Lou Jarvis Featured in NCAA Champion Magazine
The Vermont golfing community lost an avid golfer, teacher, coach and all-around nice guy Sept. 30 when Louis H. Jarvis died at age 62 after a yearlong battle with esophageal cancer. Many of Lou's friends, colleagues and students were stunned to learn of his death since Lou had been seen on the golf course only weeks earlier with the same enthusiasm and focus that made him a Class A Professional in the PGA.
An alumnus of Johnson State in Vermont, Lou returned there in 2009 to become the head men's golf coach, a role he truly loved. He taught his players to think about the game – to think less about how far the ball was traveling and more about how they were finishing their swing; to spend less time aiming a putt and more time reading the line.
The desired results will come as long as you stay true to your swing, he would tell them. It's all about muscle memory – it's about putting in the time, committing to the game and enjoying the people you play with, Lou would say.
He began his instructional career at Mount Snow Golf School in West Dover, Vt., and continued on to Stratton Golf School. In the ensuing years he worked with hundreds of novice, intermediate and advanced golfers, improving their skills and appreciation for the game.
Every first lesson with Lou consisted of him asking the student to take out a club to hit a few balls. Almost without fail, students of all abilities would select the driver. Lou would then tell them that if their goal was to be able to hit the longest drive, then they probably shouldn't waste their time with lessons from him. He didn't care how far someone could hit the ball. After all, he would point out, the most you'll use your driver in a round of golf is 14 or 15 times.
Considering the average golfer hits the ball close to 100 times, Lou was more interested in teaching success on the other 85 shots. "OK," he would say. "Let's put those drivers away and take out a 7-iron." It was then the lesson would begin.
Lou considered himself an ambassador of the game. He always presented himself in a professional manner and insisted those he golfed with do the same out of respect for others on the course and the game itself.
Win, lose or draw, Coach Jarvis would leave the Johnson State athletics building after each visit with the same remark. He would look you straight in the eye and say, "Go Badgers!" Every time.
Lou's last year was a tough one. With the support of wife and best friend, Joan, and his dog Scout at his side, Lou was able to keep active until the very end. He never complained, never asked for help. He lived his life the way he played the game, with intensity, integrity and focus. It's a legacy he leaves with Johnson State and the Badgers golf team.
Just days before his passing, and with Lou very weak, yet still fighting the cancer with the tenacity of his school's mascot, he provided two final words:
"Go Badgers!" he said.
You can bet that we will, coach.
Bill Boldwin succeeded Jarvis as men's golf coach at Johnson State. Men's basketball coach and Sports Information Director Michael Osborne also contributed to this article.
