By Jeremiah Corona ‘27
This year, Brother Rice is welcoming back a familiar face Mr. Jack Botta. From being a student in the classroom to teaching the classroom, Mr. Botta was in the Class of 2020, also a graduate from the University of Iowa Class of 2025, and while at Rice, he was on the football team and wrestling team.
Now Mr. Botta is a sophomore theology teacher and one of the assistant coaches for the wrestling team.
Mr. Botta has benefited the school in many ways, as he helped out other students and subbed for other classes. Dean Steve Nye said, “Mr. Botta has done a terrific job this year. It is always great to have a new faculty member who is familiar with the Crusader way and holds our students accountable to our values.”
This year, the wrestling coaching staff has a new goal to benefit the wrestlers, Mr. Botta is a huge part of that goal by now adding more to the practices and running the lifting program.
Senior wrestler Frank Miceli said, “Coach Botta has had a big impact on the wrestling program, by striving for all of us to be better men and wrestlers.”
As a new teacher here, students are able to bond with Mr. Botta. Mr. Prunckle said, “It is great to have Mr. Botta back in the building as a faculty member. It is incredibly valuable to have alumni return to Brother Rice and help build upon our tradition and culture. Mr. Botta’s commitment to building men of character is already evident in the work he does in the classroom, Resource Center, Student Success Center, and wrestling room. He is truly an example of what it means to be a man of Edmund.”
Mr. Botta has been a big addition to the Brother Rice community, and sure there is more to come from Mr. Botta.
