James Griffin (American football coach) facts for kids
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 1, 1918 |
| Died | March 13, 1992 (aged 73) |
| Playing career | |
| Football | |
| 1937–1939 | Hampton |
| Position(s) | Halfback, safety |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| Football | |
| 1941–1942 | Hampton |
| 1947–1948 | Hampton |
| Track | |
| 1940–1943 | Hampton |
| 1945–1970 | Hampton |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 21–10–5 (football) |
| Bowls | 1–1 |
James Morgan Griffin Sr. (born November 1, 1918 – died March 13, 1992) was a very important person in American sports. People sometimes called him "Little Train." He was a talented American football player, a successful coach, and a dedicated teacher.
Early Life and Learning
James Griffin grew up in Cape May, New Jersey. His dad was also a football player. He played quarterback for the Hampton Pirates football team a long time ago.
James went to Hampton Institute. He played football there from 1937 to 1939. He was a halfback and a safety. He was even the team captain in 1938 and 1939.
He finished his studies at Hampton in 1940. He earned degrees in physical education and biology. Later, he continued his education. He got a master's degree in 1949 and a doctorate in education in 1961.
Coaching and Teaching Career
In 1941, James Griffin became the head football coach at Hampton. He coached the team for two seasons. These were the 1941 and 1942 seasons.
During World War II, he served in the United States Army. He reached the rank of first lieutenant. After the war, he returned to Hampton in 1946. He first worked as an assistant football coach.
He became the head football coach again in 1947. His 1947 Hampton team had a great season. They won seven games, lost one, and tied one. They were ranked fourth among black colleges. They played in the Orange Blossom Classic but lost to Florida A&M.
He also coached the football team in 1948. In total, he coached for four seasons. His football coaching record was 21 wins, 10 losses, and 5 ties. James Griffin also coached the track team at Hampton. He coached track from 1940 to 1970. He only took a break for his military service.
He stayed at Hampton University as a physical education teacher. He taught there until he retired in 1984.
Later Years and Legacy
After retiring from teaching, James Griffin served on the Hampton School Board. He was a board member from 1984 to 1992.
He was honored for his achievements in sports. In 1980, he was inducted into the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Hall of Fame. In 1992, he was also inducted into the City of Hampton Hall of Fame.
James Griffin and his wife, Audrey, had a son named James Jr. They also had four daughters: Patricia, Stephanie, Blondell, and Delcenia. He passed away in March 1992 from cancer.
