Jay Kearney

Jay Kearney
Jay Kearney
b. 1944

Category
Canoeing
Year Inducted
1995

Jay Kearney became the second Southwestern Central School graduate to be inducted into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, joining roller skating champion Brad Zimmer, a 1986 selection.

Kearney, a 1962 Southwestern graduate, made his mark in the sports world in flatwater canoeing with five national championships and was also a sports physiologist for the United States Olympic Committee. Kearney was born on June 27, 1944, in Springfield, Massachusetts, and moved to Chautauqua County when he was four and lived in the area until September of 1968.

While at Southwestern, Kearney was on the track team for two years and tossed the shot put and discus. It was in the shot put where he established a school record of 49-3 and credits Coach Joe Rushin for his success. He also spent one year as a starting tackle on the football squad. The Trojans won their final three games that year, including a 12-7 non-league upset at Sweet Home.

more about Jay Kearney


The additional financial assistance of the community is critical to the success of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.
We gratefully acknowledge these individuals and organizations for their generous support.