John Jay Sports Blog of Fame

2011-12-24T08:30:00.001-08:00

Sammy Morris, class of '95, has played in the NFL for well over a decade and currently plays running back for the Dallas Cowboys. Being on such a successful, high profile team, he is on TV frequently.

Sammy has played for the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and Dallas Cowboys. Sammy was the Dolphins' starting RB, rushing leader, and touchdown leader in 2004.

Sammy played fullback for Texas Tech. He exploded for 200+ yards in an upset of A&M.

Sammy played running back as a junior at Jay, and then was named the San Antonio Area Player of the Year as a senior quarterback. Sammy played centerfielder on the baseball team AND ran on the district champion 4x400 relay team.

Sammy is a proud father of several children. We can only hope Sammy IV will become a Mustang someday.

Scott Thomas, Jay class of '82

2009-09-24T21:23:00.000-07:00

Scott Thomas, class of '82, was a bright, fast, football star for John Jay High School in San Antonio, Texas. After excelling as a Jay running back and track star, Scott opted for the Air Force Academy when UT did not come through with a scholarship offer.

At the Air Force Academy, Scott Thomas became the first college football player to return a kickoff, punt, and interception back for touchdowns. He was selected as the MVP of the 1984 Independence Bowl, a win over Virginia Tech. In 1985, Scott got his sweet revenge over UT as he led Air Force to a 24-16 victory over Texas in the Bluebonnet Bowl, giving Air Force an astonishing 12-1 record. Scott was named a consensus All-American safety!

Scott flew fighters in the Gulf War in '91. When his plane was shot down, Scott ejected from the cockpit. While parachuting down, he saw Iraqis coming for him from one side while the Americans raced to save him from the other. In true Scott fashion, the heated competition once again went his way. He still flies fighters for in the Air Force.

On Nov. 7, 2009, Scott "Spike" Thomas co-hosted ESPN Gameday with Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit before the Air Force - Army game in Colorado Springs.

Carl Booker, Jay Class of '85

2009-09-24T07:48:00.001-07:00

Carl Booker, class of '85, was the fastest and most integral guy on the Jay football team. In one extremely impressive homecoming game against Laredo Nixon, Carl busted loose for a 72 yard touchdown run on his first carry AND another 72 yard TD on his second carry. Carl was pulled out of the game early in the 2nd quarter to show mercy on Laredo Nixon, but not before he ran in a 42 yard touchdown. Carl Booker rushed for 200 yards and 3 TDs on only 5 carries!

Carl wasn't just the fastest guy on Jay's football team. In track, Carl won the district championship in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay, AND long jump his senior year, breaking the district long jump record in the process. Wow, you simply can't do any better than that!

Robert Santiago, Jay Class of '82

2009-09-24T05:58:00.001-07:00

Robert Santiago, class of '82, was the John Jay H.S. valedictorian. Athletically, Robert was clearly gifted as well. He was a hurdler extraordinaire in track and the star starting quarterback on one of Jay's most explosive football teams.

Robert went to Harvard and set all kinds of football records as a running back for the Crimson. He was a two-time All-Ivy League selection in 1984 and 1985 and ranks 6th on Harvard's all-time rushing list. Robert's 5.1 yards-per-carry avg is the best in school history. You will see the Santiago name on Harvard's Top 10 single-season rushing yards list not once, but twice. If you look at Harvard's Top 10 single-game rushing performances, you will also see Robert Santiago's name twice there as well.

After an exciting professional football career in Europe, Robert ultimately returned to live and work right here in San Antonio.

Scott Ankrom, Jay Class of '84

2009-09-24T05:52:00.000-07:00

Scott Ankrom, class of '84, was the fastest blonde in America. Scott was a Jay superstar quarterback in football who could score from anywhere on the field. Scott was the starting point guard on Jay's district champion and regional finalist basketball team. Scott stayed very busy in the spring as the starting centerfielder in baseball who could run down any fly ball. Most impressively, Scott was a miraculous sprinter in track. Scott was so fast that he set records at most track meets he ran in. He always won the 100m and 200m races and would also win the 4x100m relay as long as he was handed the baton. His 200 meter district record stood for 24 years until it was just broken in April 2007.

Ankrom parlayed his speed and athleticism into a successful college football career as the starting quarterback at TCU under legendary coach Jim Wacker. Upon throwing a 99 yard touchdown pass, Scott permanently put his name in the NCAA record books. That feat will never be outdone.

Most Texans were very pleased when Scott was drafted by Dallas in 1989 and returned kickoffs for the Cowboys with his blazing speed. Scott currently owns a pest control business here in San Antonio and can be occassionally heard advertising his business on local radio stations.

Wallace Jefferson, Jay Class of '81

2009-09-24T05:51:00.001-07:00

Wallace Jefferson, Jay class of '81, is THE CHIEF JUSTICE of the SUPREME COURT OF TEXAS! He went to law school at UT and became the first ever African American Chief Justice in the Texas Supreme Court.
Wallace was a Jay athlete in the Mustang heyday. Reportedly, he has an open door policy to his John Jay brethren - literally. When Anthony Beverly was asked how he was able to arrange a visit with such an important person, he said he just stops by and walks in as the door's usually open!

