Jim Fielding

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jim Fielding was a high school track champion and record holder in the late 1940's.

Fielding was a standout sprinter for Metuchen High School in Metuchen, New Jersey. Fielding's speed was such that the Metuchen athletic director steered him toward track, not wanting him to get hurt playing football. He soon became a statewide sensation and was followed by the state's largest newspaper, the Newark Star Ledger. Fielding ran the 40 yard dash in 4.2 seconds, a United States schoolboy record at the time, the 100 yard dash in 9.2 seconds, and the 220 yard sprint in under 21 seconds.

Fielding, noted for his easy laugh, sparkling personality, and "aw shucks" attitude about his prowess on the track, attended Georgetown University. He died young, while still a student at Georgetown.