Jamie was born and raised in Grafton and was involved in sports from his school days at St. Joseph’s School as a t-ball all-star through Grafton High School as a football state champ.
Jamie played softball for several teams on a weekly basis with his older brother Randy “Toby” from the age of 14 totaling approx. 120 games per summer and therein starts the ambition and drive to keep up with the older guys.
Jamie began coaching at 16 for youth basketball at St. Joe's.
Once he became a dad, Jamie coached for his two sons' and daughter’s teams and continued to coach for his community even after his kids had advanced. Some teams he was honored to coach were St. Joseph's Parrish Boys Basketball, Grafton Little League, Grafton Girls Softball, Grafton Gladiators, Grafton Rangers Select Girls Soccer Team, and Grafton Blackhawks Girls Soccer Team.
Throughout Jamie’s coaching, he always focused his teachings on footwork skills and no matter which sport; basketball, baseball, football or soccer, Jamie was determined to add some type of foot skill into his daily practice.
Jamie was passionate when he coached and even more so when he played. He always gave 100%. From taping his glasses to his baseball hat to finish the game, sliding into home to be safe and re-injuring his already torn open leg and to diving and catching a fly ball in left center field for an out only to flip over the fence. Lets not forget his competitive nature, diving in volleyball, ending a dart-league game with a 6 dart out, bowling a perfect “300” in a 9-pin tournament, or playing a hand of Texas hold 'em. Jamie left everything on the field and preached not to have any regrets about your performance.
No matter what sport or activity Jake, Ben or Emma joined, Jamie made sure they had some basic principles for success:
1) Always strive to do your best
2) When you think you are finished, do one more
3) Keep practicing, even when no one is looking, and
4) Have no regrets
Jamie’s heart, passion, and love for the game was imbedded in all those who watched him. That is why Emma and his entire family are determined to continue this legacy of Jamie’s competitive and performance nature in this Fatla Finesse skills camp.
We hope you join us, lets play !