Raymond "Ray" Cross played for the Mustang football team in 1961 under head coach Al Johnson, excelling as both a running back and wide receiver.
After two seasons, he took a break to serve in the military and work in a steel mill, returning to Silver City in 1966. Cross graduated from Western New Mexico University in 1974.
A scholarship athlete and team captain in his junior and senior years, Cross was a standout defensive player, leading the team in tackles, tackle assists, and interceptions, with 16 interceptions in his final two seasons. He was also a key member of the 440-yard and mile relay teams, setting a school record in the spring and excelling in short-distance events.
After earning his bachelor’s in teaching in 1969, Cross was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent. Unfortunately, a knee injury prevented him from advancing past training camp, prompting him to return to WNMU to complete a master’s in education.
Cross dedicated 50 years to the Hammond Public School system, impacting the lives of young student-athletes as a football, basketball, and track coach. His efforts earned him numerous city championships and an induction into the Hammond Football Hall of Fame.
