Coach's corner: Jay Kehoe

By Carline Darcelin

Jay Kehoe is much more to Yale sailing than a coach. He immediately puts those around him at ease, constantly encouraging his players with a warm laugh that "carries for a mile and a half," according to yacht club commodore Avery Patton, DC '00.

JULIA TIERNAN/YH Jay Kehoe

Growing up on the coast of New Jersey, Kehoe developed a passion for sailing that has not subsided. He has been involved in two U.S. Olympic sailing campaigns and more recently coached high school sailing. He keeps in contact with many of his former students. "All his students love him, and many of them want to come to Yale because they know he's here," Patton said.

Only two of Yale's 38 club sports have coaches, and Kehoe is one of them (the other is John Hawkins of men's rugby). By virtue of his unique status, Kehoe enjoys a special relationship with his team. Three years ago, the members of the sailing team hired him after conducting a nationwide search. They have not for a moment regretted their decision. According to Patton, the team, not the Athletic Department, is responsible for Kehoe's position, which allows for a closer relationship between the players and their coach. "The team is able to directly negotiate with him," Patton said. This provides team members a level of autonomy not enjoyed in varsity sports.

Despite sailing's club status, Kehoe brings a level of commitment to his job that rivals that of any varsity coach. "We are a club sport with a varsity attitude," he asserted. To this end, Kehoe spends his summers traveling around the world recruiting the best foreign sailors for Yale.

In addition to his commitment, his team appreciates Kehoe's knowledge and his relaxed manner. "The coach is all about enthusiasm," team captain Karl Seibert, ES '99, said. "He can convince new people that sailing is the greatest thing in the world," Patton added. Kenjin Tan, ES '01, said he appreciates the extra push Kehoe gives individual team members, especially when they are stressed about academics. He helps the students manage their time and "sets things right for us," Tan said.

Kehoe's methods have paid off. On Sun., Oct. 11, his squad took the Ivy League championship at the Mosbacher-Knapp regatta. Moreover, the women's team placed eighth out of 18 in a nationally-attended women's team event at Yale. As a club sport, sailing inevitably does not receive the same level of attention that varsity teams enjoy, but as Kehoe stated, "The team is growing." He believes sailing is "Yale's number one hidden resource."

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