Chris Ross, Jay class of '03

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

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.

Damon Bailey, Jay class of '99

Damon Bailey, class of '99, was an All-City basketball star for the Mustangs.

After being All-Conference both his freshman and sophomore years at Temple Junior College, Damon went to Missouri Western where he was the MIAA Conference's MVP in leading the Griffons to the conference tournament title in 2003.

Damon played professional basketball in Europe, including Iceland, for 3 years. He is back home in San Antonio organizing fitness camps through his sports group, "21F".

Bob Kearney, Jay class of '75

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.

Ken Skaer, Jay class of '87

Graduated in the top 1% of the '87 graduating class. Started on the varsity football and basketball teams for 3 years and specialized in the 400 meters/mile relay on the district champion track team. Led the entire city in touchdown receptions and was named All-City and All-District tight end. Broke the school and city record for most touchdown receptions in a game with four.


Graduated from the Univ. of Texas after a busy college career as the American Marketing Association President, Resident Assistant for UT athletes, and Texas Crew member.

Backpacked through 40 countries, completed several marathons, and traded energy derivatives in Houston for a decade before moving back to San Antonio.



Broadcasted high school football and basketball games on the radio as a fun hobby job with the Texas Sports Radio Network and played in adult basketball leagues year-round. Coached son's youth basketball, football, soccer, and baseball teams.

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

Jimmy Kidder, Jay class of '71

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 - I will!

Billy Scott, Jay class of '87

Billy Scott, class of '87, was a 1st team all-city safety and interception leader for the Mustang football team, played on the district and city champion Jay baseball team, and even played varsity basketball for a year. He played football for the Air Force Academy before transferring and graduating from Southwest Texas State University.

Billy worked for Ford Credit in San Antonio and Austin, spent years as a Loan Officer for Security Service on scenic La Cantera Parkway, and currently travels around as an Examiner for the National Credit Union Administration. Billy lives in San Antonio and like many of us, is an avid supporter of the Spurs, Cowboys, and 'Horns!

Ray Burton, Jay class of '84

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. Ray UNBELIEVABLE and Ray actually made track more exciting than any other high school sporting event! Needless to say, Ray won the district championship in the 400 and led Jay to the track district championship. Ray was consistently one of the top sprinters in the city as well. He blazed in the 200 meters as well as the 400 meters. Ray Burton was no one sport star, though. He excelled as Jay's starting running back and could score from over 50 yards anytime he touched the ball. Jay's vaunted Starburst kickoff returns with 3 of the fastest guys in the city, Ray Burton, Scott Ankrom, and Carl Booker, was a site to behold.

Curtis Smith, Jay class of '87

Curtis Smith, class of '87, was the hardest hitting high school linebacker around. Curtis once hit Bill Banfield, Clark's fearless fullback, so hard that he knocked him out twice! Yes, Bill went down hard, seemingly knocked out, then mustered up the strength and courage to get up before leaning...leaning...and then plop, falling down and being out cold - again.

From an early age, Curtis was a football, baseball, and track stud - once even hitting a homerun over the fence without breaking his wrists. Younger brother of another Jay playmaker, Rayford Smith, class of '85, Curtis was a hitting machine, gaining All-District and All-City honors at linebacker.

Curtis played football at West Texas State and currently works at the Hartford here in San Antonio.

Billy Smith, Jay class of '71

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 and Jay kids have no idea how much they have to be proud of.

Mickey Mahler, Jay class of '70

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

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

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.