Jack Larriviere ’22 continues to make his mark at LSU as one of the top javelin throwers in school history while pursuing a degree in chemical engineering.

A former Blue Jay baseball player and football quarterback, Larriviere did not begin throwing the javelin until the spring of his senior year at Jesuit. What started as a way to try something new after football season quickly became a record-breaking pursuit.

Track and Field Coach Rudy Horvath quickly recognized Larriviere’s potential. While his natural ability was evident, Horvath said it was Larriviere’s work ethic and determination that set him apart.

“He held a javelin for the first time in early February. Three weeks later in his first meet, he threw nearly 200 feet, which led the nation at that point in the season,” Horvath said. “Jack was incredibly talented, but what impressed me most was his drive to become the best. He arrived 30 minutes before every practice to warm up and work on drills on his own. I’ve never had a high school athlete as serious-minded and mature about learning a new event as Jack.”

Just months after picking up the sport, Larriviere captured the Louisiana state championship and set the Louisiana high school state record with a throw of 228 feet, 10 inches — a mark that still stands today. That success led him to LSU, where he has continued to excel while balancing the demands of Division I athletics and a rigorous academic schedule. Now a redshirt junior for the Tigers, Larriviere ranks among the top javelin throwers in LSU history. His personal-best throw of 258 feet, 1 inch ranks No. 2 all-time at LSU and places him among the nation’s elite collegiate competitors.

Along the way, Larriviere has overcome significant challenges, including lower back fractures early in his LSU career and Tommy John surgery in 2025 that caused nerve damage in his throwing hand. Through rehabilitation, surgeries, and countless hours of physical therapy, he remained committed both to his sport and to his studies. The perseverance and discipline that have defined Larriviere’s collegiate career are qualities he credits to the mentors and coaches who helped shape him during his time at Jesuit. Those lessons continue to guide him as both a student-athlete and aspiring engineer.

His success this season is another testament to that commitment. Larriviere recently secured a spot at the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, with a throw of 70.64 meters (231 feet, 8 inches) at the NCAA East First Round. The appearance marks his first trip to the national championship meet and another milestone in an already remarkable collegiate career.

Whether pursuing excellence in engineering, competing for LSU on the national stage, or setting his sights on the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Larriviere continues to exemplify the determination, leadership, and pursuit of excellence that define a Blue Jay.