James Sottile

James (Jim) Sottile was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2015.

A native of Bristol, Pa., Sottile earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from West Virginia University in 1953 and a master’s degree from WVU in 1956. He was a standout forward for the WVU men’s basketball team from 1951 to 1953, helping lead the Mountaineers to a 60–20 record over three seasons.

Sottile served as team captain and leading scorer during his senior year, averaging 19.3 points and six rebounds per game as WVU finished 19–7. He earned All-America honorable mention, first-team All-Southern Conference honors, and ranked 19th nationally in scoring with 501 points. He was later selected by the Rochester Royals in the 1953 NBA Draft and went on to play for the Sunbury Mercury.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Sottile excelled academically. He was elected senior class president, a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, and was inducted into several honorary organizations, including Mountain, Sphinx, and Phi Beta Kappa. While pursuing his graduate degree, he served as a graduate assistant and worked with the WVU freshman basketball team, which included future Hall of Famer Jerry West.

Sottile dedicated 36 years to education, teaching, and coaching at Bristol High School in Pennsylvania. 

He was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, the Bucks County Hall of Fame in 2011, and the inaugural class of the Bristol High School Hall of Fame in 1988.