Saint Francis University Athletics

James  “Big Jim” Leonard took his coaching career to another level.

When Saint Francis College reinstituted football in 1938 after a five-year layoff, Leonard was hired to restore the program’s proud tradition. He went through two losing seasons before breaking through with a 6-2 record and a 6-0-1 mark in 1941. His 1940 team won its final six games of the season and shut out three of those opponents, while the 1941 team held four of seven opponents to less than 10 points. In addition, he was director of athletics and was instrumental in restoring the baseball program in 1941.

When Saint Francis College and other colleges and universities discontinued intercollegiate athletics during World War II years of 1942-46, Leonard continued his coaching career on the professional level in Pittsburgh in 1945 and led the Steelers to a 2-8 record that season. He returned to Loretto in 1947 as head coach and guided the football team to a 4-1 record. Jim and various member of the 1941 team gathered for a reunion at the College in 1991, the 50^th anniversary of their historic season.

Saint Francis College is proud to honor James “Big Jim” Leonard with induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame on this date, Saturday, November 16, 1996.