16 minute read
A Rumsey Original—Jay Przygocki
Being a coach is not like being a pop star or a major league pitcher where your best work is considered behind you by the time you are thirty. A great coach seasons with time. Jay Przygocki is the ultimate “great coach” not only because his demanding role as Athletic Director requires the choreography of 248 Upper School students’ athletic activities every afternoon, but because he has helped guide and nurture the talents of hundreds of Rumsey students on the playing fields and in the classroom for the past 41 years.
It was a casual conversation back in 1975 out on Cape Cod, sitting around his Aunt Dorothy Spooner’s kitchen table with his cousin and then Rumsey history teacher, Rick Spooner, when Jay was first introduced to Rumsey Hall. Word was out that the small junior boarding school’s Headmaster, Lou Magnoli, was on the lookout for young student teachers to staff the then fledgling summer academic program. Jay spent five weeks during the summer of 1975 at Rumsey and by the end of it, he was hooked. This opened the door for his return as a full-time faculty member in the fall of 1976, after graduating from Southern Connecticut State University. Jay taught geography and English and was assigned to coach Senior Girls’ Field Hockey—the team he would instruct for nearly 20 years. As a 22-year-old male who played baseball in college, he was slightly uncertain about his ability to lead a field hockey team. Athletic Director Charlie Pavek gave Jay his first team assignment, reassuring him, “Field hockey is the same as soccer. There are forwards, halfbacks, fullbacks and a goalie. If you can play soccer then you can coach field hockey.” In Jay’s first year coaching his field hockey team’s record was 3-4-1. The following year, the team was undefeated, 10-0. Charlie was right.
Jay’s first home on campus was the “Crow’s Nest,” the third-floor of Romford House, where Lou and ” Jan Magnoli lived on the southern edge of campus, overlooking the cornfields. Jay first served as dorm parent for VI th Form boys in New Dorm at a time when wearing a coat and tie to dorm duty was not only customary but expected by the School’s Director John Schereschewsky Jr. ’47. Jay became fast friends with the
Jay’s First Coaching Assignment in 1977, Senior Field Hockey Team
other “rookie” teachers and the Sherry and Magnoli children. On Monday nights, after a busy day with students, the whole gang could be found huddled around the Magnoli’s TV set watching Cosell, Meredith and Gifford sportscast a football game.
In 1983, Lou appointed Jay as Director of Athletics, a position first held in 1967 by Charlie Pavek, and later by Former Faculty Member Gil Yule and Former Headmaster Tom Farmen. Charlie was a pioneer of Rumsey’s hockey program and as Athletic Director he was responsible for introducing new sports, such as crew, during his tenure. Jay modeled that innovation with perception, responding to change, developing a first-class athletic program while staying true to the traditions and mission of the School.
Like many schools Rumsey had to ride the trends, acclimating to other independent schools’ sports seasons. To find challenging competition beyond the local opponents, Jay forged relationships with other junior boarding schools for evenly matched competition, even if that meant four-hour long bus trips to Canaan, NH to compete against Cardigan Mountain’s ice hockey team. The felt banners of undefeated seasons hanging in the Magnoli Gymnasium tell the story of tournament triumphs— close matches and legendary nail biters against rivals like Renbrook, Rectory and IMS. As the enrollment of female students began to climb, again Rumsey responded by adapting its programs. Throughout the mid-’80s and ’90s Rumsey girls dominated in sports, most notably field hockey, volleyball and softball. Under Jay’s direction Rumsey added the Girls’ Basketball program, the first Girls’ Hockey team, which debuted in 2009 with the opening of home ice at Lufkin Rink, and most recently a Girls’ Lacrosse roster to the spring schedule in 2012. In the early ’90’s Jay decided he would no longer coach girls teams. It was time to make way for the young female coaches who would become role models and mentors to lead female athletes into Rumsey’s future.
After four decades, Jay has mastered that perfect balance of syncing the best of himself as coach and impactful teacher with his many other roles on campus. With his characteristic humor, Jay helps IV th Form students decipher the Dow Jones by teaching investing 101 on Stock Market Saturday, not your average math class. Mathematics comes into play too, in the
many practical and necessary functions of the Athletic
Director—marking the coordinates of the athletic field corners for line painting,
TARA ST. AMAND ’03 calculating the minutes it takes to
Jay gave me this glove 15 years ago and I still launder mounds of team uniforms while teaching back-to-back classes, use it for every alumni “running” lunch in the dining hall, softball game. He was organizing students’ box lunches an amazing dedicated with the kitchen to take on the bus softball coach. for away games, and all in time for afternoon sports. Later in the day, he can be found on the phone with another Athletic Director negotiating prime schedule slots for upcoming seasons’ games.
