Shoelaces and Starboards: A Coach’s Legacy

In loving memory of Jay Finney: May 2, 1966 - August 6, 2024

If you ever met Jay—even just once—three things would become clear almost immediately:

He went to Stanford.
He rowed starboard.
And he absolutely thought you should try rowing.

That last one? He was relentless about it.

It didn’t matter if he was at a neighbor’s barbecue, a coffee shop, or a crowded party—if Jay thought there was even the slightest chance someone might enjoy rowing, he wasn’t shy about suggesting it. His own kids' friends heard the pitch more than once. Some of them even ended up in boats because of him.

Jay’s passion for the sport wasn’t just about the rowing itself—it was about the people, the lessons, and the community. His own experience with rowing was shaped by coaches who left a deep impression: Rich Davis at St. Paul’s School and Jim Farwell at Stanford. From them, Jay learned that great coaching wasn’t just about technique and speed; it was about demeanor, presence, and care. It was about showing up as a human first.

He carried that lesson into every practice and race, every conversation with his athletes. Yes, he wanted them to work hard. He wanted them to aim high and chase excellence. But he also knew that magic happened when there was room for joy, laughter, and fun in all that effort.

In many ways, Jay was trying to carry on the legacy of people like George Pocock—who believed that rowing could offer not just physical strength, but personal growth, connection, and character. Jay helped rowers everywhere experience that side of the sport, whether they were on his team or not.

At regattas, he was everyone’s coach. He’d offer advice, help untangle rigging problems, lift boats off trailers, or—famously—give up his own shoelaces. (Yes, that really happened. A novice crew couldn’t launch because their heel ties were missing, and Jay just took off his shoes and handed over the laces so they wouldn’t miss their race.)

Someone who nominated Jay for the George Pocock Excellence Award as a Coach put it perfectly:

“Jay caused others to fall in love with the sport and benefit from all that the membership in the community provides.”

That community—this Pacific Northwest rowing community—is something special. Whether your team has 10 rowers or 200, we show up for each other. It’s the same way Jay showed up.

To all the coaches who are leading with thoughtfulness, who know your impact extends beyond speed and technique—to fun, belonging, and belief in oneself—thank you.

Jay was proud to be one of you.

And he would have been truly honored by the recognition of the George Pocock Excellence Award for a Coach.