Sammy Morris, Jay class of '95

2007-10-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

Sammy Morris, class of '95, has played in the NFL for about a decade and currently plays running back for the New England Patriots. Being on such a successful, high profile team, he is on TV frequently. In front of a national audience on Monday Night Football (Oct 1, 2007), he rushed for an impressive 100+ yards and a touchdown.

Sammy has played for the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and now the New England Patriots. Sammy was the Dolphins' starting RB, rushing leader, and touchdown leader in 2004.

Sammy played fullback for Texas Tech. He exploded for 200+ yards in an upset of A&M.

Sammy played running back as a junior at Jay, and then was named the San Antonio Area Player of the Year as a senior quarterback. Sammy played centerfielder on the baseball team AND ran on the district champion 4x400 relay team.

He is married to Leslie with two daughters, Kiera and Jadyn, and a son, Sammy IV.

Bo Outlaw - Jay class of '89

2006-05-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Bo Outlaw, Jay class of '89, played in the NBA for the past 15 years, most recently with the Orlando Magic. Bo did it the hard way, going to junior college before UH, then playing pro ball in Spain and the CBA before making the NBA. Bo is well-respected and highly-regarded as THE BEST hustler in the entire NBA. Bo's hustle has enabled him to earn over $35 million playing for the Clippers, Suns, Grizzlies, and Magic. Career highlights include a triple double one unbelievable game and also a 29 point scoring explosion one magical night vs Dallas.

Bo is the perfect example of how hard work and a never-say-die attitude can bring great success. Since Bo used to be scrawny and not particularly tall, he almost got cut from the freshman team and from the JV his sophomore year of high school. Charles "Bo" Outlaw quickly grew over a half a foot in high school. Bo and the Jay basketball team dominated the competition. His senior year, Bo led Jay to a 38-0 record before losing to Clear Lake in the 5A state championship game. Bo had his Mustang jersey retired in 2002, the same year Jay brought home it's first state basketball title.

Reuben Reina, Jay class of '86

2006-02-02T21:52:00.000-08:00

Reuben Reina, class of '86, was the greatest distance runner in Texas high school history. He attended John Glenn Elementary and Pease Middle School before following in the footsteps of Jay H.S. star milers, Randy Reina, class of '78, and Roland Reina, class of '81, Reub's brothers.

Superstar distance runners win the mile or two mile at the state championships. Legends win both of them. Reub pulled "the double", winning BOTH the mile AND two mile races at the state championships. The miraculous thing is that he won BOTH the mile and two-mile races as a sophomore...as a junior...AND as a senior at Jay! As if that wasn't enough, Reuben won the STATE cross country meet and then WON the NATIONAL cross country championship while in high school. While other Mustangs proudly wore "All-District" patches on their jackets, Reuben had a patch of the whole United States of America!

Reub went on to be an eight-time All-American in the mile, 3,000 and 5,000 at the Univ. of Arkansas. He won NCAA titles in the '90 and '91 3,000 meters and was on teams that won six NCAA Championships. Reuben ran for the United States in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and was inducted into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame this year.

Reub and his high school sweetheart wife, athlete Joell Olivares, Jay class of '88, both graduated from the University of Arkansas and have four kids. Their daughter won the 2009 Arkansas 6A varsity STATE CHAMPIONSHIP in the mile, 2 mile, and cross country as a high school FRESHMAN.

Clarissa Davis, Jay class of '85

2006-02-02T15:50:00.000-08:00

Clarissa Davis-Wrightsil, class of '85 has been a star as long as we can remember. As a middle schooler at Pease, she walked around campus spinning a basketball on her finger. Clo was the best volleyball player Texas high schools had ever seen (until Jay's Demetria Sance 10 years later). Naturally, she excelled in the high jump during track season. In hoops, she was a Parade All-American basketball player who actually scored 75 points in one game for Jay. The entire Jay boys' team rarely scores that many points.

After the record-setting high school career, Clarissa led the University of Texas Longhorns to the 1986 NCAA Championship with a 34-0 record and earned MVP honors during the Final Four. She was a two-time national Player of the Year and a three-time All American during her collegiate career. She was also named Southwest Conference Player of the Decade for the 1980’s and is an inductee in the UT Hall of Honor.

As the second-leading scorer on the 1992 bronze medal-winning U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team in Barcelona, Spain, Clo averaged 13 points per game and set the team record for 3-point shooting. She said she would run into Reuben Reina in the Olympic Village as TWO Jay Mustangs proudly represented us in the Barcelona Olympics!

Clarissa played seven seasons of professional basketball in Turkey, Japan and Italy prior to playing two seasons in the American Basketball League where she was an ABL All Star and set a league record by scoring 35 points in the finals. Clo finished her career in the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury.

Recently, Clarissa was instrumental in bringing the WNBA to San Antonio and acted as General Manager of the San Antonio Silver Stars before going back to UT to become a basketball coach.

