When the XBSS Junior Retreat comes around in March, Colin Loria will be between seasons. Wrestling will have finished and baseball will not have started quite yet.
It might be natural to take a break, rest up for what’s ahead, but that’s not what Loria will be doing. He will be a senior leader at the retreat, scheduled for March 6-10. Each of the 13 XBSS schools selects six juniors and one senior. Days start at about 8 a.m. and end at about 10 p.m.
The intent of the retreat is to develop a deeper understanding of the Xaverian mission, share best practices with other schools, and grow closer to those in the XBSS network.
Loria attended the XBSS Junior Retreat last year, but instead of being at the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford it was in a virtual setting with a reduced schedule. Not the same experience but still rewarding.
“We didn’t get the full experience, but I know how powerful the retreat is, so I wanted to give back and help the juniors as they grow to be the leaders next year,” Loria said.
“It fits in between New Englands for wrestling and pitchers and catchers in baseball, and is a cool experience that I felt if given the opportunity was one I need to take.”
Loria said he would like to share his experiences with the younger students.
“Being at Xavier has allowed me to grow in my faith, and that plays a big role in all aspects of life, sports included,” Loria said. “We pray before baseball games, we pray before wrestling matches, so I think this education has helped to have that ingrained in all aspects of life.”
Loria is a member of four honor societies, including the National Honor Society; and a Distinguished Scholar. He’s a Big Falcon, a Peer Minister.
“What stood out most about Colin is his character and dedication to do his very best in all that he does,” Assistant Director of Campus Ministry John Guinan said. “He is a young man of integrity and faith, who leads by serving. Colin exemplifies the promise of a Xaverian education. He is a steady presence and serves as an example for his peers of what it means to be a Christian leader. We are confident that these qualities will enable him to effectively help lead other students on a retreat where they will have the opportunity to learn more about Christian leadership in the Xaverian tradition.”