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Tuesday, January 23, 2001 Former DeLand High receiver Murphy wins The News-Journal's West Volusia Sportsperson of the YearBy BOB KOSLOW | News-Journal Staff Writer DEBARY — A seldom used DeLand High School receiver in 1976, James Murphy was inducted last year into the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame and is The News-Journal's West Volusia Sportsperson of the Year.
Murphy was presented his award Monday night during a special ceremony at the DeBary Golf and Country Club. "It is an honor and tribute to my family and friends that I am recognized tonight in my hometown. I am truly thankful," Murphy said. Murphy was born in DeLand in October 1959. He ran track for the DeLand High School Bulldogs and played wide receiver on a football team coached by Bill Bradford that operated a run-oriented offense. He said he is fortunate that Utah State University offered him a football scholarship in 1977. He made the most of his opportunity. He caught 133 passes for 2,132 yards during his three seasons for the Aggies. During his final season, Murphy was the nation's second-leading collegiate receiver with 56 catches for 1,100 yards. The Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League drafted Murphy in the 10th round despite his small size -- 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 178 pounds. He was cut before the start of the 1981 season and picked up by Kansas City. The Chiefs used Murphy as a kick returner for the year. He averaged more than 22 yards per return, but was cut before the 1982 season. Undaunted, Murphy headed north to the Canadian Football League where passing the ball is more in fashion and his 4.2-second speed in the 40-yard dash could be better utilized on the wider and longer CFL fields. During eight seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Murphy established numerous team records including most receptions in a career (573), most receiving yards in a career (9,036), most catches in one season (116) and most receiving yards in a season (1,746). The Blue Bombers won three Grey Cups during Murphy's years. The Grey Cup is the CFL's championship. Murphy had his personal best season in 1986 when he was selected the Most Outstanding Player on his team, the conference and the league. He also was a conference and league all-star, but the team lost to Toronto in the Grey Cup. Murphy was again the team MVP in 1988 when he gained more than 1,400 receiving yards and scored 10 touchdowns. He also was the Grey Cup MVP as the Blue Bombers won the title game. A promising career was cut short in 1990. Murphy sustained an ankle fracture in the 12th game of the season. The Blue Bombers went on to win the championship with Murphy on the sideline. Murphy was inducted into the Winnipeg Football Club Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame in September. Murphy is owner-operator of Dockside 21, a seafood shop in Winnipeg that incorporates the number he wore during his professional playing days. He also is an assistant coach with the Blue Bombers and is the founder of the Canadian high school Senior Bowl all-star game. The West Volusia Sportsperson program was created in 1995 to honor local people from all walks of life for their positive contributions to all sports. A committee selects monthly winners who are then eligible for the annual award. Two high school students also were recognized during Monday's ceremony. Amber Otto won the Horace "Pug" Allen Award for an exceptional athlete in more than one sport. She is a DeLand High School junior who runs cross-country and plays soccer and tennis. Matt Ruth won the Tommy Lawrence Hustle Award. Ruth is a senior at Pine Ridge High School in Deltona, where he plays football and tennis. HICI Special Report — Sports: Hometown Heroes |
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