Demetria Sance, Jay class of '95

2006-01-26T07:09:00.000-08:00

Demetria Sance, class of '95, was the best Texas high school volleyball player ever. She was named All-State and All-American ALL FOUR YEARS in high school and led Jay to the '91 5A Volleyball State Championship! Her mother, Phyllis, was actually a volleyball coach at Jay two of those years.

Demetria went to UT and was named All-American ALL FOUR YEARS in college as well! Her UT coach, Jim Moore, said "she is the best all-around player in college volleyball history." The San Antonio Express-News Sportswoman of the Year and Big 12 Conference Player of the Year holds tons of volleyball records at UT, including career, season, and match records for most kills and attacks.

Demetria played on the US Olympic team in Sydney in 2000 and was inducted into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. She currently coaches volleyball in San Antonio.

James Spady, Jay Class of '84

2006-01-22T17:07:00.000-08:00

James Spady, Class of '84, was one of the toughest and most intense football players to ever go through Jay. James was All-City and All-District while blasting holes from his tackle position and lighting people up from defensive tackle. He also threw the discus and shot put on Jay's district champion track team.

James went on to play football for UTEP where he was a 4 year starter in 47 consecutive games. In his last year, the Miners had a 10-win season and played in the 1988 Independence Bowl. Spady was a two-time Honorable Mention All-American and a two-time First Team All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) performer at UTEP.

After playing three years in the Arena Football League (AFL) for the Denver Dynamite and Sacramento Attack, James became a college football coach. He coached at UTEP and is currently the OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR at Grambling State University!

Zach Young & Myron Brew, Jay Class of '06 & '07

2006-01-22T15:57:00.000-08:00

Running backs Zach Young ('06) and Myron Brew ('07) lit up the city in football. "Thunder and Lightning" led Jay to a District Championship season in 2005.

Zach, at only 5'4", was named the OFFENSIVE MVP for the entire district and was a 1st team All-City and 1st All-District selection at running back. He led the city in rushing.

Myron, at only 5'5", received All-District and All-City accolades at running back both his junior and senior seasons. Myron currently plays football for Texas A&M Kingsville.

Small in stature but huge in heart and explosiveness, Zach Young and Myron Brew proved you can overachieve with ample passion and commitment.

Kyle, Tory, & Shay Allen, Jay Graduates in the '90s

2006-01-21T23:34:00.000-08:00

From the late 80's through the mid 90's, the brothers Allen terrorized San Antonio's defenses for a half dozen years. Kyle, Tory, and Shay Allen each started and starred at quarterback for the Mustangs.

In the fall of Kyle's senior year in 1989, Jay went to a no-huddle, passing offense. Kyle was the first Jay QB ever to throw on almost every down. Tory, a bigger and stronger version of the trendsetting Kyle, continued the Mustang aerial assault and was honored as a top football player in the city. Shay emerged as an equally successful, albeit more traditional Jay quarterback, running the option under a new coaching staff.

The competition was thrilled to find out that there were no more Allen brothers at Jay!

Danny Cornejo, Jay Class of '05

2006-01-21T23:30:00.000-08:00

Danny Cornejo, Class of '05, led Jay to back-to-back District Championships and was the BEST pitcher AND the BEST home-run hitter in the city his senior year.

After earning All-District, All-City, and All-State honors, Danny graduated from Jay and took a baseball scholarship at UTSA. He transferred to Texas A&M International where he led the Dust Devils in RBI's, home-runs, and runs scored. In the 2009 season finale vs St. Mary's (San Antonio), Danny had five hits and six RBIs.

Kimani Livingston, Jay Class of '86

2006-01-21T22:49:00.000-08:00

Kimani Livingston, Jay Class of '86, was an All-City football player who scored touchdowns on a punt return, interception return, fumble return, receptions, and several exciting passes. In Jay's final two games, "Key" will forever be remembered for his game-winning 4th quarter touchdown pass to beat Marshall and his 200 yards passing with 2 touchdowns against Holmes. He started both games as wide receiver and defensive back, but came on as a relief QB.

Kimani teamed with David "Scooter" Perez as stud pitchers on the baseball team, leading Jay to the District AND City Championships. Kimani blossomed into one of Jay's best athletes his senior year, enabling him to play varsity basketball and run track as well. Few guys play in four varsity sports. If only his parents didn't put him in school a year early...

Kimani went on to play baseball and graduate from St. Mary's University. He has two beautiful daughters, Jaylen and Jordan, and currently works at USAA here in San Antonio.

Thomas Lott, Jay class of '75

2006-01-15T14:25:00.000-08:00

Thomas Lott, class of '75, played in the same John Jay backfield as fullback Russell Tatum (longtime Jay coach) and future New York Giants leading rusher Billy Taylor. Thomas reluctantly moved from halfback to quarterback his junior year, but rushed for over 1,000 yards, and led Jay to a 9-1 season in 1973. As a senior, he became the best wishbone quarterback in the country and earned All-City and Parade Magazine All-American honors.

