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An Urban Legend

While all eyes were focused on the Super Bowl this past weekend, James Urban, a 1996 graduate of Washington and Lee University and the Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers coach, was involved with a more modest sporting event.

On Saturday, he attended the Trinity High School (Camp Hill, Pennsylvania) Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony, where he was one of 44 individuals inducted into the inaugural class.

James, who was captain of the W&L football team, said in an interview with The Patriot-News, “The inaugural class is a very special thing. I’m very proud of Trinity High School and what it’s meant to me and my wife, Patrice (also a Trinity High School alum).” He added, “It’s such a rich history at Trinity. I’m honored and humbled that I was considered for the first class.”

This weekend, however, was not just a celebration of his high school football career. Patrice’s brother, Dan Waeger, was inducted into the Hall of Fame, as well. Dan, who was diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 22, was honored for his work with young adults (18-35) who have cancer. He founded the National Collegiate Cancer Foundation, which distributes financial assistance to those pursuing higher education throughout their treatment. He also worked as a development manager for the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship and volunteered with the Lung Cancer Alliance.

Although Dan died in 2009, his foundation continues to assist hundreds of students each year. James is a long-time member of the board, and he noted, “We just celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Waeger C.U.P. golf tournament, started by our friends to raise money. We’re so proud of what he accomplished.”

James started his coaching career at Clarion University before joining Al Bagnoli’s staff at the University of Pennsylvania. He then worked for the Philadelphia Eagles as a quarterback coach to Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick before making the switch to his current position.

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