NeveHarms Jim Watson has devoted more than forty years to the youth and public of our community. He is recognized throughout central Illinois as an excellent official, coach, administrator and league organizer.
An enthusiastic volunteer in Peoria, he's been a superb role model for our youth. Instrumental in a variety of sports essential to Peoria, Jim spent twenty-seven years in service as a coach, official and director of the Junior Football League. Primarily associated with basketball, he's served as a longtime scorer for Peoria Manual, helped to establish the Moonlight Basketball League, worked as chief statistician for both Bradley basketball and WMBD radio, and supervised activities for the Boys and Girls Club as well as Taft and Warner Homes.
Numerous other contributions have been made to such activities as YMCA 1-ball, soccer and touch football, Carver Center, IBCA All-Star basketball, and every job imaginable for the success of the Gus Macker Tournament.
Due to his tireless dedication and outstanding example to our community, we are honored to bestow the Neve Harms Award on Jim Watson.
1985-86 Bradley Basketball Team  Picture left to right: Anthony Manuel, Jim Les, Hersey Hawkins, Donald Powell, Trevor Trimpe, Keith Berry, Jerry Thomas, Mike Williams, Bruce Mordini, Greg Jones, Paul Wilson, Len Bertolini, Jeff Anthony. Coached by Dick Versace and led by the dynamic backcourt of Jim Les and Hersey Hawkins, the 1985-86 Braves enjoyed one of the best seasons in Bradley Basketball history. The Braves tied the program record for victories, finishing 32-3 overall, and remain the last unbeaten Missouri Valley Conference regular-season champion (16-0). The 16-0 season tied Indiana State for the league all-time best mark. The Braves also had 6' 8'' senior Mike Williams and 6' 8'' sophomore Donald Powell inside, and 6' 7'' sophomore Trevor Trimpe on the wing. Jerry Thomas, Len Bertolini, Anthony Manuel and Greg Jones provided great production off the bench. Point guard Jim Les was named the MVC Player of the Year and Hawkins was second in scoring. |