By Rich Fisher
Fish4scores.com

Mar. 12: Will James was a little scholar-athlete.

Now he’s a big scholar-athlete.

Thus, James will know the lay of the land when he is celebrated for his achievements at the 55th-Annual George Wah Scholar-Leader-Athlete Dinner, staged by the Delaware Valley chapter of the National Football Foundation. James will be the Steinert honoree at the March 12 dinner at the Westin Princeton Forrestal. Other township players being lauded are Pennington’s Tony Morency, Nottingham’s Glenn Dobron and Hamilton West’s Reidgee Dimanche.

This is the second time James will be honored at this dinner, as he was named the Little Scholar four years ago coming out of Reynolds. He’s only gotten better since then.

Will James sets up blocks downfield for his teammates.

“To say the least, this is an outstanding young man, the best of what his generation has to offer,” Steinert English teacher Rick Freeman said. “The Delaware Valley Chapter could not find a better representative to receive their honor. He is an intelligent young man with a bright future.”

Steinert’s Will James on the offensive line.

James played four seasons in the football program and was a starter on the offensive line. His efforts opening holes and bringing down defenders helped running back Mike Morrison set several school records this past season. He earned a captainship his senior year by winning an off-season “points system” competition.

Coach Dan Caruso called James “the best captain I have had in my tenure as Steinert football coach.”

“Will is one of the finest scholar athletes I have ever had the honor of coaching,” Caruso continued. “His work ethic and desire are outstanding. He made sure his position mates and teammates were pushing themselves. In short, Will made himself and his teammates better players and citizens.

“For all Will’s hard work on the field and in the weight room he worked even harder in the classroom. He maintained very high scores throughout his high school career while carrying many top courses at Steiner. He is very well thought of by his teachers and peers. You would be hard pressed to find anyone that knows Will that wouldn’t gush about him.”

Caruso calls James “the epitome of a renaissance man” thanks to all his talents.

James is also a member of the Spartans baseball team, a Student Government officer, Peer leader, and member of the Italian Club and Stage Crew. He has worked for the Mercer County CYO on the recreation staff and as a basketball official, and has been a baseball coach for the Nottingham Little League. While doing all that he has maintained a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society.

“Will James has demonstrated exemplary character, citizenship traits and is well prepared with the academic skills, maturity and work habits to guarantee success,” Caruso said. “Will is truly a remarkable young man and he epitomizes the characteristics that mark a true scholar athlete.”

Will James in his senior photo

And not just when class is in session.

“Outside of the classroom, William is very well liked and has many friends who value his genuine and sincere manner,” SHS guidance counselor Matthew McMullen said. “He is an example of a

student who has balanced academic achievement and dedication to improving his school and local community with great success.

“Will possesses a good sense of priorities and makes intelligent decisions. Whenever I interact with him, he always presents himself in a professional and respectful manner. I have no doubt that he has the personality and talents required to be successful in a challenging college program.