A Lifetime of Trampoline is a brief
history of trampoline coach, Jeff T. Hennessy, who currently resides in
Broussard, Louisiana. Also included are four photo galleries that
capture over fifty years of world travel, Hennessy family activities, World
Trampoline Champions coached by Hennessy, and fellow trampoline and double
mini-tramp athletes from across the USA and around the world.
Hennessy's articles page lists a variety of technical
publications and essays on the subjects of trampoline and springboard
diving.
Autobiography of Jeff T. Hennessy
In the spring
of 1948 I entered Northwestern State College in Natchitoches, LA, and
because I was a member of the swimming and gymnastics teams I was introduced
to the trampoline. At that time, the trampoline was used primarily as
a way to improve our springboard diving and gymnastics skills.
Springboard diving was the main focus of my interest in sports at that time.
During my
college days at Northwestern I was extremely fortunate to meet two key
people who would have an enormous influence on my future interest in
trampoline - George Nissen, the inventor of the modern trampoline, and Ted
Blake, from Great Britain, who was a member of the fledgling Nissen
Corporation.
These two
innovators inspired me to envision a role for myself in the potential of
trampoline to eventually become an organized competitive sport with an
international audience.
During the
years 1965 through 1982 the men and women athletes that I coached were
awarded a total of 26 World Championship medals in trampoline and double
mini-tramp competitions all over the globe. The National and Regional
titles and medals won by these world champions and their teammates during
those seventeen years are far too numerous for me to venture a specific
count.
Upon completion
of a Bachelor of Science degree in Education at Northwestern I was employed by the Ouachita
Parish School system in Monroe, LA where I worked as a math and social
studies teacher, and football and track coach.
In 1957 I
returned to Northwestern as a graduate assistant. And upon completion
of my MS degree in Education in 1958 I was employed as an instructor of
Physical Education at Northwestern and coached NSC's swimming, diving, and
gymnastics teams until 1959.
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. I had
the pleasure of observing them develop into world-class athletes and to see
them represent themselves as good will ambassadors of the United States
while participating in World Championship competitions overseas. I am
eternally grateful to all of them for their unique talent and their hard
work. What a wonderful time we had!
Contact Jeff T.
Hennessy
Phone: 337-839-0917
