Inductee Details

Jim is from Clay Center, KS and began his college career at Ottawa University in 1949. He was a member of the OU football, basketball and track teams beginning in 1949. He took a couple years off to serve in the US Air Force returning to OU to complete his education in the fall of 1954. He and his wife Doris live in Ottawa and are among the most loyal Braves fans.

Jim joined the Braves coaching staff under then head coach, Ben Moor in 1975 as Offensive Backfield Coach. He both coached and played football as a member of the USAF and coached in the Ottawa, KS youth leagues where he turned out two great football players. His son Steve Grogan played quarterback at K-State and was later drafted by the New England Patriots in the 1975 NFL draft, leading to a 16 year NFL career. His son Scott played football at Ottawa University and is a member of the Braves Athletic Hall of Fame. Jim has been a great and willing resource to many young coaches over the years as they first came to OU. He was always knowledgeable, available, supportive and encouraging.

Jim took the lead in raising funds for the Bill Swift Scholarship Fund which had been started in 1956 under the leadership of Ottawa banker, George Lister to provide scholarships to deserving OU student Athletes. Many members of the BAHOF have been recipient of those scholarships. Bill was a staunch supporter of OU Athletics and was a fixture at practices as well as games. We honored Bill with the very first BAHOF Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.

Jim has had a great impact on OU Athletics over the years and the BAHOF is pleased to recognize his outstanding contribution.