James “Jimmy” Ewers - Hall of Fame

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James "Jimmy" Ewers, a distinguished former men's tennis student-athlete, left his mark on JCSU history from 1966 to 1970. As a three-time CIAA Singles Champion in flights 3, 4, and 5 (1967-1969), he played a pivotal role in securing the 1969 CIAA team championship. Ewers reached the CIAA Finals in flight 2 in 1970, capping off an impressive collegiate career.

Throughout his four seasons, Ewers earned All-CIAA honors each year (1966-1970) and made history as the first African American to claim the NAIA District 26 Championship in 1969. His legacy extends to holding the JCSU record for the most consecutive matches won at an impressive 34.

Post-JCSU, Ewers remained actively involved in tennis, achieving singles titles in various leagues across the United States. He showcased his talents in regional and national tournaments, and his dedication to the sport continued as a tennis instructor for All-American Sports in New York City (1975-76). Ewers also embraced coaching roles, contributing to tennis programs at Ballou High School in Washington, D.C. (1972-74), the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (1979-83), and Paxon High School in Jacksonville, Fla. (2014-15). 

His tennis journey includes participation in celebrity tournaments alongside iconic figures like Muhammad Ali, Frank Gifford, Earl Monroe, and John Amos. Ewers's accomplishments have earned him well-deserved recognition, with memberships in the Atkins High School Hall of Fame, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Johnson C. Smith University Athletics Hall of Fame.