I spent the day with Jernstedt while in Indianapolis to write a profile of him while he still was with the NCAA. He was a very gracious host. We ended the day with dinner, and he insisted on springing for a bottle of Oregon pinot noir. Thanks for this, John.
Great piece John, a very interesting & endearing story! McMinnville was a second home to me because I spent a lot of time there as a kid visiting grandparents. It’s cool to know a kid from McMinnville reached such great heights & created significant impact in college sports. Stories like this have to make kids dream more & know anything is possible.
His parents lived next door to my parents outside Carlton, OR. I grew up mowing their lawn, and was a huge basketball fan. I remember going into their garage, and they had those clip in seats to like 15 Final Fours hanging on the wall, and thats when I learned who their son was. They told some great stories of Final Four trips. I got to meet him a few times. Great guy and proud YC alum!
I was a first year teacher out of Pacific U in 1957 teaching at Carlton and coaching sports. In my 7th grade class was an outstanding student/athlete...yes. Tom Jernstedt who was liked by all. I enjoyed that young man like no other. He was the best. Don Brenneman. Tigard
I would say “this piece is worth the subscription.” But I’ve already said that to myself many times! I call Washington home, but lived in Forest Grove, Astoria and Eugene early in my forestry career and enjoy reading John’s stories of sports personalities from throughout Oregon.
What a nice tribute to a well deserving gentleman and "Duck". We could always benefit from stories like this about really good people with beneficial accomplishments. Thank you John.
I remember Tom, well! He was on the U of O athletic staff, something to do with PR I think. And I especially remember his friendly, kind, supportive presence. During the Dick Harter, Kamikaze Kids era, in the early 1970's a handful of us helped recruit, and occasionally traveled with the team. Tom was usually on those trips. I loved being around him.
A great read about a great man from a great writer. Thanks for contiuously delivering, JC. How about a sit down with Nicolas Kristof? He's in the neighbourhood.
Excellent, John. I am delighted to learn that his statue was unveiled in Indy. Outstanding Oregonian; he has always made me proud. I held it against Emmert when he came in and failed to recognize the jewel in his midst.
I spent the day with Jernstedt while in Indianapolis to write a profile of him while he still was with the NCAA. He was a very gracious host. We ended the day with dinner, and he insisted on springing for a bottle of Oregon pinot noir. Thanks for this, John.
Good man. We can all toast him now.
I didn't find that article online. Maybe you could get that and your fine Jernstedt obituary added to his Wikipedia entry.
Nice read. I don’t know why but I did not know he was from Oregon. Thank you for telling his story.
Exactly what I am thinking after reading this. Terrific story and so nice to learn about this connection to Oregon.
Thanks. Our guy.
Thank you John for this excellent Story !
As a small town guy from Oregon, you are so right “every kid in Oregon ought to know this story” - thanks again for telling it !
You know as well as anyone… thank you
Missy, Tom’s sister is my wife ! The family is extremely proud and thanks you as well
Regards
Rick
One of your better pieces...thanks
Appreciate that.
Great piece John, a very interesting & endearing story! McMinnville was a second home to me because I spent a lot of time there as a kid visiting grandparents. It’s cool to know a kid from McMinnville reached such great heights & created significant impact in college sports. Stories like this have to make kids dream more & know anything is possible.
🙏
A life well lived. Nicely done.
Thanks!
His parents lived next door to my parents outside Carlton, OR. I grew up mowing their lawn, and was a huge basketball fan. I remember going into their garage, and they had those clip in seats to like 15 Final Fours hanging on the wall, and thats when I learned who their son was. They told some great stories of Final Four trips. I got to meet him a few times. Great guy and proud YC alum!
I was a first year teacher out of Pacific U in 1957 teaching at Carlton and coaching sports. In my 7th grade class was an outstanding student/athlete...yes. Tom Jernstedt who was liked by all. I enjoyed that young man like no other. He was the best. Don Brenneman. Tigard
I would say “this piece is worth the subscription.” But I’ve already said that to myself many times! I call Washington home, but lived in Forest Grove, Astoria and Eugene early in my forestry career and enjoy reading John’s stories of sports personalities from throughout Oregon.
What a nice tribute to a well deserving gentleman and "Duck". We could always benefit from stories like this about really good people with beneficial accomplishments. Thank you John.
I remember Tom, well! He was on the U of O athletic staff, something to do with PR I think. And I especially remember his friendly, kind, supportive presence. During the Dick Harter, Kamikaze Kids era, in the early 1970's a handful of us helped recruit, and occasionally traveled with the team. Tom was usually on those trips. I loved being around him.
Loved this John….sounds like a really good man. Thans for all the info.
A great read about a great man from a great writer. Thanks for contiuously delivering, JC. How about a sit down with Nicolas Kristof? He's in the neighbourhood.
Excellent, John. I am delighted to learn that his statue was unveiled in Indy. Outstanding Oregonian; he has always made me proud. I held it against Emmert when he came in and failed to recognize the jewel in his midst.