Skip Slayton is a true “08er”. Born at Cottage Hospital, now known as Mish Funeral home, he would grow
up in Oildale his entire childhood. His brother Rick was a North High football standout in 1964 and 1965 until knee surgery ended his football career.
As a kid going up thru that era, Skip, along with all the kids in his neighborhood that Rick terrorized, was inspired to play high school football for the North High Stars and to be like his older brother. Those days came to fruition in 1968 when he became proficient at holding bags for the varsity squad. In 1969, Skip played on varsity squad and became proficient at learning what it was like to lose as a team. However, the 1970 Team was taking shape even in that losing season. Skip was recognized on the 1969 team as a Second Team All-League Offensive Guard.
What a turn around for the 1970 team! Skip became part of the only undefeated NHS varsity football team and league champions. He made All-City and All-League Offensive Guard that season. Unfortunately, the dream season ended losing to Bullard in a rain soaked Bakersfield College football field in the first round of playoffs.
Skip wants to make sure his teammates on the 1970 team eventually get recognized in the NHS Hall of Fame. Mark Drennan, Duane Williams and Randy Rich are already members, Slayton moved to Ventura after senior year of high school and received his AA at Ventura Junior College before going onto Cal State Northridge as a Radio, Television and Film Major.
His career path however, ended him upon the restaurant business. As a local business owner for the past 37 years, Skip has been a big supporter of most NHS programs. He was heavily involved in Bill Bimah’s Project North as well as many various athletic projects . An organizer of the NHS 50 year anniversary with Jimmy Tyack, he contributed greatly to cleaning up the “B” Hall dirt oasis and transformed it into a gorgeous sitting area with trees and donated bricks for future students to enjoy. Skip is owner of Jakes Original Tex-Mex Café with his daughter, Sarah Slayton-Price, who followed in her father’s athletic footsteps as an All-Area setter for the two-time State Champion Centennial High School volleyball team. They continue their support of North High School in whatever way possible including fundraisers as well as hiring numerous North High School students for the past 30 years. Jake’s currently employs 3 current North High students and 5 alumni, including the restaurant’s General Manager.
Skip says his success today comes from the work ethic instilled in him by his parents and of course, being married to a gorgeous Shafter girl, Betsy Witcher, for the last 39 years. Skip says he and his kids wouldn’t be who they are today without his wife. His four children currently reside and work in Bakersfield. Sarah, runs the family business, Jake, the COO of Goodwill Industries, Joshua, Project Manager for Wallace and Smith and Victoria Thompson, Principal of Frontier High School.
Skip is extremely shocked and appreciative for this induction and hopes the entire 1970 team will be inducted soon.