Jeff graduated from RLHS in 1980, earning 2 letters in football, 3 in basketball and 2 in baseball. As quarterback and co-captain, Jeff led the 1979 football team to Rice Lake’s State Championship football title. Jeff was co-captain and an Honorable Mention member of the All Northwest Heart of the North team. In basketball, Jeff was All Conference his junior and senior years. He led the conference in rebounds, averaging 14.5 per game. He was voted Captain and MVP in both his junior and senior seasons. Jeff was also selected conference defensive player of the year and was on the 4th Team All Northwest in 1980. In baseball, Jeff was Rookie of the Year in 1979, and MVP and Captain in 1980. During his senior year, Jeff’s batting average was .429 with 4 homeruns and 16 RBI’s. In 1982 Jeff played for the Brill Millers, which tied for 1st place, with a 23-7 season record, and advanced to the WBA semi-finals. In 1983, Jeff was part of the nucleus to start the Rice Lake Arrows. In the first year, Jeff led the team with a batting average of 383 and 32 RBI’s.

Jeff attended the Palmer University School of Chiropractic Medicine in Iowa. During this time he became involved in Rugby and was chosen to the Midwest Jr. Select Side Rugby Squad two years running.