Chances are very good that you have heard the name Kjay Proctor more than a time or two if you follow local high school sports. A versatile 2-way senior star at Chesnee, he has made plays all over the field and even on the basketball court for most of his young life. But, there is much more to Proctor than just athletic ability.
Kjay’s athletic journey didn’t have the most extraordinary first step. As a matter of fact, Proctor recalls not even wanting to play his first football game.
“When I was younger, I cried at my first ever football game. I didn’t want to play. But, my dad made me and ever since then, I have been in love with the game” said Kjay.
One cannot deny that in encouraging him to play that first game, his dad turned the key to an engine that will drive Kjay well beyond his days on the gridiron. Proctor has been described as both an ideal teammate, friend, and person both on and off the field – things that both his relationship with his parents and playing football have helped to cultivate within him.
“I have a great relationship with my father. He is honestly my best friend that I can talk about anything with. I also have a very devoted mother. She stays on me to keep my grades up and stick with sports. No doubt she has helped make me into a great human being”, said Proctor.
Kjay has also had the unique opportunity to learn under multiple mentors as a 2-sport athlete – 2 football coaches in Clay Lewis and current head coach Brett Chappell, as well as head basketball coach Zach Baldinelli.
“Coach Lewis taught me that life will have its adversity. But a real man will handle that adversity rather than let it handle him; when something happens, a man will deal with it and not let it put him down. Coach Chappell has reminded me that I am a senior and that I need to take charge of every moment presented to me. I love his approach to coaching. He is a nice guy, but knows when to turn the switch on and be tough on you. I love how he balances it out. Coach Baldinelli has instilled in me to work hard even when others don’t see it. No better example of that than how he has our basketball guys working year round to better themselves for when the season actually starts – and I love the dedication he shows as well as how much he cares.”
Chappell and Baldinelli reflected the same level of fondness and respect for Proctor.
“Kjay excels academically and works hard in the classroom. He puts the team first, and he has been raised to show respect and use his manners, which he shows on and off the field”, said Chappell.
“He is a very well-rounded kid – one of the most respectful young men I have ever met!. He is a star on the field, and although he is done playing basketball, he has played it along with other sports. He is also one of the toughest kids I have ever met. I remember an instance in practice last season where he took an elbow to the eyelid and needed 4 stitches. Rather than leaving to get them, he got the wound covered up and returned to practice before going to get the stitches put in later”, said Baldinelli.
So, what is it that Kjay has enjoyed most about being a two-sport star? The camaraderie of the time spent with teammates and the satisfaction of suiting up and putting on for the faithful clad in the Eagle black and gold.
“I have most enjoyed playing with my closest friends – who are all people I am honored to call my brothers and will tell my kids about one day. I love playing with my teammates in front of our home crowd and seeing all the support. I love making plays in front of a crowd and having people start to like you as a player. I also just enjoy physically outdoing someone and making a play off straight instinct. It is especially satisfying to be able to physically outperform basketball players on the court as a football guy”, Proctor said.
For all his athletic abilities, Kjay has a rather unexpected skillset that may be a big part of his plans beyond school and football in the future – he is a barber, currently working on getting his state license to cut hair.
“I cut hair in my free time and that is my way of making money. I do not have any college offers right now. I plan to attend college, but I haven’t been thinking it would be to play football. It is not that I don’t want to do it. I just don’t know if it will happen for me personally. The game has brought me more joy than anything I have ever experienced, and just as much sadness. Football is the one thing that makes me emotional. I have cried at the end of every season since 6th grade. But, it may not be part of my future beyond high school”, he said in a response that exuded as much emotion as he says playing the sport brings him.
If football is not part of his life beyond high school, Proctor seems content to cherish every moment he has left this season, which is advice he would give to any aspiring young player out there.
“Take it seriously. Go to every workout. Go to every practice. You only get so many. It goes by way too fast and when it is over, that’s it. There are no redos. Nothing is like high school football”, said Proctor.
You can catch Kjay in action Friday night (weather permitting) as his Chesnee Eagles head up 221 for a border rivalry battle with R-S Central. Kickoff is set for 7:30
