J.J. Bush, Maryland's Unsung Hero
5/6/2005 8:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
May 6, 2005
By Mike Grinnon
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - J.J. Bush has been more than just an athletic trainer. He has helped shape the lives of athletes competing for the University of Maryland for more than 33 years. Umterps.com had the opportunity to sit down with Bush and received insight into how he does it. The month of March honored athletic trainers during National Athletic Trainer's Association (NATA) month, and all of Maryland Athletics -- particularly the student-athletes -- recognize the importance that Bush and the other trainers have in the athletic realm. Read on to get a sense of his dedication to the team and to the school!
UMTERPS.COM: How long have you been a Terp athletic trainer? J.J. Bush: I have been a Trainer here at the University of Maryland for 33 years coming up this July. Throughout these many years I have worked for 17 years with the basketball team and 16 years with the football team. I have also spent some time with the gymnastics, track, volleyball, baseball, soccer and lacrosse teams. As a trainer I feel I have seen things that the average person doesn't get to experience. I can tell many memorable stories and jokes from the encounters with the various athletes that I have worked with over the years.
A unique fact about Bush - and a testament to his character - is that in his 33 years of hard work with the Terps, he has taken only three sick days!
"The only days I ever took off were when I had the flu, and my assistant Rod Martin had to force me to go home," Bush said.
Jokingly, his athletes commented that he had become weak and should not return until he was tougher. He hasn't missed a day in the office since that moment in 1977. Bush even has stored vacation days that he can't use each year because he is so busy working with one of his teams, and he can't afford to take them.
UMTERPS.COM: What are some of your most memorable moments as a Terp?
Bush: I really take pride in the success of my teams. If players are feeling down, pressured, or upset, I do my best to be there as a friend and support system. At the same time, if the teams are doing well, I am first to join in the triumph of victory with my players.
As more than just the trainer, but a friend as well, he is interested in the lives of each of his players. He particularly recalls the two years the men's basketball team made it to the NCAA Tournament between the years 1972-1976.
Said Bush, "That was a large accomplishment due to the fact that back then, only one team per conference would make the tournament."
UMTERPS.COM: What experiences from your football tenure do you recall?
Bush: One game in particular comes to mind when I remember my football glory. Back in 1984, quarterback Frank Reich led the team back from a 31-0 halftime deficit at Miami. I believe this victory is known as the greatest comeback in Division I college football history. Another game that comes to mind is the Sun Bowl that same year when we were down 22-0 at halftime and were able to pull off another comeback. I enjoyed the opportunity to go to Bowl games, but I admit that it is ton of work above and beyond the regular call of duty as a trainer.
UMTERPS.COM: What experiences from basketball do you recall?
Bush: I was extremely delighted in 1993-94 when the team was able to make it back to the NCAA Tournament. I recognized this as a turning point for the program and the beginning of Gary Williams' career at Maryland. My proudest moment as a trainer came in 2002 when the basketball team brought home the national championship.
Bush recalls that since the basketball program's beginning, he is the only athletic trainer to ever win a national title. The ACC Championship that came two years later in 2004 is yet another of his cherished memories.
"The team won against the No. 1, 2, and 3 seeds and knocked them off to take the title. That was a run like no other I have ever seen," Bush recalls.
UMTERPS.COM: Do you consider yourself to be more than just a trainer to the players? Maybe a little like a father figure?
Bush: This is the biggest reward that I get in this job. In my 30-plus years doing this I have encountered many different athletes.
Bush recognizes the training room as a great place for athletes to blow off steam and really let things out.
Said Bush, "I have the confidence with my players that whatever is said in the training room stays in the training room. Because of my experiences, I have learned to relate to and help out the athletes as they need someone to talk to. Whether it is an intimidated freshman or a veteran who is going through tough times, I try to be there for my athletes and have many strong friendships that I have developed because of it. It is these friendships and memories that I cherish most. Although I love the championship rings and watches, it's the intangibles - the memories and friendships - that I love the most."
UMTERPS.COM: What made you first decide to become a trainer?
Bush: It all dates back to when I was in high school and weighed a whopping 75 pounds. My folks thought it wouldn't be safe for me to suit up and play football so I became the manager for the basketball team instead. I had a great experience working closely with the guys and this paved the way for a future for me in athletic training.
UMTERPS.COM: Let's talk about the "outside" JJ. What kind of hobbies do you have?
Bush: I really enjoy going fishing with my friend who has a boat near Ocean City, Md. Also, being a handy man in the neighborhood is something I take pride in. I like helping my neighbors fix things around their homes.
Certainly a pride and joy of Bush's is shown in the glow of his beautiful blue Chevy Corvette. He also enjoys many different types of music although he isn't musically inclined.
UMTERPS.COM: What does the future have in store for J.J. Bush? Bush: [LAUGHS] I don't see myself retiring just yet. I am currently 58 years old and feel as if I have a few more good years in me.
Bush is thinking that at 62 he might hang up the tape and retire. In retirement he looks to get a boat and continue with his hobby of restoring cars.
UMTERPS.COM: Do you have any goals that you have yet to accomplish as an athletic trainer?
Bush: I feel like I have accomplished as much as I originally set out to do. However, I look forward to being there for my athletes and hope to see some more success before I leave. I look forward to the basketball team making the NCAA tournament again, and would love to be part of another national championship run!
J.J. Bush is more than just a trainer. He gives a helping hand in so many ways that words cannot describe. Personally, he has helped me become the person I am today. He deserves all the credit he gets and it has been an honor to be with him for the past four years. I wish him the best of luck in the future and I ask that all of you take the opportunity to meet J.J.
For all your hard work and dedication, thank you J.J. Bush!
