by Brandon Bhajan
English teacher Mr. Jago has been named the girls’ JV softball coach for the 2015-2016 season. The announcement, made in early March following a Board of Education meeting, means that Barrons’ softball will once again have a Jago in its program.
“Softball isn’t more of my background, it’s more of a family background,” Mr. Jago said. Two years ago, Mr. Jago’s father retired from teaching and coaching after amassing 420 career wins in softball, and Ms. Small became the varsity head coach.
The younger Jago said he grew up watching the games his father coached, and his father was a huge motivating factor when it came time to apply for the position. “My father coached softball for a very long time and when the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance,” he said.
During the fall semester, Mr. Jago was the boys’ freshman soccer coach, and he brings the same mentality to softball. He wants to be a great coach, but to be an even better role model for his young players, hoping that they will become better players and people at the same time under his wing.
“Winning is always important,” Mr. Jago said, “but the JV level is all about developing the players. I enjoy the feeling of winning, but it’s not the most important.” Besides skill, Mr. Jago hopes the players develop their attitudes, which extend beyond the playing field.
His philosophy is that academics come first. Discipline is a major key to his coaching style. “I am a big proponent of the student-athlete. I want my players to get good grades.”
He said he wants his players to have the right mindset, be prepared, and know that studies come first. “I like when my athletes come up to me and say I got an A on this,” he said.
Even while his students improve both on and off the field, Mr. Jago knows there’s always room to improve himself. “If you think I’m doing something wrong,” he said, “tell me.”
Mr. Jago knows that no one is perfect and criticism can help him become better at his job. With a positive attitude and the support of Coach Small, Coach Cuevas, and the administration, and a little luck, Mr. Jago hopes to catch his father’s record, which will be no easy task.
“I want to thank the administration, Coach Small, and Coach Cuevas for taking a chance on me,” Mr. Jago said. “I’ve been extremely lucky to have this opportunity and I love coming to work.”
