UMC Golden Eagle News Archive:
June 6, 2006 - July 1, 2009

(Crookston, Minn.) – University of Minnesota, Crookston Assistant Football Coach Jim LeClair has been named to the inaugural class of the South St. Paul (Minn.) High School Hall of Fame. He will be inducted on Friday, September 21 at 5:00 pm at the South St. Paul High School cafeteria.

Other inductees include Terry Abram (Hockey), Jim Carter (Hockey/Football), Stan Kostka (Football), Sue Doody Ekness, Sam Ettinger (Football), Phil Housley (Hockey) and Warren Miller (Hockey).

LeClair was a standout football player and wrestler for the Packers from 1966-1968. He then enrolled at the University of Minnesota, Crookston where he played football and wrestled for the Trojans from 1968-1970. He was MCCC All-Conference and NJCAA All-Region in football and ranked first in Minnesota and fourth in the nation in wrestling during the 1970-1971 season. He also captained both teams.

Following his two years at U of M, Crookston, LeClair transferred to the University of North Dakota where he played from 1971-1972. He was named All-North Central Conference twice. LeClair was also named Most Valuable Defensive Lineman and All-American in 1971.

After college, LeClair was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals and played 12 seasons with them and two with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL. He was fortunate to play in the 1981 Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers.

“I will never forget the people at South St. Paul High School that molded my future and started me off on the right foot,” says LeClair. “Their effort was truly a blessing to me. Thank you South St. Paul High School!”

LeClair is a member of the University of Minnesota, Crookston and University of North Dakota Athletic Hall of Fames as well as the National College Football Hall of Fame.
 
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