by Jack Turner

St. John Bosco High School welcomes Mr. James Ritter into the Theology Department, a former Bosco student who is dedicated to teaching and coaching the next generation.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: Long Beach, California.

Q: How many siblings do you have?

A: I am the youngest of three.

Q: What is your favorite fast food restaurant?

A: Dave’s Hot Chicken.

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: Rudy.

Q: What is your favorite TV show?

A: Family Feud.

Q: Where did you work before Bosco?

A: Our Lady of Refuge and St. Pancratius.

Q: How did you come to find Bosco?

A: My dad, uncle and myself all attended Bosco as students.

Q: Where did you go to college before becoming a teacher? 

A: Franciscan University.

Q: How are you feeling about teaching here so far? 

A: I am loving it! So much has changed, but also nothing has.

Q: How is it balancing coaching and teaching at Bosco?

A: It has taken some time to get used to, but teaching makes me a better coach and coaching makes me a better teacher.

Q: What brought you into coaching?

A: I have been lucky to be surrounded by many great coaches in my life and wanted to pass some of that knowledge down to the next generation.

Q: What is the biggest piece of advice you have for students here at Bosco?

A: Form relationships with as many people as you can and enjoy it because it’ll be over before you know it.

Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching?

A: Forming relationships with students and witnessing their growth academically and spiritually.

Q: How was your experience as a student here at Bosco?

A: It was great. I have a bunch of really good friends who I am still close with and dominate in fantasy football.

Q: How is it being an alumnus at the school you teach and how does it help you relate to students?

A: It is a little weird at times, but it still feels like home for the most part. Seeing some of the things students are doing definitely gives me flashbacks because we were doing the exact same things.

Q: What does being a part of the “Bosco Brotherhood” mean to you?

A: I don’t think you really understand it until you graduate. Coming to Bosco gives you an instant connection to everyone who has come before you and everyone that will come after you. The brotherhood is something really special.

Q: What is your favorite basketball team?

A: The Lakers.

Q: Who do you think the “G.O.A.T.” is in basketball?

A: Michael Jordan.

Q: What is your favorite candy?

A: Reese’s.

Q: If you could have any superpower what would it be? 

A: Being able to move things with my mind.

Q: What motivates you to teach the youth? 

A: Helping students figure out what they believe, not what others want them to believe, and helping students come to understand what the Catholic Church teaches and why. I had such a great experience here as a student and want to give back as much as I can.