School News
September 23, 2026
For 50 years, Jay Przygocki was a pillar of Rumsey Athletics, helping define the program for generations of students and athletes.
His story began in the summer of 1975, when he joined the summer program before returning that fall as a student teacher. After earning his degree, he joined the faculty full time and spent his early years teaching and coaching before becoming the Athletic Director in 1983. He led Rumsey Athletics for the next 43 years before retiring at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.
Across those decades, Jay helped build a culture around athletics rooted in hard work, sportsmanship, and pride in representing the School. When reflecting on his career, it is the relationships he formed that stand out the most. Former students he once taught and coached have remained in his life all these years later.
“It was a place that I have really loved all my life, it was so easy to go to work because it was fun to be around the fantastic students and colleagues.”
On Grandfriends Day this past spring, Rumsey honored his impact with a surprise announcement. Surrounded by students, colleagues, and members of his family, Jay learned the former Blue Dog Gymnasium would be renamed to the Przygocki Gymnasium in recognition of his 50 years of service to the school.
The honor holds even greater meaning for Jay because the Przygocki Gym sits alongside the Magnoli Gym. Lou Magnoli, former Head of School, was the one to hire Jay and became a mentor throughout his career.
Now, generations of students will walk into a gym bearing the name of someone who spent his career helping shape what it means to be a Rumsey athlete. Although Jay has officially retired, he still plans to be on the sidelines, cheering on our teams.
