University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame
Orson W. Jay 1932 - Baseball, Football
One of the most respected and popular high school baseball coaches in Vermont and New England, Orrie Jay, inducted into the UVM Hall of Fame in 1973, was also and outstanding athlete at Vermont in the early 30's.
"There was no finer coach than Orrie Jay, and no finer person," said UVM Hall of Famer, Larry Gardner . Jay was an outstanding athlete during his undergraduate days at Vermont. He served as captain of the 1932 baseball team and played both baseball and football for four years. Also, Jay served as Class President ('32) and President of Kappa Sigma fraternity and was member of Kappa Phi Kappa, an honorary educational society.
He began his teaching and coaching career immediately after graduation. He coached baseball at Burlington High School for 30 years and his Seahorses were state champions eight times and the runner-up on seven occasions. He also led BHS to a share of 19 Northern or NIAC crowns.
"His record as a baseball coach was the model of success, but more importantly, his record as a man, both in victory and defeat, was the highest example for those who knew him and associated with him," said Wally Johnson, a Burlington Free Press sports writer, the morning after his death in 1973.
