Holy Cross Catholic School’s BBQ team, Knight Smokers, clinched a state title in their inaugural year and will compete in the nationals in Kansas City.
SAN ANTONIO — What started with nothing but a spark — and a meat smoker — has turned into a national-bound success story on San Antonio’s West Side.
Holy Cross Catholic School, a tight-knit campus with no culinary program, launched its first-ever student barbecue team this school year. Less than a year later, the “Knight Smokers” have claimed a state title and earned a spot at the High School BBQ Nationals in Kansas City, Kansas.
The team, made up of five high schoolers in one group and five middle schoolers in the other, began competing in November. But the idea started long before the smoke ever hit the air.
“[The principal] comes over, he says, ‘Hey coach, would you like to start up a BBQ team?’ I said, ‘Heck yeah!’” said Coach Andrew Flores, who was approached about the opportunity last summer.
With zero experience, the team hit the ground running in August.
“Come August, September, we were up and running — from ground zero. We had absolutely nothing,” said Flores.
Now, they’re flying high — literally. The team leaves Monday morning for Kansas City, where they’ll compete as one of 102 high schools from across eight states in the High School BBQ Association Nationals. Their competition rundown? Present the best St. Louis style pork ribs, chicken drum lollipops, ribeye steak, dutch oven chili and grilled cheese. For nationals, teams are faced with a sixth category: Cooking the juiciest, most flavorful brisket flat.
Despite juggling busy schedules — including football, band, and speech competitions — the students committed to learning essential life skills along the way.
“Whether it’s cooking, whether it’s just cutting up things and being disciplined… this is life,” Flores said. “Hopefully it can leave with them and they use it later on in life.”
Their big break came in Burnet, Texas, where Holy Cross’s high school team placed 35th out of 92, and the middle school team was crowned grand champions in their division.
“A lot of our competitors come from culinary schools,” said Flores. “Everything we learned is what we learn here. This is a good indicator, we hope, that this little West Side school is capable of doing many, many things.”
During their practice Saturday, students prepared dishes like chicken lollipops, ribeye, chili, and grilled cheese — with a signature twist.
“I’ve seen at other competitions they use conchas for the bread, so it’s a little sweet!” said Isaiah Vazquez, an incoming 8th grader.
The students say the experience has already changed their lives — teaching them discipline, teamwork, and confidence.
“We had to be here all day and wake up at like 3 in the morning,” said incoming 8th grader Jaden Soto.
“Just like anything else you cook. Patience, patience, patience,” added rising senior Julian Salas.
For some, it’s their first time to board a flight.
“I’ve never been on a plane. This is my first time, so I’m pretty excited!” said Aubrey Adame, a rising sophomore.
While the students handled the grills, the Holy Cross community stepped in to fuel their journey. Donations poured in from alumni and local supporters. Joe Carrasco, Class of 2008, donated a trailer to haul the team’s equipment to nationals.
What no one knew — except Carrasco and three coaches — was that the trailer would get a full wrap, showcasing the Knight Smokers in true championship fashion. The school also installed new tires and fenders to make sure it was road-ready.
Coach Flores hopes this is only the beginning. He’d like to see Holy Cross offer culinary classes in the future and plans to expand his teachings beyond BBQ next school year.
Still, he says no matter what happens in Kansas City, the mission is already accomplished.
“Whether we do well or not, people are gonna know where we’re from and what we’re all about.”