JIM JULIAN
Football, Basketball and Track, 1950-52
Inducted November 7, 1981
 
Jim Julian got a late start in his SMS basketball career, with the Springfield Central product transferring to SMS from Drury College.  He was a member of the Bears’ national championship team in 1952 and is just one of many Cinderella stories that memorable year produced.  Julian wasn’t a regular on the team until an injury to center Fred Stephens rushed Julian into the starting lineup just in time for the national tournament.  His performance in the five games the Bears played in Kansas City that March netted him a spot on the NAIA national all-tournament and NAIA All-American honors team and helped SMS to its first national championship.  Julian was one of just two members of that team to play in all 32 games the Bears had in the 27-5 campaign.  Julian also lettered twice in football under Coach Fred Thomsen, earning all-conference honors at end in 1950 and setting a record in 1950 by catching three touchdown passes from Ralph Harrison in one game against Northwest Missouri State.  Julian also won two letters in track in the weight events, and helped the Bears of Coach Claude Groves to two conference indoor titles and one outdoor crown in 1951 and 1952.