On this day 22 years ago, Jake Kenney was profiled in Newsday‘s “In the Spotlight” section of their high school sports coverage. Here is the article from Joe Krupinski.

_____________________________________________________________

In the Spotlight: Jake Kenney

Part of the motivation behind Jake Kenney’s successful athletic career at Stony Brook may be attributed to brotherly love.

Kenney, an 18-year-old senior, is the oldest of four sons of Stony Brook athletic director John Kenney. The father believes Jake always has tried to be a proper role model for his brothers: Derek, a 16-year-old sophomore; Nathan, 13; and Adam, 11. They also all play football, lacrosse, and wrestle like their big brother.

“It’s no secret that Jake is a real hard worker with a work ethic that anyone would be proud of,” John Kenney said. “He’s been a very good role model by setting high academic and athletic standards for his brothers. In return, they respect Jake tremendously.”

Football coach Barry Giller said Kenney played middle linebacker, left offensive tackle, and made the team’s long snaps, a job he had since eighth grade. On defense, he was the team’s leading tackler with 78. On offense, which passed 60 percent of the time, he protected the weak side of the quarterback, who was his brother, Derek. He allowed only one sack last season. “I couldn’t let anyone get to my brother,” he said, only half in jest. “Because then I would have to come home and face the family. My mother would never forgive me.”

Playing three sports with your father as a coach (head coach lacrosse, assists in football and wrestling) can be a trying experience. But not to Kenney, who said, “I have nothing to complain about. I’ve had a great time. Expectations are definitely higher. You’ve got to work harder than everybody else. My father never put pressure on me. But having him as a coach definitely pushed me to higher limits.”

In wrestling, the 5-11, 175-pounder won the League VI title at 177 pounds. He finished with a 15-6 record after losing in the first round of the county tournament to East Islip’s Keith Cadden, who went on to win the Suffolk title. Kenney is one of seven returning starters for a lacrosse team seeking its third straight county Class B title. Playing both attack and midfield last season, he had 35 goals and 34 assists. Kenney, who has a 93.6 academic average, will attend and play lacrosse for Princeton.

_____________________________________________________________

Kenney went on to win two National Championships at Princeton and was inducted into the Stony Brook School Hall of Fame in 2004.

_____________________________________________________________