The Blue Jays hit the mat with intensity to open the 2025–2026 season, delivering strong performances across every level of the program. Fueled by a battle-tested senior class and a hungry roster from top to bottom, Jesuit sets the tone early this season with standout showings at both the Warrior Open and the Dale Kettleson Memorial Duals.

At the Warrior Open, the Jays looked every bit like a team ready to make noise this season. Seniors Michael Barnett and Max Belsome, along with junior Conner Vargas, powered their way to first-place finishes. Senior William Roniger fought his way to the finals, while seniors Christopher Stricker and Quinn Anderson clawed through tough consolation rounds to take third. Sophomore Jackson Landry battled to a gritty fourth, helping Jesuit put the rest of the field on notice: this lineup has no soft spots.

That depth paid off again at the Dale Kettleson Memorial Dual, where the Blue Jays wrestled with confidence and control for a third-place team finish. Senior Brady Hunter went undefeated in dual action, providing a steady anchor early in the season.

Dual competition opened with a statement—an emphatic 70–8 against Riverdale. But the true test came against St. Paul’s, where Jesuit found itself in a 20–0 hole before a huge comeback. The Blue Jays’ senior core took control one match at a time, stringing together momentum-swinging wins and flipping the wolves on their backs. A clutch pin in the final bout sealed a dramatic 37–32 victory.

Jesuit carried that momentum into the Gulf Coast Clash in Alabama, finishing inside the top ten of a loaded multi-state field. Stricker scrapped his way to third, Anderson battled for fourth, and Belsome muscled through to fifth. Landry added another fifth-place medal, while freshman Christian Wright impressed in his first major varsity test with a seventh-place finish—proof that the next wave of talent is already pushing the pace.

The Jays then hit the road for another tough stretch against St. Thomas More and Catholic of Baton Rouge. After a narrow setback to STM, Jesuit once again showed its trademark toughness. Trailing early against Catholic, the Jays dug in and swung the momentum with statement wins from seniors Belsome, Stricker, Anderson, Vargas, Sal Signorelli, and Sean Timler. Holding a tight 35–32 lead heading into the final match, junior Niels Bennett delivered under pressure—securing a decisive win and locking down a 38–32 victory.

Now, as Jesuit prepares for its first district dual against Holy Cross, head coach Jon Orillion ’01 knows exactly what he has: a veteran-led squad with grit, balance, and the competitive fire to chase the program’s 28th State Championship and fourth consecutive title. With seniors setting the tone and young athletes stepping into bigger roles, the Blue Jays are ready to take on district competition this week.

Fans are encouraged to come pack the stands for this always-intense rivalry showdown Wednesday, December 3 at Holy Cross. Purchase tickets here.