Cigars and Optimism Keeping Jay Clark's Hopes Elevated for Gym's Future Prospects

Like most people nowadays, LSU co-gymnastics head coach Jay Clark is trying to find new and innovative ways to entertain himself.

For Clark, four-to-five hour Zoom sessions a day and the creation of a virtual cigar club with club coaches around the country has been his blueprint to keeping busy.

"It's for kids we're trying to maintain (recruiting) relationships with," Clark said, explaining the details. "A lot of it has just been protecting the relationships we have and staying engaged with those coaches."

The group meets every Wednesday night, and sometimes, up to 30 people will be on the call simultaneously, where the coaches socialize and brainstorm about creative ways to make sure each kid…