Jesuit High School of Sacramento has announced that their Head Coach of the multi-national-championship rugby program, John Shorey, is retiring after 23 years with the team.

Shorey has been a fixture with Marauder Rugby since the 1990’s when Fred Khasigian, who led the charge to form Jesuit’s rugby program, asked Shorey to step in and coach for one year.    

“It is time for me to step back and let new leadership and energy continue the Jesuit rugby program. It has been a tremendous career," said Shorey, who led Jesuit to a national single-school championship this past spring. "The program’s 10 National Championships and 17 National Championship game appearances speak for themselves. As I often tell people about our program, it takes a village, and over the past 23 years it has taken the love and support of my family, dozens of coaches, hundreds of parents and supporters, and thousands of players to make this program what it is today – a leading example of grassroots youth rugby in the United States,” Shorey shared in a meeting with Jesuit Athletic Director Hank Weinberger."

Jesuit won the National Single-School championship in 2019, 2017, 2013, 2011, 2009, and 2008. Before then all high school teams, single-school or club, played for one championship. The period 1983 to 2007 was dominated by Highland HS out of Utah, which won 18 out of the 25 championships. But Jesuit won three, in 1999, 2004, and 2006. (Xavier won two, with Burlingame and Lamorinda winning the others.)

Under Shorey’s coaching, Jesuit Rugby alums have gone on to compete at the highest levels, including college, professional and international play. Shorey is leaving the head coach position effective immediately but plans to continue to have a presence with the program. Phil Nuxoll, rugby faculty liaison, will be coordinating all off-season team tasks until a new head coach is chosen.

“We are very grateful for John’s commitment as head coach of the rugby program at Jesuit. While we are sad to see him step down, we are thrilled that he will still be an active part of the program. He is leaving our Marauders in terrific shape, and the future of Jesuit Rugby is bright,” remarked Principal Michael Wood.

Before coaching at Jesuit, Shorey competed in both football and rugby at the University of California, Davis, then continued to compete in rugby as a member of both the Sacramento Rugby Club (1989-2010) and the Cal Bald Eagles International Rugby Touring Team (2000-2010.) Shorey has been serving as Jesuit’s Head Coach since 1996.

“On behalf of all of us at Jesuit High School, I to want thank Coach John Shorey for his 23 years of service as the leader of our very successful rugby program,” Jesuit President Rev. John P. McGarry, S.J., said, “Coach Shorey’s dedication and enthusiasm have benefited our student-athletes, and he has served as a role model for them. The mission of Jesuit High School has been enhanced by his work.”