Q & A with Jason Magnus

Jason earned two wins in two starts in 2002, including a complete game 12-0 win over Coppin State. In 25 and two-thirds innings, Jason stuck out 19 batters.

Tell us a little bit about your background, where you are from, what your major is and how you came to the Ivy League.

I am 22; I was born in Columbia, S.C., and have lived in Massachusetts since 1989. I live in Amherst, Mass. I went to the Williston Northampton School for high school. I never thought much about going to an Ivy school until early in my senior year. I knew the Columbia softball coach well, and she suggested I look at the school. Brown recruited me heavily, but I knew I was going to go to Columbia the minute I stepped on campus. Some other schools that I considered were Boston College, Maryland, Davidson and Virginia.

Was there a time when you thought, "Hey, I could go to an Ivy League school" or was that always in your mind?

I only thought I could go to an Ivy school when I got my test scores, and continued to be recruited by Ivy Schools more heavily. It was never really a dream of mine, just an opportunity I couldn't pass up.

What perceptions did you have about the Ivy League when you first arrived?

In my mind, Ivy schools were an uptight, lily-white place where conformity was encouraged. In terms of sports, I never knew that the Ivy League had such good players, and the intensity of the competition was as high as it is. Certainly the classroom wasn't the only challenge, but baseball as well.

How have those perceptions met with reality?

My perceptions of Ivy schools really changed when I visited Columbia. The school has a great atmosphere, where we all work hard, but also get to play hard too. Its been a blessing to meet so many down to earth people in a place I wasn't expecting.

What about going to an Ivy League school most appealed to you?

Attending an Ivy League school was a decision I made for the future. I thought that having a Columbia degree would pay off down the road. However, I have found along the way that its been rewarding now as well. The resources available at my school are beyond anything I would have imagined.

As an African-American, what experiences have stood out to you about adjusting to college in the Ivy League?

As a black student, there have been adjustments that have been welcomed and others I resist. Sometimes it was hard to be the only black student in a class, on the dorm floor, and one of a couple on a team. Unfortunately, that's the way it has been for many black athletes in the Ivy League. I hope that changes, but any adjustment made on my part has been a learning experience.

Since you've been in college, what have been some of the most memorable moments for you as an athlete and a student?

The most memorable team moments have not even come on the field. They have been with my teammates at 6 am runs and lifts. Working with 30 guys towards one goal before the campus has even woken up is much more rewarding than it may sound. Personally, my selection as an all-Ivy pitcher was a great moment because I gained respect from the coaches around the League.

What historical figure do you admire most and why?

I most admire Malcolm X. Not only was he the great orator we all recognize, but he dedicated his life to helping poor, oppressed people around the world. He was honest, strong, recognized the ills of our society. More than any of that, he is an inspiration because his life is a story of constant self-criticism, always redefining who he was. Everyday is an opportunity to become a better person. He lived that idea.
Who had the biggest influence on you as you grew up? Why?

My father has been the greatest influence in my life. He has been my best friend my entire life. We share many things, and certainly a love of sports. As long as I have had a memory he has made sacrifices for his family and me. It would be hard to just pick a few things I have learned from him, so I can't even answer that. I am 22, I live in the greatest city in the world, and my favorite things to do is still to hang out with my father.

In an age of ultra-glorification of athletes and sports, what would be the best advice you could give to a middle schooler about the value of education, and the best role for sports in their education?

I will direct this answer to a middle school black athlete. I would never tell a kid to abandon his athletic dreams, and they should pursue them as hard as they can. I would just want to let them know that education will be the most important tool in their life. For too long black athletes have gone to colleges and scored touchdowns, points and hit home runs, without anything in return. Demand the education that is rightfully yours, and do not accept anything less. Sports were an opportunity for me to receive a top-level education. For others it can be the same if they are ready to make that commitment. Along the way there will not be someone holding your hand, you need to aggressively pursue your academic life just as the institution pursues your athletic talents.

What would be the best advice you could give to a young African-American who has aspirations to attend an Ivy institution?

I would more or less give that response to a black athlete wanting to go to an Ivy League school. In a sport like mine, there are not going to be many people who have had the experiences you have had. Yet you can use that to your advantage if you don't let it discourage you. I have felt like I have made it easier for the next young man, and they can do the same. In all honesty, there will be times where you may question the decision you have made, it is not easy being a black or an athlete at an Ivy league school. But change has to start somewhere, and momentum in the right direction must follow. We have a long way to, but I will know I did my best to make change.

***Please note, this story was written for a previous Ivy League Black History Month celebration. It is reproduced here for archival purposes and has not been updated.***