Before the day ends, he’s helping students with homework while
proctoring evening study hall. With a keen knack for CHARLES PORTER ’94 Though an organizational guru numbers and the ability to As a three sport athlete, I would himself, Jay insists he multitask, Jay accomplishes always see Jay zipping around could not execute the countless responsibilities and in his golf cart from field to field. finely tuned orchestration tasks without even keeping I have many memories, most of of three seasons of games an appointment book, and all with razor sharp wit. Jay was always unstoppable. them involve laughter. Although I do not remember word for word, his opening line was always: “Hey, have you heard the one about...?” And Jay would continue on with his for 34 different teams without the support and talents of Former Staff Back in the ’80s, when Spring comic routine. The fields were perfectly lined and the Member Sheila Anson, Recess rolled around, he uniforms sharp. Strong athletics were and continue to and for the past 25 years would be kicking it into be a great part of Rumsey’s tradition, and without Jay Executive Assistant Julie high gear spearheading a ski that would not have been possible, or as much fun. Fredlund. Julie’s assistance excursion through the Alps in arranging game officials for two weeks, the ultimate and tournament logistics, test of endurance after the short daylight hours of a compiling the athletic schedule, updating the website, demanding Winter Term. Along with Former Faculty seeing to the engraving of each trophy and naming of Scott Schereschewsky ’73, Marc and Bettina Cloutier end of season letters and Varsity Awards are critical to and Raymond and Jacqueline Ostrander, Jay herded a the smooth running of the Rumsey Athletics’ engine. pack of students through France, Austria, Switzerland Certainly as with all great coaches, Jay likes to win. and Italy, a beloved tradition that lasted for more than Though now, an accomplished Athletic Director at three decades. For many years during each winter the top of his game, that intensity has softened with Headmaster’s Weekend, he also coordinated the experience and wisdom, appreciating that winning goes Bromley Ski Trip to Peru, VT. far beyond a team’s record. “It’s all about the students’
Over time Jay has joined the ranks of legendary small daily victories and watching their pure joy as Rumsey leaders as a valued and respected mentor by they learn something new. Over time I’ve learned that both those within the community and by coaches and winning isn’t everything. It’s about the fun of being Athletic Directors from peer schools. The Rumsey Hall with the kids and mentoring them that is the most Athletic Director’s Dinner, first originated years ago by rewarding.” When asked, Jay will say his single favorite Charlie Pavek, is a popular Rumsey event where over day of the year is Alumni Day. “It’s the gratification 60 athletic professionals from the NEPSAC District of seeing the finished product, of things coming full IV Schools gather together each spring in the spirit of circle...remembering students’ struggles and meeting camaraderie and good competition. Spending time with them again several years later as successful older Jay off the field, with good food and in good company, versions of their younger selves.” Most poignant for Jay is a main attraction. is witnessing young student Matt Hoeniger, one of his
JENN RINELLA ’89
Mr. Przygocki and Mr. Spooner both made a huge impression on me as a young student athlete. Mr. Przygocki was the first coach I ever had. He was integral in preparing me to be the best
I could be both as a person and athlete and it was undoubtedly that foundation that allowed me to go on to a successful career at the Division I level in college. I think about them both often, and feel blessed to have had them in my life at an early age.
L to R: Jay’s First Softball Team in 1978; Refereeing a Volleyballl game in 1997; A color games wrestling match in 1983; Jay and Rick Spooner present Ruthie Lynn ’84 with the Volleyball MVP Award in 1984
New Dorm boys, become Rumsey’s Headmaster some 36 years later.
Since the summer of 1975, Jay has lived in nearly every dorm and for the last 20 years has resided off campus in the old Foothills Dorm where he raised his three children, Ania ’00, Tucker ’03 and Sawyer. Jay wed Suzanne LaVoie in the summer of 2016 and celebrated with faculty and friends in Farmen Hall, the first event of its kind in the new Campus Center. As the campus has expanded and adapted to meet the changes in enrollment, so has the task of managing the School’s exceptional athletic facilities. Lufkin Rink, the Blue Dog and Magnoli Gymnasiums, the rowing tanks, indoor and outdoor tennis courts and seven playing fields, are all kept in tip-top shape to provide our students with the best possible athletic experience. When asked about the Rumsey of the future, does Jay forecast the verdant fields in the valley ever giving way to the easy-maintenance allure of turf? “Our fields are pitch perfect, the pride of the natural beauty of our campus, with excellent drainage and irrigation!” Jay adds, “Why change what works so well?”
As with all the many great, original things at Rumsey—why change what simply works? JARED ALLEN ’94 When I was a student at Rumsey there was a tradition that students who were not prefects could change tables regularly to interact with other students and faculty. The first table I sat at was Mr. Przygocki’s. That year his prefect was a girl named Mahe Van Dyck ’93, one of the many girls he coached in Field Hockey and JV Volleyball. Between Jay’s own kids and the other students at the table it made for a lively time. His kids were drawn to me, as I was somewhat of an overgrown child myself. We all talked about everything, from sports to family and of course, weight lifting. Jay was like a proud dad, telling the other boys how much I could bench press. As I rotated through the other tables, I somehow managed to always find my way back to Jay’s. So, it was no surprise that I ended up spending my senior year as his first male prefect. By then I was already a part of his family, and like some of his other prefects I babysat his kids. I learned a lot from Jay over my two years at Rumsey. How to be a great coach, how to be patient, how to be a wonderful and caring father and how to dress in a stylish fashion.