Thomas was the starting QB at OU in 1976, 1977, and 1978, earning All Big Eight honors his junior and senior years. Coach Barry Switzer calls Thomas "the greatest wishbone quarterback in Oklahoma history." Playing in the same backfield as running backs Billy Simms, Kenny King, and David Overstreet, OU tore up the competition. His senior year, Thomas led OU to an 11-1 record, including a 31-24 Orange Bowl victory over Nebraska in which he and Billy Simms each scored two touchdowns.

Many of us remember Thomas for his trademark and trendsetting bandana that he wore underneath his helmet. He was the first major college athlete ever to do this and years later it became the rage throughout the NCAA and NFL. Deion Sanders thanks you for the fashion statement, Thomas.

Thomas played for the St. Louis Cardinals in addition to playing in the CFL and the USFL. Currently, Thomas is a teacher and coach at Dallas Molina High School. He has three sons, including his namesake, Thomas Lott, who recently played running back for Rice University.

Thomas was inducted into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Feb. 17, 2006 (joining Jay Sports Heroes Clarissa Davis, Demetria Sance, and Reuben Reina.)

Anthony Pittman, Jay class of '82

2005-12-20T22:57:00.000-08:00

Anthony Pittman, Jay class of '82, can be seen in your living room every evening here in San Antonio. Anthony is the sports anchor on FOX, channel 11 (KABB-TV). FOX News is at 9pm and is followed by Anthony's show, Maximum Sports, at 9:30. Very cool, Anthony, as this is many people who read this blog's dream job!

Anthony graduated from Southwest Texas State in '86. He has several Jay alumni siblings, including popular and fun-loving Jesse Pittman, class of '88.

Chris Ross, Jay class of '03

2005-12-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

Chris Ross, class of '03, is now a John Jay and San Antonio legend. After reaching the state championship game twice with superpowers in 1989 and 1991, the unlikely 2001-2002 Jay bball team made a surprising run to get to the state finals against heavily favored Dallas Kimball.

Jay was about to lose as Kimball was at the free throw line, already up by 2 points and with about 8 seconds left. Kimball missed the free throw and even got their own rebound, and then the miracle ensued. Chris Ross, a junior point guard, stole the ball, raced toward halfcourt, and jumped up in a crowd, double-clutched, and unloaded a 50-foot halfcourt shot right at the buzzer while falling down. Goaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal! It went in and nobody that saw that game will ever be the same. Chris was the hero, and JAY WON THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!

The shot was nominated as the play of the year and Chris represented Jay H.S. at the ESPYs. To top it off, Chris scored this miracle shot on his 17th birthday. Chris was also the starting Jay quarterback his junior year. What a year!?! After two years at junior colleges, he transferred to Marshall University to play point guard.

Steve Goff, Jay class of '02

2005-12-07T20:40:00.000-08:00

Steve Goff, class of '02, carried Jay to the 2002 Texas High School Basketball State Championship. He led Jay in scoring and rebounding. Steve exploded in the semifinals and finals, averaging 26.5 pts and 11 rebounds while shooting 64.7%. Steve was named the San Antonio Player of the Year. Thanks for bringing San Antonio and Jay H.S. the state championship, Steve!

During the high school FINAL FOUR week, Steve missed the entire week of school and practice while being out-of-town at his dying grandmother's bedside. She raised him and he considered her as a mother. She passed away and Steve actually missed her funeral as it was the same day as the state semifinals. He wept for her and honored her immediately after the miraculous championship game. The miracle was fitting, as he had promised her on her death bed to do his very best to win the championship. Steve played basketball for the St. Mary's Rattlers in San Antonio.

Bob Kearney, Jay class of '75

2005-12-05T22:56:00.000-08:00

Bob Kearney, class of '75, was a baseball star for the Mustangs. Bob also played baseball for the Univ. of Texas and was drafted in the 1977 draft by the San Francisco Giants. His major league debut was in 1979 with the Giants. Bob played for the Giants, A's, and Mariners for an 8 year career in the majors.

Kenny Skaer, Jay class of '87

2005-12-05T22:33:00.000-08:00

Graduated in the top 1% of the '87 graduating class. Started on the varsity football and basketball teams for 3 years and lettered on the district champion track team. Led the school, district, and city in touchdown receptions and was named All-City and All-District tight end. Current school and city record-holder for most touchdown receptions in a game with four.

Graduated from the Univ. of Texas with a Bachelor of Business Administration after a busy college career as the American Marketing Association President, Resident Assistant for UT athletes, Texas Crew member, and proud owner of coveted UT intramural championship t-shirts.

Backpacked through Europe, Latin America, and SE Asia, visited 40 countries, completed several marathons, played in basketball leagues year-round, and traded energy derivatives in Houston for a decade before moving back to San Antonio.

Currently works for the Toronto Stock Exchange subsidiary Natural Gas Exchange, broadcasts high school football and basketball games on the radio with the Texas Sports Radio Network and plays in basketball leagues year-round. Extremely proud of his 7 year old, basketball, football, soccer, swimming, and piano-playing champion son named Will.

