Staat was a two-sport star in Bakersfield High School in California, where he was All-Area selection.

In football, he was an All-League and an All-Area selection.

In football, he was a two-time All-Area selection and was twice named as an All-Conference selection.

In football, he was a two-time All-Area selection and also was named the Team MVP as a senior.

As a senior, he was an All-League honoree at both positions, and an All-Area selection.

In football, he played linebacker and as a senior, he was an All-Area selection and an All-District selection.

He was a First-team All-Area selection by the Bakersfield Californian as a senior after scoring 14 touchdowns.

He threw three no-hitters in his senior season, and was an All-Conference and All-Area selection.

In basketball, he was an All-Area selection.

In football, he was a two-time All-Area selection.