James Braccio (1990) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

James Braccio

Induction:
1990
Class:
1968

1963-67
Football/Track
Offensive Halfback/ Sprinter
‘68

By today’s standards, Jim Braccio would be regarded as a diminutive athlete. In fact, the 5-8, 150-pounder was considered small when he roamed the UA gridiron as a two-way performer and burned up the track as a sprinter between 1963-67. However, to his coaches, his heart was twice his physical stature. A four- year starter for Gordon Larson, Braccio helped the Zips gain winning seasons all four years. As an offensive halfback, Braccio’s best performance was rushing 113 yards in only 11 carries versus Ball State in 1964. In addition, the versatile Braccio excelled on defense—leading the team in interceptions with three and as a return specialist with nine kickoff returns for a 30.4-yard average and in punt returns with nine for a 10.8-yard average. Twice Braccio returned kickoffs for TD’s—an 89-yard effort against Baldwin Wallace that led to a 15-14 victory in 1964 and a 91 yarder versus Tampa in 1966. Braccio, who served as UA’s co-captain in 1966, ended his career as the Zips’ all-time kickoff return leader with a 26.1-yard average—a record he continued to hold through the 1990 UA campaign. Ironically, Braccio was voted the most outstanding player in each of his four seasons, an award named after Harry “Doc” Smith, who is also being inducted this evening. Under the guidance of Tom Evans, his position coach in football, Braccio also lettered four seasons as a 9.8 100-yard dash sprinter and relay performer in track. Braccio helped the Zip capture the Ohio Conference Championships in both 1965 and ’66. During the latter seasons, he along with Ron Williams, Rich Turner and Terry O’ Hare ran a time of 1:28 in the 880-yard relay, which is still standard to beat in 1991. For the past 23 years, Braccio has taught physical education in the Barberton School System. In addition, he has coached football and track on the high school and junior high levels and youth football for the Lake Athletic Booster Club. In 1975, Braccio was the recipient of the Outstanding Young Educator Award from the Barberton Jaycees. He and his wife, Barbara, have three children, Lisa, Diana and Jimmy and reside in Uniontown.