Speed was the key ingredient as James DeBardelaben achievedAll-MIAA first-team status in football and track and field duringhis time at Albion.
Born in Galveston, Texas, but raised in Saginaw, James was adefensive back who picked off three passes in games against leaguerivals as Albion reeled off its third consecutive MIAA championshipseason in 1991. He achieved All-MIAA first-team status in footballfrom 1989 to 1991.
He was placed on the 1992 All-MIAA track and field team afterjoining Tom Reason, Aaron Yaverski, and Stacey Cowan on theleague’s top 4x100-meter relay team. He went on to compete inthe NCAA Championships in the relay event.
James, who continues to reside in Saginaw, remains involved inathletics, as an assistant varsity football coach at Arthur HillHigh School. He is also involved in the community, serving with BigBrothers/Big Sisters.
James is currently an operations specialist forSodexoMAGIC-School Services for the Saginaw Public Schools. He andhis wife, Angela, are the parents of Elizabeth, Ashley, Clifford,Quinton, Takisha, Courtney, and Tyler.
