Hall of Fame
James Y. Tillerson has been a key figure in Claflin athletics both during his time with the university both during his playing career and beyond. He was a member of the 1958 Claflin Panthers football team. He also served as a manager on the team prior to joining the team as well as serving as a manager with the Panther’s men’s basketball team. He was also a member of the Block C Athletic Club.
Following his collegiate career, Tillerson went on to have a terrific coaching career at the high school level. He became a coach at Russell Grove high School in Amelia, Virginia where he led the football and basketball teams. He went on to be honored as the Coach of the Year in 1965. He spent most of his coaching career at Theodore Roosevelt High School where he spent 24 years. He led the team to seven division championships, three inter high championships, and one city championship. In 2008, he earned a prestigious honor when Theodore Roosevelt High School renamed their stadium, the James Y. Tillerson Stadium in 2008.
