Hard work, passion, consistency, versatility. These qualities are all part of the make-up of an exceptional athlete. Basketball player Dave Jaehnig exhibited all of these qualities during his four years at Westfield State.
Head coach Rich Sutter has seen many standout players emerge during his 11 years at the helm of the Owls basketball program. However, Jaehnig's four years have been played at another level.
“The best, without question,” said Sutter, when asked to compare Jaehnig to others who have passed through his program. “And I think he will end up among the best in school history.”
Jaehnig ranks eighth on Westfield State’s all-time scoring list with 1,310 career points. It is not just his scoring ability that made the 6-4 guard from Quincy, Mass., one of Westfield’s all-time best.
As he grew as a player at Westfield State, so did his versatility. During his senior season, Jaehnig led the Owls in scoring (14.9 points per game), rebounding (6.8), steals, and assists.
“He shows up in so many categories. Rebounding, steals, assists. Dave takes charges, dives for loose balls, basically whatever it takes to win,” said Sutter. “A good basketball player knows what needs to get done. He does a tremendous amount of things in a lot of areas.”
Westfield State senior Matt Badjo played enough with Jaehnig to realize how much of an impact he can have on a team.
“It is his overall court presence. He is the backbone of this team. When the game is on the line, you know he can get the job done,” said Badjo.
Jaehnig also knows the importance of being able to adapt to the team’s needs. This was especially true when an injury to Badjo, the starting center and low post scoring threat, went down with an ankle injury during the Bahamas Classic in January. After dropping both of their games in the Bahamas, Jaehnig poured in 25 points to go along with six steals, five rebounds and four assists in a huge conference opening win at Bridgewater State.
“I felt like the scoring needed to be picked up. It was just a matter of adjusting to what we needed,” said Jaehnig, a graduate of Boston College High School in Dorchester.
During his four years at Westfield State, Jaehnig earned numerous individual accomplishments, including MASCAC rookie of the year and all-conference honors during his junior and senior seasons. More importantly, the team enjoyed great success under Jaehnig’s direction, as it won more games (72 victories) with him in uniform than any other four-year span in school history.
It is this kind of leadership that catches the attention of both a coach and teammates.
“It is his leadership on the floor. Dave is consistent and works hard. He provides a good role model for the younger players. He lets his performance speak for itself,” said senior point guard Chris Kinback.
“Intensity is what you look for in an athlete. And he has that,” said Sutter.
Clearly, the Westfield State basketball program has been fortunate to have a player like Dave Jaehnig putting on an Owls jersey over the past four seasons. A big part of Jaehnig’s decision to come to Westfield was his brother Pat, a former captain for the Westfield State baseball team.
“He was definitely an influence. I would also say that the new gym (Woodward Center) and knowing some of the recruits were also factors in my decision to come here,” said Jaehnig. “I knew I could home here and help the team out. I realized that I could make an impact.”
Another Jaehnig family member has had a huge influence on him – his father Mark.
“My dad, from a young age helped instill both my love of basketball and the fundamentals of the game,” said Jaehnig.
It is that love of the game that shows still today with Dave Jaehnig. He often returns to his hometown of Quincy to give back to the basketball program that gave him his start.
“I like to go back home and hang around the gym and help out refereeing at the youth games. It is nice to help teach and instill the fundamentals that I received at that age,” he said.
This passion for the game has enabled Dave Jaehnig to put a significant stamp on the Westfield State basketball program. His all around play, ability to play any position and desire to win have made him one of the best players in the program’s history. Sutter is proud and not surprised with the way Jaehnig’s collegiate career evolved.
“I told him I felt like he could become one of the first players to make it to the (Westfield State) Hall of Fame under my tenure. And I think when it is all said and done, he will,” said Sutter.