Email ken_skaer@yahoo.com for blog suggestions, additions, or to say hi.

Jimmy Kidder, Jay class of '71

2005-12-05T17:34:00.000-08:00

JIMMY KIDDER, Jay class of '71, was such a remarkable baseball player that he got drafted right out of Jay High School by the major leagues. Jimmy played on the same Jay baseball team as future major leaguers Mickey Mahler, Rick Mahler, and Billy Smith. I am willing to bet there were some other Jay baseball studs on that squad too, so I think I'd put that baseball team up against anyone, anytime!

Jimmy is affiliated with the new restaurant and bar called Cabo Tropical Grille and Ultra Lounge which is at 7711 Guilbeau Road, at the interconnect with Bandera Rd. right here in San Antonio. Check it out, great food, a rockin' bar, and weekend salsa!

Ray Burton, Jay class of '84

2005-12-04T01:31:00.000-08:00

Ray Burton, class of '84, was the most exciting anchor leg in the mile relay that Jay has ever seen. If there was EVER anyone within 30 meters of Ray when he got the baton, he was guaranteed to track them down. UNBELIEVABLE! Needless to say, Ray won the district championship in the 400 and led Jay to the track district championship. Ray was also consistently in the top 2 in the 200 meter run. The only guy that could beat him in district was Jay's own Scott Ankrom.

Of course Ray Burton and Scott Ankrom were the unbelievable tandem on the football field as well. They could and did score from everywhere on the field. If they weren't running 50+ yard touchdowns from scrimmage, they were scoring on 85 yard touchdowns on Jay's vaunted Starburst kickoff returns.

Billy Smith, Jay class of '71

2005-12-04T00:51:00.000-08:00

Billy Smith, class of '71, was on the same unbelievably talented Jay baseball team with Mickey and Rick Mahler. All three high school teammates ultimately played Major League Baseball! Billy was drafted in the 3rd round and broke into the major leagues at the young age of 21. He played for the Angels, Orioles, and Giants over a 6 year career. The highlight of Billy's career was playing in the 1979 World Series with the Baltimore Orioles and legendary coach Earl Weaver.

While at a Jay football game in the fall of 1979, I was an incredibly excited 10 year-old when they announced Billy was in the stands visiting his alma mater. Having been a baseball card collector, I immediately knew who Billy was, but had no idea he went to our own John Jay High School! San Antonio area students have no idea how much they have to be proud of.

Mickey Mahler, Jay class of '70

2005-12-04T00:17:00.001-08:00

Mickey Mahler, class of '70, was the first huge star at John Jay High School. Mickey was a stud left-handed pitcher for the Mustangs and a major league prospect. Jay's first few baseball teams shockingly produced several major league baseball players. Both Mickey and his little brother, Rick Mahler, class of '71, pitched for Jay, piched for Trinity University, and played for the Atlanta Braves.
Mickey's major league debut was in 1977. He pitched eight years in the major leagues, playing for Atlanta, Pittsburgh, California, Montreal, Detroit, Texas, and Toronto.

Danny Padron, Jay class of '69

2005-12-03T23:02:00.000-08:00

Danny Padron, graduated as the Class President of the first senior class of John Jay High School, THE CLASS OF '69. Danny was also John Jay's first starting quarterback - #12!

Danny went on to be a long-time coach in the San Antonio area. Coach Padron was an assistant football coach at Clark in the mid to late 80's and an assistant football coach at Judson during part of their remarkable reign as the premier program in the state. He also did his time in the classroom, teaching higher level mathematics courses. One close Judson friend of mine proclaims that Coach Padron was the BEST TEACHER he ever had.

Currently, Coach Padron is the head football coach at O'Connor High School and is regarded as one of, if not THE top football coach in the area. He won 22 straight district games in a row covering all or part of four seasons and his teams consistently make the playoffs.

Ed Hoff, Jay class of '87

2005-12-02T10:57:00.000-08:00

Ed Hoff, class of '87, was an All-State swimmer, captain of the state runner-up water polo team, and selection as Most Handsome person of the class. In the regional swim meet, Eddie set records in the 200 individual medley and the 100 breaststroke. He medaled in both races at the State Championships, achieving AllAmerican times. Eddie went on to the Univ. of Miami where he swam competitively while not pulling baby alligators out of the water inlets for fun.

Ed is happily married with three kids. He primarily resides in NYC, but bounces around among his homes in Miami, Brooklyn, and the Hamptons. Ed travels extensively, internationally and domestically, while working as a marketing rep for Viking-Life Saving Equipment.

Ansel Cole, Tony Staten, Kenneth Jenkins, & Anthony Beverly, Jay 1978-'80

2005-11-30T21:59:00.000-08:00

John Jay's football glory days included three seasons with the fastest backfield the city has ever seen. From '78-'80, Ansel Cole, Tony Staten, Kenneth Jenkins, and Anthony Beverly led Jay to two district championships and were 6 seconds away from a 3rd. In these three seasons, the speedsters scored a record 44 touchdowns from beyond midfield. EXCITING!

