Coach of the Year Finalists // The Roundup

Coach Paul Maturi (football)

Paul Maturi, a graduate from Lake Highlands and Harding University, where he played football, has stopped at many schools on his way to Jesuit, including Harding Academy in Memphis, Lake Highlands, Bishop Lynch, and McKinney High School. As the defensive coordinator and safeties coach for the varsity football team, Coach Maturi immediately came in to “a very good situation,” bringing “a good attitude and a good work ethic,” looking to establish a “good relationship with his players” in order to create a system where they could “play hard and play comfortable, while having fun.” This year, Maturi helped lead the Rangers to an 8-3 record with a 3-2-5 defense that allowed only 30.5 points in a league dominated by high-flying offenses. Maturi again and again stresses the importance of his players, even in the most menial of daily activities as practice, hoping that all of his drills and teachings “are a positive learning experience.” In addition to football, Maturi organizes the athletic practice schedules, ensuring that every team is accounted for on campus. He “values all the relationships he has made with his players and fellow coaches,” underscored by his ability to relate and connect with each on a personal level. Very humble and thankful, Paul stated that he is “flattered and honored to be voted for this award, but there are a lot of other quality coaches equally worthy.” Congratulations to Coach Maturi on a job well done.

Coach Chris Surran (lacrosse)

Chris Surran, a graduate of Syracuse University, where he won an NCAA championship as a lacrosse goalie, boasts an outstanding resume, including being a lawyer, coaching at the Naval Academy, ESD, and St. Marks, and establishing a youth lacrosse program for DPL students. Surran also is the President and Founder of Iron Horse Lacrosse, his occupation every day before he arrives on campus at Jesuit. When he first came to Jesuit, he wanted to “bring the [lacrosse] program up to speed,” willing to do “whatever” he needed to do. His current varsity lacrosse team, which has a multitude of Division-1 athletes already committed to top-tier programs, has compiled a 15-1 record in the state of Texas on course to the #1 ranking in the playoffs with state title implications. A coach that stresses “the fundamentals in order to make the most skilled players possible” awards all his success to his players: “They are the ones willing to sacrifice in order to be successful.” During his time at Jesuit, Coach Surran revealed that the attitude, work-ethic, and passion of the students, not only athletes, has put “hope in the next generation to lead and establish stability and success” in a quickly changing world. Surran noted that winning the Coach of the Year honors would be “nice,” but “there are a lot of other coaches” whose effort, work, and attitude can go unnoticed. Congratulations Coach Surran for being nominated for such a distinct honor.