Kate VanDerzee '96
Worthington, OH

Kate VanDerzee '96

I first met Jay during my work-study stint in the athletic office. Despite not being a standout soccer player, track athlete, or even a student in any of his classes, Jay somehow knew who I was. It seems like Jay knows everyone.

Years later, after graduating, I returned to OWU to work in the Alumni Relations office. I discovered that Jay and a few others would run during their lunch breaks, so I decided to join them. For the next six years, we ran together nearly every weekday. In 2001, while training for the Boston Marathon, I kept up my midday runs with Jay and the group. Jay tracked my race online and, upon my return, surprised me with a LeRoy Neiman Boston Marathon framed print he found at an antique shop, complete with my race results taped to the back. It was a truly thoughtful gesture. Jay is a coach to his core and a gift to Ohio Wesleyan.


Read Obinna Moneme's Favorite Jay Martin Story | Read Main Story | Read Keith Rozanski's Favorite Jay Martin Story