BGSU Athletics announced equipment manager Scott “Scooter” Jess will be retiring via X. A recognizable figure in the world of Bowling Green athletics, Jess worked mainly with the baseball, tennis, golf, swimming and hockey programs.

Jess joined BGSU during the 1995-96 season, managing the equipment needs of the BG Hockey team, at home and on the road, for 30 seasons. His legend in the hockey world stems from the iconic “diamondcutter” celebrations he performed after the team’s sweeps, making a personal mark on numerous players, coaches and fans.

In his 31 seasons, Jess helped the Falcon hockey team to a 489-578-119 record.

“Over more than 30 years, (Jess) has been the backbone of our program behind the scenes,” said BGSU hockey head coach Dennis Williams. “He’s sharpened thousands of skates, handled countless sticks, and made sure our guys had what they needed every single day to compete at a high level. He’s has been a huge part of the personality of our locker room.”

Jess was the equipment manager of Falcon Hockey during William’s playing career at Bowling Green from 1997 to 2001, during his assistant and interim head coaching stint from 2008 to 2010, and through the first two seasons of his current tenure as head coach of BG.

The year Jess was hired by BGSU, Williams was 16 years old, associate head coach Curtis Carr was 17 years old, and assistant coach Jacob Pritchard was not yet born.

He became a Falcon after six seasons as an equipment manager in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) for the Raleigh Ice Caps, Richmond Renegades and Virginia Lancers. He had previously graduated from Miami University and attended both Miami (OH) and Indiana State, earning a major in sports management and a minor in sports medicine.

“Scooter” will throw out the first pitch and be honored before BGSU baseball’s home game against Western Michigan on Friday, May 8.