A member of the first undefeated football team in school history, Cyril James was a key figure on the Youngstown State football team 1939 through 1942. He earned four letters for the Youngstown College football team and as a senior, he was the president of the Varsity Club.
While playing guard for Youngstown College, James' team's compiled at 24-9-2 record. In 1941, the Penguins finished the year with a 7-0-1 record, the first undefeated season in the footballs 60-year history.
In 1942, James' earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
Following his days at Youngstown, he remained a pillar of the football and basketball community coaching at various high schools in Youngstown and in Pennsylvania.
After his Youngstown career, he began coaching at Ursuline High School in Youngstown. He spent four years at Ursuline with the most successful season coming in 1945. That year Ursuline finished undefeated and was the city champion.
He had also coaching stints at Erie Catholic High School in Erie, Pa., and Sharon High School in Sharon, Pa.
After leaving the coaching field in 1951, he worked for the Josten's Inc., a school supplier of high school and college awards. He became a member of the Admirals Club, which he obtained through the selling of Josten's products.
A graduate of the South High School in Youngstown, he earned two varsity football letters and was an all-city selection in 1938. That season he was a team captain.
James and his wife Joyce are retired and currently reside in Sarasota, Fla. Cy and Joyce are the parents of two children, Bill and Rich.
Cy James has now returned his passion for sports to the links where he visits the golf course three times a week.
