Dick, Jim

 

Jim Dick – (1988)

 

JIM DICK

Most veteran sports fans and coaches rate Jim Dick as the best pass receiver in Lorain High football history. Featuring “soft” hands and subtle moves, Jim developed an uncanny knack of tipping errant throws and making the catch with a second effort.

In 1951 and 1952, in an era of conservative offenses, Jim caught a then-record of 51 passes for 1,027 yards and 14 touchdowns. Three other receptions were lateraled to teammates for TD’s.

After Lorain’s 8-1 season in 1952, Jim was a unanimous All-Ohio selection at left end. He was All Lake Erie League, LEL Offensive Lineman of the Year, Plain Dealer Dream Team, Press Star and All-Columbus Jaycees.

Jim’s high school prowess was not limited to pass catching. He played safetyman on defense and held for extra points. He averaged 13 points as a basketball forward, pitched and played the hot corner in varsity baseball and was a prolific scorer as a wing on the Stroller’s Hockey Club. His Seymour Jeweler nine went to the Hot Stove finals.

Jim rates two football classics as his greatest high school thrills. Under bright sun at Shaker Heights in 1952, he caught four passes for 170 yards and three TD’s in a 49-14 victory. In the annual North-South Classic in Canton, he grabbed a 58 yard scoring aerial from NFL Hall of Famer Lenny Dawson of Alliance Hi-Purdue University and the Kansas City Chiefs. Jim’s TD came with 20 seconds in the half and produced an 18-0 lead for the victorious North team.

After graduation, Jim received a scholarship from Forrest Evasheski of Iowa. In a double wing offense, he was prominent as a possession receiver at split end. He lettered during the 1955 and 1956 seasons when the limited substitution rule dictated that the athletes play both on offense and defense. Unfortunately, injuries in his senior year prevented Jim from participating in Iowa’s Rose Bowl victory.