Jay Paris, Football, Track and Basketball, 1947-49
Jay Paris entered Idaho State University in the fall of 1947 when it was still Idaho State College. Paris was a multi-position athlete in football from 1947-49, receiving time at the quarterback, halfback, fullback, safety, and kicker positions. During his three seasons, Paris broke numerous ISU records. His accolades on offense included most points scored in a game, most points scored in a season, longest run from scrimmage, longest pass play, longest punt, most extra points in a season, most rushing yards in a season, most rushing yards in a game, and most rushing carries in one game. Defensively, Paris set ISU records for most interceptions in a game, most interceptions in a season, most tackles in a game, and most tackles in a season. He also held the longest interception return. In addition to football, Paris excelled in track and field at ISU from 1948-49. He also was the intramural light heavyweight boxing champion at ISU in 1948. Paris was also a member of ISU’s junior varsity basketball team in 1947. In 1950, Paris played professional baseball during the summer for the Chicago Cubs farm team before entering the United States Army in 1951. He was wounded in combat in Korea and received a disability discharge with honors as a First Lieutenant in 1954. Paris graduated from ISU in 1951 Paris currently resides in Jerome, Idaho. Paris went on to teach and coach at Simi Valley High School for 30 years where he retired in 1994. He still remains active as a part-time coach for the boys and girls golf teams.