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28 CAVALIER CORNER CONTINUED SUCCESS: LACROSSE AND SOCCER PLAYER JAY CONNOR F rom the first time Jay Connor stepped on Grounds for a lacrosse recruiting visit in 1968, his love for the University of Virginia was instantaneous. He knew immediately that UVA was a very special place, and he had a memorable visit with new friends. Head Coach Buddy Beardmore had re- cruited an impressive class considering there weren't scholarships in Connor's first year. At the time, UVA's tuition of approximately $1,500 per year allowed many student-ath- letes an opportunity to play at the University. "The air and aura of Charlottesville was awe-inspiring," Connor reflected. "I could sense it when I entered Albemarle County. I was physically energized getting on the field." During Connor's time at UVA, he was for- tunate to play lacrosse and soccer. Through participation in both sports, he was part of several championship teams — five ACC, one USILA and one NCAA. A two-time first-team All-American, Connor was an outstanding lacrosse attackman. He served as captain of both the lacrosse and soccer teams for his last two years, was selected MVP in soccer in the Commonwealth his last year and was recognized as Virginia's outstanding athlete in 1972, an honor he shared with Barry Parkhill. That same year, he was selected to play in the North-South Collegiate All-Star Game. Connor developed strong bonds with his teams, with a few extra-special people he looked up to. Coach Beardmore impressively recruited great talent without scholarships and was the backbone of a UVA team that won the USILA championship in 1970 and captured the NCAA crown two years later. Connor said that Coach Beardmore rec- ognized the talent in his recruits and was responsible for building those champions. Connor believed his team had "no short- age of confidence, and had guys who were used to winning and knew how to win. They put effort forth to make that happen, had each other's back, got close, worked hard and were able to have a lot of success." From 1969-71, the men's lacrosse team won three ACC championships in addition to their two big championships in 1970 and 1972. Connor shares that he was sup- ported by a lot of talented players around him and was driven by the mantra "There ain't no 'I' in team." During that time, there weren't budgets for successful teams, but the players re- ceived Jefferson Cups, and as a captain, Connor also received a watch. Every five years, championship teams were invited back to Charlottesville, which helped to maintain their closeness. During their visits, the University would recognize them on the football or soccer fields for halftime cel- ebrations, and they were treated very nicely. The soccer program holds a special place in Connor's heart as well. He said head coach Gordon Burris was "a fantastic and wise individual who was smart enough to hire graduate students to help coach." In Connor's first year, the soccer team had 80 walk-ons and abundant talent. He credits Coach Burris for the team's success and was very proud of its two ACC champi- onships in 1969 and 1970. During Connor's third year, Coach Burris called him and fellow team captain Ed Marks into his office to share that the program now had money to award scholarships. Coach Bur- ris asked Connor and Marks what they would like to do with the money; they could either award the money to a current player or use it to recruit new talent and build the program. Both captains immediately responded that their preference was to build the program. Ultimately, though, the administration decided to award the scholarship money to Connor and Marks personally. They were very grateful Connor was a captain on Virginia's 1972 men's lacrosse team, which won the NCAA championship. (Photo courtesy UVA)