Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
The 1972 Heidelberg University football team became one of legendary status when they brought home a national championship after completing an undefeated season and winning the Stagg Bowl.
Michael James, a graduate of Massillon High School, began his football career as a versatile player earning two varsity letters for the tigers as a split end, tight end and defensive back. In his senior campaign, he was awarded All-Stark County Second Team and All-American conference First Team.
As a sophomore at Heidelberg, James, earned his first varsity "H" playing tight end and later moved to center for his remaining two years at the Berg. His final season at Heidelberg would be one for the books as the team not only finished with an undefeated season, but went on to win the Stagg Bowl by a score of 28-16.
James became one of 15 Student Princes to be named to the all-conference team and was one of eight named first team honorees. The recognition did not stop there, as he was the only player from the Berg to be selected to participate in the first All Ohio State Shrine Bowl game.
He later went on to obtain his master's degree in administration and curriculum from Kent State University. While at Kent, he served as a graduate assistant coaching the defensive line and the golden flashes posted their best record, 9-2.
James has since been coaching and teaching in the Massillon City School District for the past 35 years. He certainly has not limited himself over the course of his career, at Massillon serving as head coach at the junior high and high school levels for basketball, track and field, and football and cross country. In the classroom, James has worked in the Physical Education and Health departments at all grade levels.
(This profile appeared in the 2011 Hall of Fame Banquet program.)Â
