Bruce McCallum introduced Speaker, J.K. McCay, a former standout USC wide receiver whose name is synonymous with Trojan football greatness.  Bruce also informed the club that there was two great Trojan players here today, the other being our own David McMonigle who came to the podium to give the high five to his friend, J.K. McCay.

J.K. recounted many stories of his youth, and memories came forth to make this a most interesting program.

However, to go back to his youth, it should be noted that he starred at Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, where he paired with his lifelong friend and future Trojan teammate, Pat Haden.  McKay mentioned playing against Arcadia High and beating them in a football game.

Several of the fun stories of his life included going to the Grand Canyon and looking at all the beauty.  His phone rang and of course, he answered it.  He was asked to come to USC and run the football program.  He accepted.  He then turned to his wife and excitedly told her that he just accepted this new position.  Her question to him was, “How much are you going to make?”  “Oh, he replies, I forgot to ask.”  He then phoned back to find out his new wage.

McKay lettered 3 years (1972-74) at wide receiver for USC while playing for his father, head coach McKay.  J.K. was a member of USC’s 1972 and 1974 national championship teams and played in three Rose Bowls.  He led USC in receiving as a senior in 1974 (34 catches for 550 yards and 8 TD’s)   He was Co-MVP of the 1975 Rose Bowl (with Haden) when he caught a 38-yard TD pass (from Haden) late in the game to help the Trojans to a comeback 18-17 win over Ohio State.  He still ranks 23rd of USC’s career receiving list with 88 catches for 1,326 yards and 18 touchdowns.  He was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 1998.

He graduated from USC in 1975 and received his bachelor’s degree in political science.  He then went on to become a pro football player and during this time he attended Stetson College of Law and earned his law degree  in 1982. 

In 2010, McCay became USC’s Senior Associate Athletic Director.  “Every day is different”, he commented.  “We must do better”.  He then reported that his job is to counsel kids, and especially the juniors who want to quit school to become pro players. Statistically 1.1 million young men want to become pros.  Out of that number 65,000 might play.  But, 6500 will get interviewed, 350 will be invited.  Out of that, 30 players will actually play in the NFL

He ended his talk by explaining the USC “Fight On” song.  “This is not just a slogan, J.K. said, “the fighting does not end until we win.”

(Phyllis Corliss)

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