The 2017 March for Life saw a delegation of O’Dea students representing our school’s commitment to life! The all day field trip to our State Capitol brought us in contact with so many O’Dea Alumni and fellow Catholic schools. Our boys got to see and be part of the thousands of people who attended the March, and listen to their Legislators and Senators speak on the importance of this issue.

On senior night, the O’Dea wrestlers put on a display against the Ballard Beavers winning 69-9. All the senior wrestlers (Crisanto deGuzman, Nick Holbrook, Dominic Gjurasic and Marcutio Hamaker) pinned their opponents while senior Chris Manning picked up a forfeit. Joining them was Freshman Kila Robinson who kicked off the match, pinning his opponent in the first round and Jack Markowitz who pinned his opponent in the 195lb weight class. Nate Balinbin shut out his opponent in a Technical Fall (Mercy Rule) 15-0 and Alan Badley posted a major decision with a 14-0 victory. Seniors, we are proud of you. Go Irish!

The Irish Swim Team took an exciting team training trip over the Christmas break to Whitman College in Walla Walla. Twenty-six team members participated in tough practice sessions and an Invitational meet at Whitman. It turned out to be a terrific opportunity for the boys. In addition to elevating team fitness, they did some fun team bonding activities planned by Coach Schutte. During the trip, the Fighting Irish won first place at the Winter Invitational meet against several 4A schools. At the meet, the Irish earned two new 3A State qualifying cuts in the Medley Relay and the 200 Individual Medley! Also, freshman Nathan Hayes had an exceptional individual performance, winning the 200 IM with a 2:01.27. He was the first leg of the 200 Medley Relay that qualified for State and his backstroke split was a quick 25.45. Congratulations to Irish for a very successful trip!

As Christmas approached, Seattle Times columnist, Nicole Brodeur, called the St. James offices looking for an unsung face of the holiday spirit. Someone who made the day what it should be — what people needed it to be — with a full and selfless heart. They said to talk to Jack Ipsen.

Click here to read the full article. We are so proud of Jack for all that he does for those in our community.  He is a true example of O’Dea’s mission, living his life based on the core values of character, faith, and service.

Steve Mariucci and Michael Irvin used the help of the Fighting Irish football team to help emulate some keys to the Hawks’ Thursday Night Football game against the Rams.  Click here to watch the Fighting Irish in action!