Meet Our Wildcats

Meet Holly Sudol the cheer team's captain at Archbishop Murphy High School. While she has been a member of the varsity cheer squad for 4 years, there is much more to Holly than being a cheerleader. As a multi-faceted student, Holly is a vital part of athletic teams, student leadership, and other extracurricular activities at AMHS. Holly is a decorated sprinter for her school's track team, and she placed in 3 events in the 2018 2A State Championship. She was also on student council for her first three years of high school and is currently an ASB officer to lead her school during her senior year. Holly participates in not only the fall play but also acts in the spring musical that AMHS produces. While activities outside of the school day are a major part of her life, Holly excels in the classroom as well. She is a member of the National Honors Society, which means that she has been recognized for her outstanding academic ability. Holly represents Archbishop Murphy as a school ambassador and exemplifies the Murphy way.

What is your favorite class and why?

My favorite class is AP Language and Composition because I enjoy expressing my thoughts through writing and it challenges me to be a better student.

Why did you choose to attend AMHS?

My brother attended AMHS, and I really liked the school pride that students had when I shadowed.

What are your future goals and aspirations for after you graduate?

I plan to attend a large, four-year university and discover a major that I have a passion for.

What is your favorite thing about Archbishop Murphy?

My favorite thing about AMHS is that it is a community that provides endless opportunities to those who are a part of it, and supports each of its members to succeed and grow to their full potential.

How do you plan on leaving your mark on AMHS once you graduate?

I hope to leave my mark by inspiring students to go outside their comfort zone by involving themselves in sports, fine arts, and student government as I have.

Finish this sentence, "Murphy pride is..."

The inclusion and acceptance of all students.

Meet Jordan James, the Director of Wellness and Sports Performance at AMHS. Jordan received his Bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and completed his Master’s at California University. He is certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, United States Weightlifting, USA Track and Field, Functional Movement Systems, and Precision Nutrition. His previous Strength and Conditioning coaching experience was at Liverpool High School, St. Lawrence University, University of Cincinnati, San Jacinto College, Ignition Athletic Performance Group, and Velocity Sports Performance. He enjoys spending time relaxing with his daughter and his boxer.

What is your role at AMHS?

I am the Director of Strength, Conditioning, and Wellness at Archbishop Murphy High School. I am excited to work with our entire community, including students, student-athletes, parents, and faculty/staff, on improving our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being on a daily basis.

How do we promote/encourage wellness on campus? 

Wellness is a high priority at AMHS. Today’s high school student has numerous challenges facing him or her. These challenges can be self-imposed in the form of lofty academic, athletic, or personal goals, or external coming from their family environment or everyday coming of age pressures. If we can give them the tools rooted in education and faith to be successful in managing those challenges, there is nothing they cannot achieve. It starts by creating a supportive and unified environment. From teachers, support staff, administration, campus ministry, counseling services, athletics, facilities, and everything in between, the students and their families should know that we care about these important developmental years and want our students to grow and experience a fulfilling Catholic education. Our wellness program offers stress-reducing tips, helps students identify and combat anxiety, promotes staying connected through effective communication, improves sports medicine and overall medical resources on campus, and creates support groups centered around community and faith.  We are working on revamping the on-campus meal program for 2019-20. Wellness has a lot of seen and unseen tasks that make for great work and everyone at AMHS is committed to this work.

How do you see your interaction with students bring our mission to life?

The modern high school student has a minefield of challenges lying ahead of them in today’s world. They can be set by themselves in the forms of lofty academic, athletic, or personal goals, surrounding lifestyle or family environments, or everyday coming of age pressures. If we can give them the tools rooted in education and faith to be successful in encountering those challenges, there is nothing they cannot overcome. It starts by creating a supportive and unified environment, education for inside and outside of the classroom, and resources to continue to develop the Christlike leaders of tomorrow.

Why do you work at AMHS?

We have such a great community of students, faculty/staff, parents, and partners. High school is a transformational time in our students’ lives and I get to see that transformation happen every day. My passion in life is helping young people with this transformation and I am blessed to be able to fulfill my passion every day working with the students at AMHS.  

What does success look like when working with students?

Success is a student understanding their “why” of waking up in the morning, of feeling happy, fulfilled, and accomplished with whatever their goals and dreams are, and understanding that life is a journey to be enjoyed.

Finish this sentence, " Murphy pride is...."

Murphy Pride is no matter where you start, always have the attitude, commitment, and effort to FINISH STRONG!

Meet Luke Riojas, the football team's captain at Archbishop Murphy High School. Though he has played on varsity football for 4 years now, there is more to Luke than being his high school's linebacker. Luke has participated in track for two years, played in the school band for one year, and was selected as a school ambassador for the past 3 years. As an AMHS ambassador, Luke represents the school in a variety of ways including reaching out to middle schools to promote AMHS and being a role model for his peers as well. While athletics are a large part of Luke's high school experience, he is an exceptionally strong student. During his junior and senior year at Archbishop Murphy, Luke was accepted as a member of the National Honors Society, an organization that celebrates young scholars who have demonstrated academic excellence. 

What is your favorite class and why?

My favorite class is AP biology because I learned a lot about the world we live in and how it works. Plus, Dr. Wellenstein is an amazing teacher!

Why did you choose to attend AMHS? 

I wanted the best education available in my area in order to push myself to be the best student I can be.

What are your future goals and aspirations for after you graduate?

I hope to play college football and to study pre-med.

What is your favorite thing about AMHS?

AMHS gives me the opportunity to challenge myself academically as well as engage in extracurricular activities.

How do you plan on leaving your mark on AMHS once you graduate?

I hope to set an example for my peers through my relentless work ethic and by being 100% genuine and honest. 

Finish this sentence, "Murphy pride is..."

Having the chance to make a change!