Jeff’s athletic career started under the coaching of “Chief “McLean at Roosevelt Grade School and Barney Riggs at Hedrick Junior High. By the time he reached high school it was evident that Medford had produced another out­standing athlete. As a sophomore he was named to the 2nd team All-Conference offensive tackle on a State Championship team. In 1963 he was 1st team All-Conference tackle – offense and defense;1st team All State tackle – offense and defense and received the John Nuich Award as the Outstanding Football Player. He also was 1st place District Tournament Heavyweight in wrestling that year.

1964 – a year to remember! Finalist Frank Leahy Award (Outstanding State of Oregon football player); Co-Captain State Shrine Team; WRESTLING: 1st place District Tournament heavyweight; 1st place State Wrestling Tournament heavyweight; 1st place State AAU Wrestling Tournament heavyweight; 2nd place Western Regional Olympic Trials, 213.5 class; Co-Recipient Outstanding Wrestler award. TRACK: 1st place District Meet-Discus; 6th place State Meet Discus. Jeff received the KMED Sportscasters Award as Outstanding Athlete and a full grant-in-aid scholarship to Oregon State University.

As a standout for the Beavers, he received the Frank Ramsey Award as Outstanding Freshman Scholar Athlete and Rookie of the year Award as Outstanding Sophomore player. 1966 – 2nd team All-Pac-8 Offensive Tackle and before the end of the 1967 season, a severe knee injury ended his career.