; but the guys are putting in the effort, and we are pumped for the three big meets at the end of the season: District, Metro, and State.” Plough personally aspires to “finish in the top three” in one of the two individual events he swims.

“Golf is a little different. I focus on swimming in the fall and golf in the spring. This obviously leaves golf to the disadvantage right now but I am really trying to be there for my team.” Francis wants to be on the roster of five for the state tournament in the spring, but the competition is fierce as many young golfers are also hungry for a strong state run.

“Campus Ministry is working out very well. We had two extremely successful retreats in early first quarter for the pre-freshman and freshman, and World Youth Day New Orleans turned out to have a higher attendance than we expected, which is fantastic. I feel that Campus Ministry is doing a great job of spreading the word that it is cool to be faithful, especially when we are at a Catholic school,” he said.

“Our goal is to help young men become more comfortable and confident with their faith.” With these goals in mind, Plough also strives to set quite the example. He is often seen around campus tutoring students, leading retreats, or finding some quiet time at Eucharistic Adoration.

In contrast to these humble roles, Plough also can be seen front and center carrying the “J” flag during football games. Plough notes that “Jay Spirit is the highest I have seen it in the past five years I’ve attended Jesuit.”

“We had one of the biggest Gizzard turn outs for the Holy Cross game and we are thrilled that guys are excited to go to football games. We are trying to think of ways to get all the guys that are in the Gizzard to cheer together and louder. I think once we make it happen it will be the coolest experience the Gizzard has ever seen.”

Francis looks forward to leading two teams to successful seasons and taking Student Ministry to a higher level than it was before.

“I want to be able to look back at my senior year at Jesuit and say I wouldn’t have done anything differently. I am looking forward to giving every ounce of effort I have to all the clubs and sports I am a part of.”

Plough truly embodies the Blue Jay Spirit and takes to heart what it means to be a Man for Others. In fact, he recalled his favorite Jesuit memory as being the trip for his junior service project.

“I went on the Appalachia service project trip to Fries, Va., and it was the best choice I ever made, he said. “I have never gotten closer to 12 other young men in my career at Jesuit.”

In his final year at the school, Plough has taken on quite a job and is thriving, meeting every challenge with a positive attitude and a will to succeed. When asked for his final words to the student body, Plough responded with the simple yet emphatic, “Go Jays!”