Favorite Jay Martin Story
Chris Vorenkamp '03
Portland, OR
I count being a Bishop, led and guided by the inimitable Jay, as among the greatest experiences of my life. It's my premise that we, as human beings, long to be connected to something greater than ourselves, and to find our own fullest contribution through our various, diverse, innate capacities. I was able to experience this in a profound way as a Bishop through Jay's influence.
Jay is adamant that he does not produce players. Players produce themselves. This typifies his example of integrity, empowerment, and responsibility. That said, I am one of many examples of players who came to OWU as extremely limited players who would transform through his influence, and our own belief and hard work which the culture of the program inspired, into something beyond anything that could be fairly expected. In four years, I never once felt praise or criticism for my level of ability. Nor did I see this offered to teammates. What Jay delighted in was how we would answer that most fundamental question: What are you doing with your abilities? How are you applying them? How are you cultivating them? He conveyed that through his own professionalism and commitment to improve, through his humor, and above all through the immense, heartful devotion he showed to each of us and to the program.
Here are a few gems that have stayed with me that demonstrate some of this essence, which always brings a smile to my lips in the recounting.
Jay (knowing I came from a small village in northern Michigan called Brutus): "If you want to play at OWU, you have to change the way you play. I know Vorenkamp over there might be thinking, 'But Jay, I was first team all universe for the Brutus Snowballs.' Sorry Chris, but you're not playing for the Brutus Snowballs anymore."
We spent some time training penalties before a tournament match, and I told Jay, "Jay, I specialized as a goalkeeper against penalties in high school, can I try defending some?"
"Chris, that's fantastic. I'll keep that in mind if we face any high school teams."
And the classic, "How are you Jay?"
"Why? You don't give a shit."
There is a certain intensity, cutting intelligence, awareness, humor, and subtle but powerful warmth that was a privilege to engage with. I felt simultaneously held, provoked to grow, and thoroughly accepted as warmly as a member of a family. Thank you, Jay.