James Was First Coach At Brevard College

When Brevard College opened on September 17, 1934 Ralph James became the first Director of Physical Education.  James was the coach for football, basketball and baseball for the first two years.

A Brevard News article on the first football game refers to the team as the “Brevard College Blue Devils.”  A later article calls them the “Blues”.  Throughout November they were called the “Jamesmen”.  The first mention of “Brevard College Tornadoes” was found in two November 29, 1934 news stories, although no mention of the origin of the name was found.

1941 Brevard College baseball team.  Front, left to right:  George Gordon,
Myatt Johnson, Wiley Comer, Gil Coan, Kirby Kirkman, R.W, Norman.
Back, left to right:  Coach Beatty, Harold Stallcup, Kenneth Proctor, Robert Elliot,
Harry Bryan, Wayne Kernodle, Frank Wellons, Julian Reeves, Richard Gauldin,
June Keeter, Jimmie Scott, Clyde Cleetwood, Coach Bradley.

Overall James’ teams were successful during their first season.  The football team finished with a record of 5-2-2 and shared the conference championship with Mars Hill College.  The basketball team was 6-7 and the baseball team was 8-3.

The school’s first gymnasium was completed in 1939. Students designed and built much of the building which stood the test of time for over 20 years until a larger facility was needed.  It was used for athletic events, dances and student body parties.  The gym was located just beyond the end of the stone wall on East French Broad Street.

Brevard College girls' flag football game, 1950s.

Women were also required to participate in a physical education program.  Activities included archery, bowling, calisthenics, tennis, track and tumbling.  Intramural teams competed in basketball and softball.

Intercollegiate women’s teams began in the mid-1940s with a basketball team that competed against teams from Lees-McRae, Pfeiffer and Wingate, as well as industrial league teams like Ecusta and Enka.

Boshamer gymnasium and natatorium was constructed in 1962.  The gym housed a basketball court with seating for approximately 1200 spectators, training and class rooms, showers and offices.  The natatorium opened on January 4, 1963 after a delay because the 75 foot long pool was three quarters of an inch short.  Although the swimming pool was closed and filled in several years ago the gym remains in use today.

The football program at Brevard College was suspended following the 1950 season.  A new era of Tornado football began in 2006.   

 

In 2009 the cycling team won their first National Championship as a team.  They continue to add team and individual honors in mountain and road biking, as well as cyclo-cross.  Cyclo-cross combines grass, mud and sand courses with man-made obstacles.

Today Brevard College offers the sports of baseball, basketball, cheer and dance, cross country, cycling, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

Beginning next week Picturing the Past will feature a series of articles on the history of Brevard College,  

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library.  Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs.  For more information, comments or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-3151 X242.