October 25, 2010

BERKELEY - Don James Jr., a rugby and football letterwinner who earned four All-America honors in the course of contributing to four national collegiate rugby championship seasons for the Golden Bears between 1981-85, was formally inducted into the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame on Oct. 22.

James joined six fellow former student-athletes and retired swimming coach Nort Thornton at their induction ceremony at the annual Hall of Fame banquet at the Greek Orthodox Church Conference Center in Oakland. The new inductees were honored again the following day during halftime of Cal's Oct. 23 football game vs. Arizona State at Memorial Stadium.

Following his collegiate accomplishments, James continued his career as a tighthead prop for the U.S. National Team from 1987-94, with nine international appearances, became one of only three Cal alumni to earn a "Blue" at Oxford University and helped the Old Blues win two U.S. national club titles

As a football player, James was a two-year starter along the defensive line, earning second-team All-Pac-10 honors in 1983 and playing in the Japan Bowl All-Star Game in 1984.

James is currently the CEO of BEAR Data Solutions, Inc., a sponsor of Cal Athletics. He is the 14th former Rugby Bear to join the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame, which now features 242 individuals and six rowing teams.

To be eligible for the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame, former student-athletes must be 10 years removed from their playing days, coaches and staff five years removed. The Hall of Fame was inaugurated in 1986, with this year's group representing the 24th class of inductees.