He is a community service enthusiast, a recipient of the State Farm Good Neighbor Award and now has become a legend in Creighton soccer lore, breaking Andrei Gotsmanov’s career shots on goal record of 32. He is senior forward Jeff Thayer.

“Jeff has an amazing work ethic,” head coach Bob Warming said. “He works harder than anyone we play against; he is constantly working for his team.”

This work ethic led Thayer to win many different awards throughout his Creighton soccer career, especially the State Farm Good Neighbor Award that he received in 2008 for outstanding community service.

“It was a great feeling to win the award, and I greatly appreciate how the ceremony was presented,” Thayer said.

“It was great to see my family and have my parents tell me that they were proud of me, because, for me, making my parents proud is all that matters to me.”

Thayer has dedicated his time at Creighton off the soccer field to participating in community service in order to become a better man for others.

“From these experiences, I have learned a lot about love and how people feel about one another,” Thayer said.

“I have experienced many different types of attitudes, most of which I learned about while working at the Creighton University Medical Center. This experience has changed me for the better, and from that change I have learned to always give it my best, for I will never know what tomorrow will bring.”

Many great athletes have their own rituals they do before their game. So does Thayer.

“Yes, I do and some of my teammates make fun of me for it,” Thayer said. “Sorry the rituals are a secret.”

Thayer has had a great effect on others in Creighton soccer, including Warming.

“The number one thing that all seniors can do is lead by example and show how determined and hardworking you need to be to be successful,” Warming said. “Leadership is a very important asset to team chemistry and Jeff embodies that.”

Thayer has accomplished many personal records throughout his Creighton soccer career, most recently setting the shots on goal record.

“It is great to accomplish this record; I did not even know that I had done this until I was told by my father this past week,” Thayer said.

“On a side note, however, I do not care too much about personal records; what I care to see is the success of the team.”

As others have learned from him, Thayer has learned many things from his teammates.

“What I have found to be most enjoyable about the team is the friendship that has been around me these past four years,” Thayer said.

“Being around these guys has opened my eyes into new experiences and given me opportunities that I never knew had existed.”

The Bluejays enter the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament this weekend with Thayer as one of the team’s senior leaders.

“I am the one that brings the energy and tries to get the team motivated,” Thayer said. “Throughout the game I need to bring more pressure on the other team’s defense.”