Jim McClelland
Inducted 1991
He was one of Waycross High School’s all-time great backs. He starred for the 1950-51-52 Bulldogs of Coach Vassa Cate. The 1952 Bulldogs are considered one of the best teams in Waycross High history, going 9-1 for the season, losing only to eventual state class A champions Valdosta in the final game of the schedule. During his senior season, McClelland accumulated almost 1,500 yards rushing. The 5’11” 178 pounder combined excellent speed and power with cunning to score 16 touchdowns. In his sub 100 yard games, he rushed for 80 yards against Jesup while being used primarily as a decoy but being tackled on every play, and 90 yards against Valdosta. His yardage in other games were Appling 100, Thomasville 105, Nashville 150, Douglas 150, Savannah, 144, Jeff Davis, 145, Glynn Academy, 196 and against Fitzgerald, a whopping 247 yards. He averaged more than 10 yards per carry that season. His accomplishments on offense are all more impressive when one considers that he also played defense. His outstanding defensive performances were an integral part of the team preserving nine victories. An outstanding team player and unselfish, he was honored by his teammates who chose him as co-captain that season.
His exploits earned him all-state honors and Georgia, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, FSU, Florida and other were among scholarship offers. He accepted Georgia to play for Coach Wally Butts. Unfortunately, an injury denied him an opportunity to excel at Georgia and curtailed a promising career. Nevertheless, he is considered one the Waycross High’s all-time greats.
His daughter Janet McClelland Monroe was elected as a member of the Waycross-Ware Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 for her tennis accomplishments