2025 St. Rita Hall of Fame Inductee: Jay Standring (HON)
We are honored to induct Jay Standring (HON) into the St. Rita Hall of Fame at our 88th Annual Alumni Banquet & Hall of Fame Dinner.
Jay Standring, better known as “JayBird,” has been a staple at St. Rita since 1992. An honorary Ritaman, having attended Leo High School, Jay played football at the University of Notre Dame. There, he had an impressive career, intercepting three passes throughout his time and helping lead the Fighting Irish to the 1970 Cotton Bowl — the school’s first bowl game appearance in 45 years. In 2021, Jay received the Leadership Award from the Knute Rockne Memorial Society, an honor given to Notre Dame Football Alumni.
JayBird is the longest standing faculty member at St. Rita, and has been coaching football and baseball for the past 32 years. He coached football with St. Rita Hall of Famers, Jack Quinn, Gene Schaller, and Bob Jilek. JayBird has been a part of countless Chicago Catholic League championships at the freshman level in football.
In 2021, the freshman baseball field was named in his honor, “JayBird Field” as he treats the field as if it was in his own backyard. No different than football, the freshman baseball program has won many Chicago Catholic League championships under Jay and his longtime counterpart, the late Steve Lascola. Anyone who played for JayBird knows all about “The Boneyard” and all of his “Jayisms,” from “C.O.C” to “Gimme 2-5,” and of course his most famous phrase, “Swoosh.”
Jay has also ran his summer recreation camp, now named Camp Swoosh, for the past 32 years, introducing thousands of grammar school kids to the St. Rita experience. A few highlights of the camp through the years include, visiting Haunted Trails and taking trips to Notre Dame for an all-access tour.
In 2016, Jay became an Augustinian Affiliate. This special recognition allows him to share all of the spiritual benefits of the Augustinian order.
Jay’s wife, Julie worked at St. Rita in the athletic department for many years and they sent both of their boys, Paul ‘03 and JJ ’97, who is also a member of the St. Rita Hall of Fame.
Join us in celebrating Jay, along with our renowned Hall of Fame inductees and anniversary classes, at our 88th Annual Alumni Banquet & Hall of Fame Dinner on Friday, May 2! You must purchase your tickets before Monday, April 28. Buy your tickets here!
