2 Homecoming 16 H omecoming on Oct. 14 at Jesuit High School was one to be remembered, as chock-full as any in memory. In addition to the nostalgic, festive Homecoming events, there was Senior Night for the football team, the honoring of the Alumnus of the Year, and a major record-breaking performance that brought local media to one of Jesuit’s biggest nights of the year. Where to begin? The new Student Commons provided a beautiful backdrop to the pregame BBQ and traditional activities as hundreds of alumni and families returned to campus to enjoy the evening. The Dads’ Club, as always, served up the delicious fare, the Tiger mascot posed for photos, and the Academy of the Holy Names cheerleaders painted faces and served up goodies. Since Homecoming had been delayed one week due to Hurricane Matthew, it was also Senior Night for the football team, which celebrated its seniors before the game. Then, just before halftime of the Tigers’ 56-3 rout of Robinson, the record-breaking moment arrived: Malik Davis ’17 surpassed perhaps the most revered record in local prep sports, becoming Hillsborough County’s all-time leading rusher. Davis entered the game needing 196 yards rushing to eclipse Ray Ray McCloud, who rushed for 5,765 yards for Sickles High School and now plays for Clemson, for the top spot. Davis did it in the second quarter on his 4th touchdown run of the half (see p. 18 for more on Davis’ historic season). The game was stopped for a ceremony on Alumni Field, and Jesuit president Fr. Richard C. Hermes, S.J. presented Davis and his parents, Myron and Angela Davis, with a game ball to 4 JESUIT PERSPECTIVES • WINTER 2016-17 commemorate the achievement. Davis embraced his parents and then was engulfed by joyous teammates. Minutes later, at intermission, the large crowd witnessed two more celebrations. First, Jesuit’s Alumnus of the Year for 2016-17, John Oliva ’60, was recognized. Since graduating in 1960, Oliva has been an advocate of Jesuit High School, donating his time, talent, and treasure to supporting his alma mater and the Jesuit High School Alumni Association (see p. 34 for more on Oliva). The Alumnus of the Year award will be formally conferred upon Oliva at the Senior-Alumni Luncheon on April 28 at the Tampa Airport Marriott. Also at halftime, the Homecoming Court was announced. Academy of the Holy Names senior Devin Folkman was recognized as Homecoming Queen. The court was comprised of AHN’s Karianne Buser, Maria Cacciatore, Gianna Gonzalez, Isabella Guerra, and Anne Marie Yatsula, along with Jesuit seniors J.P. Collins, Parker Wessel, Price Sartor, Garrett Sheppard, Thomas Bencivenga, and Brock Mondor.
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