Ansel Cole led the way with 14 TDs of over 50 yards, including both a 93 yard TD run against Clark and a 94 yard TD run against Holmes his senior year. Wow! In two separate games in '79, all THREE running backs, Cole, Staten, and Beverly, rushed for over 100 yards.

Only fumbles could stop these burners as they lost to Judson in the '78 playoffs after 10 turnovers and then lost to Wheatley in the '79 city championship after losing 7 fumbles. In 1980, Jay's 3rd consecutive district championship bid was thwarted by Jimmy Hawkins' field goal with 6 seconds left. I'll never forget that game as it was so packed with a standing room only crowd that I had to watch the entire game through the fence from outside Northside Stadium.

Russell Tatum, Jay class of '73

2005-11-30T13:03:00.000-08:00

Russell Tatum, class of '73, was the Mustang starting fullback in the same backfield with superstars Thomas Lott and Billy Taylor (both of whom played in the NFL). Russell played football for Eastern New Mexico and became a longtime football coach at Jay. Many of us know him and love him from our Jay days. After being affiliated with Jay in the 70's, 80's, and 90's as a player and coach, Coach Tatum became the head football coach right here in San Antonio at Sam Houston High School.

Billy Taylor, Jay class of '74

2005-11-30T12:59:00.001-08:00

Billy Taylor, class of '74, was the first in a long line of superstar Jay running backs. He excelled as a running back at Jay in the same backfield as Thomas Lott. He then played at Texas Tech, becoming one of the all-time leaders in career Red Raider touchdowns. Billy was drafted by the New York Giants in 1978, led the Giants' in rushing in '79 and '80, and played alongside legendary players Phil Simms and Lawrence Taylor.

Steve Young, Jay class of '85

2005-11-30T00:40:00.000-08:00

Steve Young, class of '85, was the cornerstone for the Jay football team's offensive line in the mid '80s. Steve opened holes for the fastest duo in the city, Scott Ankrom and Ray Burton. The great thing for Steve was that he knew if he could just help get these speedsters into the secondary, they would usually score. After getting All-District and All-City honors, Steve went on to play for Texas A&I. Coach Young is now the Athletic Coordinator at Scobee Junior High which feeds into Southwest High School.

Anthony Beverly, Jay class of '80

2005-11-30T00:24:00.000-08:00

Anthony Beverly, class of '80, was a star running back for the Mustangs and later become one of the most ferocious defenders the Southwest Conference had ever seen. Anthony scored eight touchdowns of greater than 50 yards for Jay, including a 100 yard interception return. He helped lead a talented cast of Mustangs to consecutive district championships and to the city championship game against Wheatley in 1979 where only a fumbled 2-point conversion attempt by Jay prevented the victory in a tight 21-20 game.

Anthony went to SMU and helped the Mustangs to an undefeated season as they became known as the Pony Express with the vaunted rushing attack of Eric Dickerson and Craig James. Anthony broke the all-time SMU career sack record and held it for 20 years. He was named All-Southwest Conference linebacker twice.

David Perez, Jay class of '86

2005-11-29T23:23:00.000-08:00

David "Scooter" Perez, Jay class of '86, was the premier baseball player on Jay's city championship baseball team. In addition to being the team's ace pitcher, David was also the stud starting shortstop.

David was far from a one-sport guy though. He was both a starting wide receiver on the football team and an all-city punter.

The Perez family made as deep of a contribution to John Jay athletics as any:

Bobby Perez, Jay class of '85, was an outstanding baseball player and starter on Jay's football team in the defensive secondary. Bobby was so confident, he was the only football player in the city who would return punts out of the endzone.

David "Scooter" Perez, Jay class of '86, was the best player on the baseball team and the best punter in the city.

Mike "Toro" Perez, Jay class of '89, was also a star baseball player and starter on the football team, just like his older brothers. Mike also boasted one of the lowest body fat %s in all San Antonio athletic programs.

After David graduated from Jay in '86, he went on to a successful college baseball career at St. Mary's. He was so good that he got drafted into the pros. I remember seeing a David Perez baseball card at the store when he was playing in the Texas Rangers minor league system.

"Scooter" is currently married with several kids, lives in San Antonio, and works as a Pharmaceutical Rep for Pfizer.

Tony Smith, Jay class of '87

2005-11-29T23:17:00.000-08:00

Tony Smith, class of '87, was a fun-loving, speedy superstar for the Jay football and track teams. Tony led the entire city in rushing his junior and senior year and was a unanimous All-City and All-District selection in football. Tony won the title of "fastest man in the district" as he won the 100 meter dash at the district track meet, helping Jay to win the district championship as a team.

Always flashy but never pompous, Tony was the first high school football player in the area to wear gloves on a regular basis. It was unheard of in the 80's as gloves back then had no sticky grip, but Coach Gupton reluctantly agreed with the understanding that Tony would never see them again if he EVER dropped a pass or fumbled.

