UL Coach (1964-1986) Jeff Hennessy

[Turbine]

  A Lifetime of Trampoline is a brief history of trampoline coach, Jeff T. Hennessy, . . . .

. . . In 1959 I moved to Lafayette, LA with my wife, Ruth, and our two children - Jeff, Jr. and Leigh (with baby Kay soon on the way). In Lafayette I taught Physical Education at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now Univ. of LA at Lafayette), plus I was the director of USL's gymnastics and trampoline programs.

In 1964 I decided to focus my efforts full-time on the sport of trampoline - after working hours.

The University of Southwestern was my trampoline home base from 1964 to 1986 when I retired as an associate professor. I am proud to say that during this period of time there were more trampoline and double mini-tramp world and national champions produced in our little gym in Lafayette, LA than in any other place in the USA.

It was an unequivocal pleasure to work with all of the young people from across the country who took part in our trampoline program in Lafayette.

The rest of the story

More links
http://www.coe.louisiana.edu/accredi.../hennessy.html

http://www.athleticnetwork.net/site126.php

http://www.usta1.org/aboutus/aboutus.htm

http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/tt/200...winners03.html

http://www.tu-darmstadt.de/hg/webtra...florida95.html

[NewsCopy]

 He's the godfather of trampoline in the United States.

He's the father of a World champion.

Jeff Hennessy turned Lafayette into a hot bed of gymnastic activity and it's safe to say that without him, this year's U.S. Olympic team trampolinists - Erin Blanchard and Chris Estrada - would not be from Acadiana, but rather some other region of the country.

"I like to think so," Hennessy said. "Having these two young people come out of the same gym in Lafayette is the result of many years of trampolining here."

In his 26 years of coaching men and women on the trampoline, his pupils were awarded 26 World Championship medals.

And not a day goes by that he doesn't miss it.

The rest of the story

Grant Alexander • galexander@theadvertiser.com • August 15, 2008

[DestinCajun]

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Ah, now that was a great school - "The University of Southwestern"

[RaginFan2]

Ah, now that was a great school - "The University of Southwestern"

I had Coach Hennessy for a badminton class while I was in school back in the mid-70's. He was a lot of fun to be around. Even though we weren't trampoliners, he had fun with us and didn't act like a world class coach. If you didn't already know about it, you'd never know about it from him. Very down-to-earth guy. I really enjoyed his class. Good to read about him. I hope he is enjoying his (retired) life!