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Jay Harris, the head Athletic Trainer at Highland Park ISD (HPISD), will retire this summer, ending a remarkable 37-year tenure at his alma mater.
Harris's career is adorned with 28 state championship rings, two Hall of Fame plaques, and a teacher of the year award, reflecting his significant impact on the community. Longtime HP football coach Randy Allen said:
“We’re going to miss his leadership. He’s done a great job with our players and our student trainers. He’s really embedded in the community and our school and has had quite an impact.”
Harris began as a student trainer at HP in the late 1970s before earning a scholarship to Texas A&M, where he worked with the men's basketball program.
Initially, he followed his father into the furniture business, but in 1987, he transitioned to athletic training at HPISD, earning his training license and teaching certificate.
Under the mentorship of legendary HP trainer Doug Gibbins, Harris honed his skills and took over as head trainer in 2012 when Gibbins retired. Now, Harris will pass the torch to Christal Clark, a 25-year veteran of HPISD.
Harris reflected on his career, emphasizing the relationships he built with students.
“The hard part is when you see someone who has a season-ending or career-ending injury, you have to be there for them. You see the kids more than their moms and dads see them.”
Harris has also left his mark by reading names at HPISD graduations for over two decades and naming the district’s baseball facility “Scotland Yard.” Despite retiring, Harris remains devoted to HPISD:
“The kids are great and they treat you with wonderful respect. I’ve never wanted to go anywhere else.”
Read his full story!
