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West Virginia State University Athletics

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Hall of Fame

James W. Charley

  • Class
    1976
  • Induction
    2010
  • Sport(s)
    Football, Baseball
 

Football Team Co-Captain

1st Player to surpass 1000 yards passing in a season, in school history

Earned 3 Varsity Letters in Football

 Most yards passing in one season 1,177 (breaking school record of 947)

Most yards total offense in a season 1,142 (broke school record of 924)

Only Quarterback selected to All-WVIAC Team

Finished 3rd in Conference Hitting, Batting Average .368

Earned 2 Varsity Letters in Baseball

 

James Charley was born on June 26, 1954, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Henry and Verdell Charley, both of whom are watching from heaven. He graduated from Westinghouse High School, where he lettered in football, baseball and volleyball.

 

After enrolling at West Virginia State (University) in the fall of 1972, Jim decided to watch the football team practice. He walked on and began to practice with the team but, only with the defense as a safety and cornerback. During his sophomore season, the coaches suggested he try the position of quarterback in the last 2 games. Jim never missed another start and loved every minute of his playing time.

 

As a junior, he played baseball and earned the starting position at second base, contributing to “State” winning the Southern Division of the WVIAC that year. Jim finished 3rd in the conference with a batting average of .368, and was selected to the All-WVIAC first team at 2nd base.

 

Jim met his wife Vicky Brooks while attending “State”. They are the proud parents of daughter Tori and son Ryan.

 

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