2007-08: James competed in in five meets primarily in the 100 and 200 butterfly events. His best finish was fifth place in the 200 butterfly against Indian River C.C.
High School: Swam for four years at Wethersfield High School in Wethersfield, Conn. and served as a team captain his senior year....Was a four-time All-Conference selection....Helped lead his team to a combined dual meet record of 21-3 in his junior and senior seasons....Named All-State in the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly as a junior....As a senior, won the state open championship in the 100 fly and was also All-State in the 200 free and 100 fly....Was a 10-time YMCA national finalist and finished fourth in the 200 fly at YMCA Nationals in 2007....Also was the champion in the 200 fly in the Connecticut Senior Open in 2007....Named to the All-CCC West Conference academic team in all four year of high school and was also a member of the honor roll, the president of the DECA and the sports editor of the school newspaper.
Personal: James was born on June 30, 1989 in Hartford, Conn....He is the son of David and Caroline Francis and has a younger brother, Zachary (15) and a younger sister, Abigail (6)....Intends to major in management and would like to work on the business side of intercollegiate athletics as a career.
Why I Chose Penn State: 'For the outstanding combination of academics and athletics.'