Supporters donate thousands to Jeannette athletics in memory of dedicated fan

All his life, Jay Clayton celebrated Jeannette athletics. You might say he put the Jay in Jayhawks.

Now, Jeannette athletics are celebrating him.

Clayton, a longtime Jayhawks fan, died in April at age 84. In lieu of flowers, Clayton wanted donations to be made directly to the Jeannette athletic department.

Since his passing, nearly $5,800 has been raised in his memory.

“It is very nice to see the outpouring of donations in Mr. Clayton’s honor,” Jeannette athletic director Ryan Hayden said. “We are very grateful to be able to use this for the athletic program, in order to benefit our student athletes for many years to come. “

Hayden said the money could be used for larger-scale projects such as a scoreboard or something else.

A longtime employee of American General Insurance Company, Clayton served in the Army and became a fervent fan of Alabama football. He also rooted for Penn State and the Steelers.

But Jeannette held a special place in his life.

Some trivia: Clayton and his brother, Ronald, were the first siblings to win Westmoreland County wrestling championships in the same year. Donations can be made to the Jeannette High School athletic department, 800 Florida Ave., Jeannette, PA 15644.