Where Did the School Jocks End Up After Graduation?
Graduation often marks a new chapter in one's life, but this is particularly true for individuals who were once known as 'jocks'. The paths these athletes take post-graduation can be quite diverse and often surprising. Let's delve into the journeys of a few former jocks and explore the various destinations their post-grad days brought them.
Former Athletes' Post-Graduation Journeys
When I began reflecting on the jocks from my high school days, I discovered that their lives had taken on a multitude of directions, quite different from my own path that led me across the United States.
A Diversity of Destinations
I know of one former classmate who now works at the same supermarket my mother once interviewed at part-time. Interestingly, he recently offered a job to my mother, but she concluded it was time to retire. Another classmate, a former basketball player, has carved out a niche as a published children's author, with one book already out and another in the works. Yet another former jock runs a cafe near a well-known sporting venue in Brisbane. His partner is currently expecting twins, making the cafe owner's hands full with both his business and family.
One of the most significant jocks from my class has managed to remain somewhat elusive after high school. Known as the "accidental" First XV captain, he disappeared almost entirely from my life. Interestingly, he found love with a girl I was also attracted to, only for him to come out as gay shortly thereafter. Twelve years later, I haven't seen him since my wedding to a different woman, though some whisper that he has fallen off the rails.
Post-Graduation Career Paths
Two of the biggest jocks from my year became police officers. Neither pursued higher education, choosing instead to focus on law enforcement. In contrast, the biggest jock from the next year not only received a scholarship to play basketball at Duke University but also went on to coach high school teams. He had three seasons as a college head coach before moving on to high school coaching.
Post-graduation, these jocks seem to have taken paths ranging from success to struggle. One became the CEO of a large regional bank, while another descended into a life of disease and drug addiction. Some remained less athletically engaged, with careers in fields such as bowling, curling, and golf. Surprisingly, some even achieved Olympic success, with three getting silver medals. One also excelled in professional hockey, while another tragically ended his life.
Further reflections on childhood friends reveal more unique paths. A cousin of mine became a US record-holder and national champion in Olympic power-lifting; another hockey superstar took his own life on Christmas Day. A younger classmate, on the other hand, played for the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders, with his high school quarterback going on to become an author and psychologist.
Famous Jocks in the Spotlight
Some of the most famous jocks of my era include a Harvard Track team captain who became a national leader in 400 meter hurdles and was part of Robert Kennedy's staff. However, he struggled with alcoholism, spending his final years alone and working for ServiceMaster to clean offices. Another notable Harvard graduate had a decade-long career with the NHL's Calgary team before becoming one of the top agents representing NHL stars.
One former jock's path took him to Quora, where he was a Top Writer for four years. Another became a respected author in Germany, earning the title 'Top-Autor' for a year.
These diverse paths illustrate that generalizations about post-graduation directions can be misleading. Each former jock's journey is unique and shaped by various factors, such as personal growth, career choices, and life events.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the paths taken by jocks after graduation highlight the complexity and individuality of personal journeys. From law enforcement to Olympic success, entrepreneurship, and unexpected turns in life, these stories serve as a reminder that no single path is definitive. Each individual's story is as unique as their journey to that point, and the years following graduation often bring new adventures and opportunities that can redefine a life in unexpected ways.