After graduating from Jay, Tony accepted a football scholarship to Texas Southern University in Houston. He hasn't been seen in years, but rumor has it, his fashion statement has caught on.

Shannon Marquez, Jay class of '88

2005-11-29T23:09:00.000-08:00

Dr. Shannon Marquez, class of '88, lettered three years in basketball. She went on to play NCAA basketball at Prairie View A&M and earned Engineering Degrees from Prairie View A&M and from Texas A&M before getting her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina.

Now an Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences for the UT Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Dr. Marquez spends only part of her time in Texas. The rest, she returns repeatedly to Africa serving as the International Director of the African Institute for Health, Educational Equity, and Africorps.

Lee Gadison, Jay class of '87

2005-11-29T21:00:00.000-08:00

Lee Gadison, class of '87, was easily the strongest guy on the Mustang football team and the fastest guy on the line. He was the youngest of a long line of Gadisons, including Stanley, class of '84, who once returned an onside kick back for a touchdown from the front row. Lee received various football honors and was the district champion discus thrower on the district champion track team.

Lee played football for Eastern New Mexico on a football scholarship before transferring to UTEP. Somebody at UTEP noticed Lee's strength and speed and decided to move him from the offensive line to running back. As a UTEP fullback, Lee had his crowning run in front of 100,000 people at the Univ. of Tennessee. After getting the handoff, Lee ran right over a Tennessee linebacker, flattening him and then running on for a UTEP 1st down!

Lee graduated from UTEP with a Criminal Justice degree and currently lives and works in San Antonio. Lee fell in love with longtime neighbor and friend, Mary Logan, Jay class of '87. They are married and Lee is the proud father of three.

Derrick and Mike Hatchett, Jay class of '76 & '78

2005-11-29T20:38:00.000-08:00

The Hatchett brothers are legendary around John Jay and San Antonio for their football and track prowess.

Derrick Hatchett, class of '76, was a star defensive back who led Jay to the district championship and football playoffs. Derrick went to UT and became an All-SWC selection as a defensive back. Even though teams didn't throw as much OR play as many games in college back in the 70's, Derrick is in 4th place in career interceptions at UT! He picked off 15 passes from '77-80 and is tied for 6th place on Texas' all-time list of interceptions in a season with 6. Not even Joe Montana was good enough to throw by Derrick as the former Mustang picked him off in the Cotton Bowl. Derrick was a 1st round draft pick by the Colts and played cornerback for 4 years in Baltimore.

Mike Hatchett followed in Derrick's footsteps and made the Jay community very proud. Mike was not only a football and track star at Jay, he went on to be a stud UT Longhorn defensive back as well. Mike was so awesome for UT that he was drafted to the NFL by the Chicago Bears.

Mr. Hatchett, Derrick and Mike's father, was a well-known longtime member of the NISD school board.

Rick Mahler, Jay class of '71

2005-11-29T20:12:00.000-08:00

Rick Mahler, class of '71, was part of the star-studded Jay baseball teams that sent multiple players to professional baseball careers. Rick's 12-year Major League career began in 1979 at the age of 25. Rick led the Atlanta Braves in ERA in 1981, 1984, 1985, & 1988 and in wins in 1985, 1986, and 1988. Called "the ultimate team player" by a Braves teammate, Rick led the National League in starts in 1985 and 1986 and tied an NL record with three opening-day shutouts. He won the World Series with the Cincinnati Reds in 1990.

Rick returned to San Antonio regularly during his playing career, sponsoring benefit golf tournaments, donating time and money to Westwood Village Little League, and even throwing batting practice to Jay baseball players. One day in the prime of his career in 1986, Rick was throwing batting practice to Brian O'Higgins, class of '86. Brian was making nice contact so Rick threw a little harder and then a little harder. I guess Rick got tired of the players "oohing and ahhing" that Brian was hitting so well off a major-leaguer, so Rick through his vaunted curveball behind Brian's head. Naturally, Brian hit the deck and while crouched over in fear in the dirt of the batter's box, the ball curved all the way across the plate for a perfect strike. The team still hasn't stopped laughing and will always remember the thrill of playing with a major leaguer!

Sadly and unexpectedly, Rick died of a heart attack at the age of 51. He was preparing for his second season as a minor league pitching coach for the Class-A St. Lucie Mets. He is survived by his wife, Sheryl, and five children.

Jeff Simpson, Jay class of '87

2005-11-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

Jeff Simpson, class of '87, was Mr. Everything for the Mustangs. He started at quarterback for three years, was a four-time varsity letterman in baseball, and even ran hurdles for the track team when he could sneak away from the baseball diamond. #10 graduated in the top 10 of the '87 class and was elected a senior class officer. Voted as Best Personality, Best All-around, and Most Athletic, Jeff and Mustang mascot Reggie Del Toro were the most well-liked guys in the school.

Jeff went to West Point and graduated from the Military Academy. He played quarterback, moved to defensive back, and blew out his knee. Jeff still got to go to the Sun Bowl in El Paso. At West Point, Jeff even got the "honor" of being an intramural boxer!

