If you've gotten to know the many faces at Hopkins, then you probably recognize the Kail brothers -- Ben, Zack and Jake. These three football players, all tall and well-built with Mediterranean complexions, can often be seen around campus joking with friends and enjoying the day as if therewere not a problem in the world.
The trio hails from Upper St. Clair, Pa., a suburb of Pittsburgh. They come from a large family of seven children -- five boys and two girls -- and parents Karyn and Bob.
The Jays have benefited from the brothers' talents, but success on and off the field is nothing new to the Kail family. All three brothers are used to playing together on successful teams. They were important elements of their high school football team, which placed second statewide in Pennsylvania while they were on the team.
They have carried over that success to the Hopkins football program, and their exemplary attitudes have likely played a role in that transformation. Their contributions have helped Hopkins to a 13-5 record in the past two seasons. All three play on the offensive line, and the first game of this season marked the first time in NCAA football history where three brothers have lined up adjacent to each other on a play.
But for the brothers, it seems only natural to play on the field together.
Ben said, "It feels normal to me because that's the way its been my whole life. On the offensive line it is definitely an advantage, as it feels so comfortable playing next to Zack on every play. We come from a close family, and Zack, Jake and I were always really close growing up together."
Head Football Coach Jim Margraff had nothing but praise for the Kail brothers.
"All three are selfless, work extremely hard and are real fine football players. They have such a positive outlook on life, always looking for the good in things. They've done so much for the program, as they are by far our best recruiters. You feel welcome right when you meet them, they're so friendly and outgoing. They are three of the nicest guys we've ever had here, and you know why immediately after you meet their parents, they come from a tremendous family."
Ben, the oldest brother, is a senior who studies economics. Margraff praised the seriousness with which Ben treats football.
"He's very detailed, and works hard at understanding the game, trying to catch every edge."
Unfortunately for the Jays, this year Ben suffered a season-ending knee injury in the second game of the season. He had been one of the team's most reliable and dependable players. He had started at left guard for the previous three seasons.
But besides his on-field accomplishments, Ben is an accomplished acoustic guitar player as well. He enjoys learning and playing rock songs by such artists as Pink Floyd, Cat Stevens and James Taylor.
Another brother, Zack, who is known around campus as "Zeefis," is a junior majoring in international studies. Zach is also an accomplished student. Despite the fact that he has never owned a notebook, Zach has managed to earn a 3.34 GPA.
On the field, Zack has been the starting left tackle since his freshman year. Margraff calls him "a very talented player who plays to his strong points. He really enjoys playing the game and has done a superb job for the team."
In the weight room, where all of them spend adequate amounts of time, Zack has the best bench press, maxing out at an impressive 425 pounds.
Zack is also an excellent musician. He can not only play piano, but now is specializing in classical guitar. He has recently mastered Pachelbel's Canon in D and Beethoven's Fur Elise. "Music is a great way of expression," he said.
"When I'm having a bad day, I'll play the guitar for a few hours and feel better."
Jake is the youngest of the trio. He is a sophomore studying psychological and brain science, and like his brothers is an excellent athlete and musician. He is the long-snapper for the team, and is a reserve tight end as well. Margraff counts Jake's long-snapping contributions as invaluable to the team.
"He's been long-snapping for two years, and there's never been anything less than a perfect snap. I've never seen anyone like him; he's the best at what he does."
Off the field, Jake's musical talent is concentrated on the electric guitar. He also excels at the drums. He plays in the band at Baltimore's Faith Christian Fellowship Church on Sundays.
In addition to their athletic and musical talents, all three brothers are intensely spiritual.
Every Thursday they attend the Hopkins Christian Athletes Bible Study, and Jake is also one of its leaders.
"I go to Bible study to share God's word with others and to grow closer to my friends and to God through fellowship," Jake said.
"Having the opportunity to be a leader this year has been an awesome blessing and I pray that God will continue to use me to spread his word and reach out to others."
A few weeks ago, Mr. Kail, lovingly referred to by all as "The Wiz," came to Bible Study and gave an inspirational talk which had some in tears. The brothers have had a tremendous impact on the group, ever since the fall semester of 2000, when Ben and Zack joined.
The group had about five members at its start, but like Coach Margraff says, the Kails are great recruiters, and last week's meeting saw over 30 students come to read the Bible. As evidenced by their athletic, musical and spiritual pursuits, the Kail brothers have definitely brought a positive and multidimensional impact to the Hopkins community.
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