I have met Jason Minnix several times as a high school football statistician, as he was broadcasting those particular games for another company.
Where are you from?
Army brat. I was born in Frankfurt, Germany but basically grew up in Copperas Cove TX.
What brought you to San Antonio?
I moved here in 1993 after I got out of the Navy. I had a job lined up at KTSA and was going to San Antonio College.
How did you get started in radio and tv broadcasting?
I worked for a newspaper while in high school, and was the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) on the USS Seattle (AOE 3). I really thought I would be a columnist or photographer when I started down this career path.
Any embarrassing moments?
Of course. Nothing where I thought it would end my career but when you talk for 4 hours a day, but also, I don’t mind embarrassing myself.
As far as play by play, my first year and first game as the San Antonio Talons broadcaster, I completely brain farted on Arena Football rules. I was so prepared on rules, nuances of the game and on the first drive, a short pass, broken tackle and I was “at the 15, the 20, 25, 30, 35, 40…” of course midfield is the 25!
Let’s transition to High School Football…
Do you have a favorite stadium?
I have called games at a lot of places. I love the sight lines at the Alamodome and the windows at Gustafson when they are open.
What stadium serves the best pre- game meal for the press?
Most don’t anymore. Lehnhoff stadium last year had good food. Back in the day, Bastrop had a good pregame spread – not sure if they still do. In the late 90s to mid 2000s, I always tried to schedule a game at Marble Falls because they had a BBQ spot cater pregame and always sent us home with to go boxes.
What coaches, players, and games stand out?
Coaches…Larry Hill, Jim Streety, Ron Rittimann, Danny Kloza, Steve Basore, David Saenz, and Lehnhoff.
Mike Riley during his short stint with the Commanders during the AAF.
Games…I did Smithson Valley games for 10 years. During that time, they played in 3 state championship games. Lots of memories and great players.
The Kerrville Tivy and Madison game that featured Johnny Manziel from Tivy.
The Smithson Valley and Madison playoff game that Nate Askew from Madison dominated (although, he pushed off!).
Any of the Johnson and Brandeis games and Regan and Steele games.
As for players, man I have seen a bunch. I will name a few, but I hate this questions as I know I am leaving some great players off.
Johnny Manziel, Kliff Kingsbury, Baker Mayfield, Trevor Knight, Todd Reesing, Ty Summers, Chase Daniel, Malcolm Brown, Aaron Green, Joe Pawelek, Cody Fuller, Jamaal Charles, Andrew Sendejo, Nate Askew, and RG3.
Do you ever get to sit in the stands as a fan and enjoy the game?
Tough question- yes and no. I go to a lot of Cowboys games and Spurs games with tickets. In the stands, I drink beer, but stuff happens and you think, I am going to talk about that. I am always taking notes.
Hockey is the only sport I can watch truly as a fan knowing we aren’t going to be talking about it.
What advice would you give to somebody who wants to be a broadcaster?
Have a back up plan. And work like hell not to need it. Get reps anyway you can. Be prepared to make little or no money and take advice from those that do it. Not your mom, not your friends. Learn from constructive criticism.
What does Jason do for fun?
Smoke meat and go to concerts.