After graduating, Jeff lived in California, Washington, Texas, Florida, New York, Germany, and now Washington state. Jeff is happily married to Rhonda and the couple has two cherished children, Claudia and Wesley. Major Simpson enjoyed the past four years in Germany.

The Simpsons made the most of their European assignment by vacationing on the Mediterranean in southern Spain for Spring Break, celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary in Paris, spending their summer vacation in Italy, and enjoying Thanksgiving in Mallorca! All is well in Washington so far, but Wesley is every bit as fast and athletic as Jeff was, so they need to move back to Texas or Florida to give that budding superstar some competition!

Jay Coaches - Honorary Mustangs

2005-11-29T17:24:00.000-08:00

Professional and businesslike, David Stelmazewski was the ultra-successful Jay head basketball coach of the '80's and 90's. Coach Stel's best team went into the state championship game with a 38-0 record. The former district, city, and regional champion basketball coach is now the principal at McCollum High School.

Harold Sinclair was the most intense coach any of his players will ever experience. Back in the 80's, he was the Jay defensive coordinator in football and the head baseball coach. Coach Sinclair could make his players' blood boil over with an adrenaline rush. Regardless of the sport, noone could get more out of his players than Coach Sinclair. Noone. Just the mention of his name evokes an onslaught of passion, desire, and motivation.

Ed Mizicko has been the John Jay Athletic Trainer for 25 years. Zeke has seen and done it all, acting as Jay's trainer in every sport imaginable. He even developed an academic course for athletic trainers in 1989 and it's still going strong.

Johnny Campos came to Jay in the mid 80's and has been a mainstay ever since. In addition to coaching football, he became Jay's head baseball coach in '87 and has held that job for over 20 years. As the baseball skipper, Coach Campos has taken teams to the playoffs repeatedly.

Jim Gupton was the Jay head football coach in the 1980's and early 90's. Positive and enthusiastic, Coach Gupton receives the distinguished honor as the coach that I felt cared more about us players than any other coach I ever played for. That's high praise as I can't think of anything more important.

Along those lines, I have an Honorary Coach to add to the Honorary Mustang Coaches list:

Coach Williams was the Anson Jones Middle School coach for many years. According to the players who went through Jones Middle School and on to Jay, Coach Williams was easily THE best coach many of them ever had...including some guys that played in college and in the pros. Coach Williams cared for the kids as students, athletes, boys, and even as young men. He demanded respect...and gave it. The respect, admiration, and sincere care that so many Mustangs had (and have) for Coach Williams is evidenced in the fact that so many are still in close contact with him even today - 25+ years later! I never played for Coach Williams, but anyone who is so universally applauded for his dedication to our community certainly merits recognition here.

Other Jay grads we should cheer for:

John Campbell, - Brandeis High School, Head Football Coach

John, Jay Class of '90, came back and coached at Jay for many years as an assistant and head football coach. John graduated from Rice University after attending Jay. John's father was in the first graduating class at Jay. His mom attended Jay and was the pep squad instructor through the '80s. John's sister graduated from and taught at Jay. His two uncles, "Cubbie" '74 and Lee '76 are Jay grads, as are his aunts Susanne '72 and Eileen '76 Schlaeger. John's wife Mirella and her sisters and brother are Jay grads as well. After leaving Jay's coaching staff, John coached at Katy Taylor H.S. before returning to coach new NISD school Brandeis H.S.

David Martinez - Humble High School, Head Basketball Coach

David, Jay Class of '88, played basketball with some of Jay's best players in the '80s. David attributes much of his success, and even his decision to coach basketball in the first place, to former Jay basketball coach David Stelmazewski. That tough, intellectual style has also proven extremely well for David Martinez. Just this week David coached his Humble squad to a victory over the state's #2 ranked team, Kingwood.

Tommy Hines - Lee High School, Head Basketball Coach

Tommy, Jay Class of '89, played basketball on Jay's greatest team ever (in my humble opinion). This was the team that went into the state championship game with a 38-0 record before getting upset by Clear Lake (who benefited from the brand new 3-point line.) As an assistant Jay basketball coach, Tommy was extremely instrumental as he helped lead Jay to it's state bball title in 2002. Thanks Tommy! After this success, he coached in New Braunfels before taking over as the Head Basketball Coach at Lee High School here in San Antonio. Although not known as a hotbed of basketball talent (like Jay!), Lee has become a contentder under Tommy's leadership.

James Joseph - Clark High School, Assistant Basketball Coach

James, Jay Class of '98, was a star basketball player for Jay in the 90s. He graduated from UTSA, played professional basketball in Mexico, and then became a math teacher and coach at Clark High School. James, attributes much of his desire to teach to his former Jay basketball coach and the current Clark principal, Stan Laing. James made us all proud when he was honored as the 2007 First Year Educator of the Year by Northside Independent School District. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, James is now the assistant basketball coach at Clark under one of the best basketball minds/personalities around, Coach Kevin Hamilton.