Soccer Reunion Celebrates 1999 Championship Team and Rich Blue Jay Soccer History

Posted January 6, 2014 / Last updated December 2, 2014

Blue Jay soccer players from the past returned to their alma mater to connect with today’s soccer Jays at the Jesuit Soccer Homecoming on Saturday, Jan. 4 at John Ryan Stadium.

Blue Jay soccer players from the past returned to their alma mater to connect with today’s soccer Jays at the Jesuit Soccer Homecoming on Saturday, Jan. 4 at John Ryan Stadium. Special guests of Soccer Homecoming 2014 were the state champions of 1999 who this year are celebrating the 15th anniversary of their achievement.

In a pre-game ceremony honoring the 1999 team, each player received a special certificate. At halftime soccer alumni and their children enjoyed kicking soccer balls around on beautiful Alumni Field, the home of Blue Jay soccer.

Following the victory over the Shaw Eagles, the soccer alumni and their families enjoyed a reception of food, refreshments, and fun in Pontiff Pavilion, all provided by the parents of today’s soccer Jays and the Advancement Office. Throughout the events of the day, former players could be seen sporting their new “Jesuit Soccer Alumni” caps, compliments of today’s soccer program.

1999 State Championship Team Tribute

During the pre-game ceremony, Alumni Director Mat Grau gave this testimonial of 1999 State Championship Team:

As part of our celebration of Blue Jay soccer, we honor a team that holds a special place in the history of the school’s soccer program. Today we honor the State Championship team of 1999 as they celebrate the 15th anniversary of their accomplishment. Coached by the late Garry Ortner, the 1999 team featured a balanced attack with strength throughout the lineup. Pre-district play saw the 1999 Jays capture three tournament championships including the prestigious St. Paul’s Tournament. Entering district play with a perfect 16-0-0 record and a great deal of confidence, the Jays again ran the table to enter the state playoffs with an unblemished 26-0-0 record. After four playoff victories, including a thrilling Lundi Gras double-overtime win over Central Lafourche, the Jays stood at 30-0-0 and facing two-time defending state champions Acadiana. With a 3-0 victory, the magical season was complete. The perfect 31-0-0 season earned the team a #3 ranking in the national high school soccer poll. One sportswriter noted the team’s unselfish play when he wrote “The victory culminated Jesuit’s season long devotion to team goals and commitment to stay within its game.” At one point in the season, Coach Ortner told a reporter, “All I ask is that they play their best.” Indeed, they did and their accomplishment stands as a testament to that ideal. We congratulate the 1999 Jesuit soccer team on the 15th anniversary of their winning the State Championship.

Soccer Reunion Organizing Committee

Special thanks to the organizing committee and support staff for their work in putting on another great event: Diane Bourgeois, parent rep of the 2014 team; Carlos Calix ’92, soccer alumni rep; Anne Barnes and Charlie Freel, representatives of soccer alumni parents; Dave Moreau, athletic director; Tom Bagwill, Brother Dardis, and Mat Grau of Jesuit’s advancement office; and D.J. Galiano and Floyd Guidry of Jesuit’s facilities staff.

Galleries

Soccer Alumni Reunion, Jan. 4, 2014

Just before kickoff all Jesuit soccer alumni, with the 1999 team in front, gathered on the sideline of Alumni Field for this group photo.
Daniel '95 and Jill Burke on the field with their children.
Carlos Calix '92 and his children, Maggie and Jacob.
Delaney and dad Brett Grau.
The planning committee: Dave Moreau, Mat Grau, Jerry Freel, Anne Barnes, Dianne Bourgeois, and Carlos Calix (with committee member Tom Bagwill behind the camera).
Donna and Stephen Guerra. Their son Ben '13, who also made the reunion, played on Jesuit's 2012 and 2013 state championship teams.
Mike Bourgeois enjoys the post-game reception.
David Dehoog '83 and his son Evan, a senior on this year's team.
P.J. Kee and his two little ones.
And down the sideline P.J. Kee attempts to regain control of the ball from another little Kee.
Jerry and Jill Freel and their six little Freels.
1996 Classmates Andre Baldauf, Quinn Vorhaben, and Scott Champagne reminisce about their soccer playing days at Jesuit.
Athletic Director Dave Moreau presents David Geerken with a certificate marking the occasion.
Today's Blue Jays of Jesuit and Eagles of Shaw show their respect for the 1999 team during the pre-game ceremony.
Alumni director Mat Grau presents a testimonial to honor the 1999 soccer team on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of their State Championship.
The 1999 State Championship Jesuit soccer team poses before the pre-game ceremony: L-R, David "Pickle" Geerken '99; Adam Barnes '00; John Guste '00; Shay Douglas '00; Brett Grau '99; Toni Ortner, wife of late head coach Garry Ortner; P.J. Kee '00; Michael Balch '99; Jerry Freel '99; Bart Bacigalupi '00; and Collin Holmes '99.
Senior Mitch Bourgeois addresses the soccer Jays before the Homecoming game.
Coach Hubie leads former and current soccer players, Blue Jays all, in prayer before the Soccer Homecoming contest vs. Shaw.
Alumni soccer players greet the Blue Jay soccer team of 2014.
"Come on, give me a hug, Pickle," says Coach Hubie to David Geerken.
1999 State Champions Michael Balch, Collin Holmes, and David Geerken greet current head coach Hubie Collins before the pre-game meeting.
1999 State Champions Collin Holmes and Brett Grau with alumni director (and Bret's dad) Mat Grau '68.