Jay has been a bedrock of Rumsey’s culture, traditions, and most importantly, the students’ lives for well over 30 years as mentor, coach, dorm parent, teacher and friend. When I think of Rumsey Hall, Jay is one of the most important people I associate with my time there.
Right: Softball bat given to Jay by captains of his 1990 undefeated Senior Softball Team, Sarah Neuhaus ’90 and Tiffany Groff ’91.
TINA COUCH ’94 Jay Przygocki is an amazing coach. I was fortunate to play multiple sports for him; he was my field hockey and softball coach for many seasons. However, Jay first coached me at the JV level. So it was early on that he noticed something in me. He fostered whatever talent he saw, encouraged it, and was the first coach I ever had that really pushed me outside of my comfort zone, knowing that he had tapped into potential. Not only did he have a mastery of the sports he coached, he taught with an enthusiasm that throughout all my years of playing sports, including college, has never been matched. It was as if he was right on that field with you, living each and every moment by your side. I certainly give much credit to Jay for helping me develop, discover and build the foundation for who I became as an athlete. While I was never the most powerful athlete, he taught me that being scrappy and smart could garner just as much success; which was a really important lesson both on and off the field. One of my favorite memories was in the middle of a softball game, he pulled me off the field. I was playing short stop at the time, and he told me to warm up my arm, I was going to pitch. I remember having a fleeting moment thinking, “Is he nuts?” But then, because I always trusted him and his strategies, I started throwing him a few pitches. After a couple of minutes, he said, “Ok, just get the damn ball over the middle of the plate.” So I got up there, and low and behold, I threw that ball straight down the middle—slowly mind you—but it was in the strike zone. We ended up winning the game. And just like that, somehow I learned how to pitch. I was never the fastest pitcher nor did I have any formal training; however, I was a good pitcher because I consistently threw strikes and I could field a ball. That was an awesome season, one I will never forget as we went undefeated, or pretty close to it if my memory serves me right.
We also had a really special bond, I just got him, respected him and always wanted to push myself as far as I could to make him proud. I am really thankful to have had such a good man and influential coach so early on in life. Some of the best memories I have at Rumsey were on the field under his guidance. PAM CAPACI ’78 It was about 40 years ago that I played field hockey for Rumsey Hall. Some of my proudest moments took place on that field. It amazes me how much I actually remember and inextricably tied to my memories is Coach Przygocki. Truth be told, we all had a major crush on him. He was so CUTE and I know I was at least partially motivated by my secret hope he would compliment me on my effort. If my memory serves me though, that didn’t last very long because Jay was very strict and pushed us hard right from the start. I don’t think he quite knew how to coach girls. I think we were his first team at Rumsey. In thinking back, I imagine initially he must have felt a little like the Tom Hanks character in the movie A League of Their Own when he delivered his famous line, ‘There’s no crying in baseball.’ But like Tom Hanks character, Jay did not treat us differently than he would have treated a boys’ team. He cultivated athletes, and in doing so, he taught me about hard work and reward, teamwork and integrity and a desire to achieve my goals. He was tough but fair and brought out the best in me. He sparked a drive that has served me well throughout my whole life. I am laughing because there was a lot of extra drama that I don’t think he was prepared for. I’d like to believe that while he toughened us up, we softened him just a bit as well. He and Mr. Pavek introduced me to Gordie Howe at my Senior Awards Banquet because I was the top scorer and that was amazing. Congratulations to Jay on his very successful career at Rumsey Hall.
HUDSON FULLER ’81 How lucky I was to have Mr. Przygocki as a field hockey coach many years ago! At the time though, I did not always think that. Nope, I pretty much thought that he was like a crazy drill sergeant who wanted to run us into the ground. I did not realize then that by expecting the best from us, he was teaching us to expect the best from ourselves. Back then, I was often plotting schemes to get out of both running and drills, including offering to walk his Vizsla puppy. (It should be noted that most, if not all, of said schemes failed miserably). In the 35 years since, and a number of trips back to visit Rumsey, I have gotten to know Jay on a more personal level and have come to know what a big heart he has and how he is completely dedicated to all of his students’ success both in the classroom and on the playing field. He is truly a Rumsey gem.
TAMI COUCH ’01 RANCE Jay has always been and will always be a coach. I remember trying to live up to the days when he coached my sister. She was a tremendous athlete and he did such an incredible job of coaching her. I knew I had such big shoes to fill, however he knew how to cater to each player. He knew how to truly nurture our capabilities and growth. I remember playing softball for him and how I feared ground balls. He would simply say, “Head down; don’t pick it up.” He always coached and supported his players. I remember when he put me at third base and I would stand next to him as the game went along. I could hear his frustrations, I could hear his complaints, but most of all I could hear how much he cared. It could be a 1 st grade game or an undefeated season and he still exuded the same enthusiasm. When I think of coaches I think of Jay, because he always had your back and still does to this day.
