By Kim Dunbar

Most college students earn extra money bartending or waiting tables. But Millbury resident Jeff Coons isn’t your average guy. He’s a professional yo-yoer.

“It’s been a really great way to earn money throughout college,” said Coons. “I love performing, hanging out with the kids, teaching them tricks.”

The 20-year-old Emerson College video post-production major has been competing professionally since 2005, appearing in roughly 25 contests, the majority of which he has either placed in and/or won multiple titles in, including one in the recent 2010 North Czech Republic Yo-Yo Contest. He’s won a state title and at least one regional title each year since 2005 (except 2008 when he couldn’t attend) and in 2009, Coons became the first and only person to garner three state and three regional titles in one year.

While Coons doesn’t get paid to compete, he’s sponsored by Duncan Toys, which covers his registration fees and lodging at major contests. He does, however, get paid for additional shows, including in-store appearances and parties.

Like most kids, Coons grew up playing with a yo-yo. But in September 2003, at the age of 13, he picked it back up and joined a monthly yo-yo club. Two years later, he competed in the Massachusetts State Yo-Yo Contest and has since placed third in the 2006 and 2009 National Yo-Yo Contests and fifth in the Worlds.

“The key to being successful at anything is practice, and yo-yoing is certainly no different,” he said. “Practice, do it for the love of it, and just have fun. After all, it’s just a toy.”

While Coons loves yo-yoing, it’s the community that has him hooked.

“It’s the most positive community I’ve ever experienced,” he said. “I don’t feel uncomfortable going to a foreign country and staying with a yo-yoer I’ve never met. I’ve done it several times before and every time had a wonderful time.”

While Coons plans to graduate college and pursue a career in video editing, he also hopes to continue yo-yoing.

“I’d like to still perform and make some extra money,” he said. “And some day I would like to win the World Yo-Yo Contest.”

Sure beats waiting tables.

To follow Coons and his adventures, visit jeffcoons.info.