Dr. James Brooks (2009) - Hall of Fame - Southwestern Athletic Conference

Hall of Fame

Jackson StateDr. James A. Brooks was a distinguished athlete, coach, and administrator whose lifelong dedication greatly impacted the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
A native of McComb, Mississippi, he was a three-sport star at Jackson State University from 1956 to 1960, excelling in football as a running back, kick returner, and place-kicker; in baseball as a second baseman; and in track as a hurdler.
During his senior year, Brooks made headlines by returning a kickoff of 98 yards for a touchdown and helping turn a rare triple play on the baseball field.
After his playing career, he served as an assistant football coach at Alcorn State University under the legendary Marino Casem for 17 seasons (1968–1984), during which the Braves captured seven SWAC championships and four Black College National Championships.
Later, as Alcorn’s Athletic Director from 1989 to 1992, Brooks guided the women’s basketball program to back-to-back SWAC Tournament titles in 1990 and 1991.
His exceptional leadership and contributions to collegiate athletics earned him induction into the SWAC Hall of Fame in 2009, solidifying his legacy as one of the conference’s most respected figures.