MileSplit Films Presents: 'Jesuit XC: Men Of Faith'

MileSplit Documentaries Presents
MileSplit Staff

Note: This documentary premiered in 2022. We're re-broadcasting it ahead of the 2024 cross country season. 


'Jesuit XC: Men of Faith' follows this Louisiana high school boys team through their season's journey, both in a past that has shaped them by its adversity, and by a future that is empowering them forward today. 


Well before the New Orleans Jesuit High School boys began their cross country season in 2022, they had overcome a sea of changes over the past year.

In 2021, the Blue Jays overcame Hurricane Ida and the displacement that devastating storm entailed, before returning to New Orleans and then ultimately winning a Louisiana state Class 5A title, which told the beginning chapters of their ascent. Later, the team would finish the year 16th at nationals, ushering in new promise toward a coming year. 

Leading the charge was Cullen Doody, officially named the head coach of the program in 2022. A graduate of Jesuit who endured Hurricane Katrina, Doody had won multiple state team titles and then later ran at LSU, where he was an All-Conference runner.

'Jesuit XC: Men of Faith' follows this Louisiana team -- currently ranked No. 2 in the country by MileSplit  -- through their journey, both in a past that has shaped them by its adversity, and by a future that is empowering them forward today. 


Video Credits:

  • DP/Photography: David Pavlina
  • Lead Editing: Dane Hurt
  • Story Producers: Cory Mull, Ashley Tysiac
  • Video Supervision: Cliff Bogart, Greg Clark, Efren Salinas, TeNeil French
  • Additional Support: Joe Battaglia, Olivia Ekpone, Stephanie Huettner.

2024 Where Are They Now: 

Cullen Doody, Head Coach: Coached his final outdoor season in 2024, then moved to Baltimore with his wife. He's taken a position coaching cross country and track at John Hopkins University.

Jack DesRoches, Jesuit senior: He graduated in 2023 and signed with Vanderbilt. His freshman season saw DesRoches compete at the NCAA Division I South Region and the SEC Championships.

Michael Vocke, Jesuit junior: He graduated in 2024 and signed with LSU over the 2024 National Letter of Intent period. He's starting his freshman season with the Tigers.

Patrick Dowd, Jesuit senior: Graduated in 2023. Signed with Dartmouth and competed at the Ivy League Heptagonals and the NCAA Division I Northeast Region Championships.

Aeric Wender, Jesuit senior: Graduated in 2023. Enrolled at Clemson University.


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