by Angela Gilmore
Special To The Times
On October 10, James Pelt will be inducted into the Miles College Sport’s Hall Of Fame. The organization honors the elite among the college’s athletes who have excelled in sports and had an impact in their community and career field.
Born in Patterson, New Jersey, James Pelt moved to Greene County at a very young age. The youngest of eight children, James was born into a family legacy of football. Following in the footsteps of several older relatives who were exceptional players at Paramount High School, he had some big shoes to fill. “If it had not been for them, I would have never taken up sports.” Not willing to dishonor the legacy, he proved that he was not afraid of going the extra mile to become a scholar-athlete.
After spending a year in the high school band, James elected to play football his sophomore year in high school under the tutelage of the late Coach P.H. Pettway. After Coach Pettway’s untimely demise, he finished his high school career with Coach Bradford Howard.
Pelt, a 1984 graduate of Paramount High School, was recruited by Coach Donald Harris as a wide receiver. He would go on to become Miles College’s top returning receiver by his sophomore year. Miles College won two SIAC championships during Pelt’s freshman and sophomore year. Coach Harris resigned prior to the beginning of his junior year. James Owens, the first Black football player at Auburn University, took over the football program at Miles.
He caught Coach Owen’s attention during one particular practice where he was playing around, punting the football. Although he was just killing time, he soon became the school’s wide receiver/unique left-foot punter. This additional responsibility was no burden for James because he had been the starting punter for his team during high school. “On third down, I never came off the field.”
James Pelt would not fall prey to the stereotype of being just another jock. He was selected to the SIAC All-Academic Team for two consecutive years, maintaining the highest GPA on the Miles College Football Team during his sophomore and junior year.
Not one for shying away from speaking the truth, James Pelt made a name for himself on the field and in the classroom during his matriculation at Miles College. “At Miles, you had to fight for everything. That’s why I am who I am today. It made me a stronger man. I thank God I didn’t waste my life doing something else.”
Although did he did not play professionally, James was granted the opportunity to try out for the Atlanta Falcons after his college career ended.
His life’s work has been dedicated to serving people. Previously, he has received the Professional of the Year Award with the State of Alabama, Serving People with Disabilities. He spent eight years volunteering as head coach at the AG Gaston Boy’s Club, teaching youngsters about the sport he loved. Currently, James Pelt is an active member of the Miles College Alumni Association, Miles College Athletic Booster Club and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is the proud father of two children and grandfather to six beautiful grandchildren.
