“HARD WORK BEATS TALENT WHEN TALENT DOESN’T WORK HARD”

– Tim Notke

“Jeff would always have a smile on his face and continue to tell me how much joy he had training kids. One of many memories I have with him is when I was training with him and he challenged me to hit a baseball off of a tee while pitching, and of course first pitch I miss and he knocks the ball off. He always said to “dream big” and “stress less” and that if you put your mind to anything and work hard you can achieve it.”

– Nick Hoffman, Player

“Jeff Kennard…How do you find the words? Jeff was definitely one of a kind. We met Jeff several years ago and quickly became friends. He trained our son in both pitching and hitting. Jeff was always upbeat and SUCH an ENCOURAGING voice in Julian’s ear. The sky is the limit! Anytime our son was feeling down about his performance, Jeff was there to build him up and push him to believe in himself. He and Julian shared so many laughs and jokes, which is definitely hard to find nowadays. To receive this scholarship is more than money, this is an honor. To carry on the name of Jeff Kennard and his legacy : Hard Work Beats Talent when Talent Doesn’t Work Hard.” 🎼 Don’t Stop Believing

– Julie Eversole, Parent

As an athlete myself growing up, I can think back over the years of those having a positive influence and impact on me both with sports and personally. As I continued to grow older, there have always been one or two that truly stood out in my mind. That’s how my grandson, Donnell “D” High, will see Jeff Kennard. Jeff was one of many over the course time D trained with after we learned of his love of the game of baseball. He started with Jeff at age 8 when he operated Extra Innings and continued with him from there at Beyond the Game. And we were transitioning with Jeff to “Elevate Sports Training” and his partnership with Chris Wamsley when we first heard of Jeff’s health issues which eventually took his life. As the lyrics in a famous song, “only the good die young” would be an illustration of what a person Jeff Kennard was…a terrific young man who passed much too early and before his time. His positive influence of several hundreds of young boys and girls, offering so much of his time and treasure, it would be nearly impossible to quantify. But I assure you, there’s a 16 ½ year old young man today, who’s playing competitive travel ball as well as high school baseball at Centerville High School who will always remember what Jeff Kennard symbolizes to our baseball and softball playing youth…a cherished example of how to pour yourself into something you love and share it with others! I’ll also add that Jeff taught a few Fathers, Mothers, and Grandparents a few things too…enjoy them; watch them; pack away this time with them in your memories while they’re young and enjoying a game they want to learn and love!

– Daniel France (D High’s Grandfather)

As an athlete myself growing up, I can think back over the years of those having a positive influence and impact on me both with sports and personally. As I continued to grow older, there have always been one or two that truly stood out in my mind. That’s how my grandson, Donnell “D” High, will see Jeff Kennard. Jeff was one of many over the course time D trained with after we learned of his love of the game of baseball. He started with Jeff at age 8 when he operated Extra Innings and continued with him from there at Beyond the Game. And we were transitioning with Jeff to “Elevate Sports Training” and his partnership with Chris Wamsley when we first heard of Jeff’s health issues which eventually took his life.