Hall of Fame
Jimmy Hoggarth ’69 came to Oglethorpe from his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. Jimmy was referred to Oglethorpe by former player Wayne Dobbs ‘ 61 who was coaching at Belmont College in Nashville and knew of Jimmy’s talent. Having no scholarships available for him at Belmont, Coach Dobbs sent Jim to Oglethorpe where Coach Pinholster immediately assigned him a scholarship.
A three sport athlete, Jim was an all state quarterback and awarding- winning catcher for Dupont High School. Coach Garland Pinholster remembers meeting him for the first time and describes his “crushing handshake” and that he was the “ultimate team player”, earning the right to play on the varsity team for a few games his first year. Typically, the varsity team was made up of only seasoned juniors and seniors.
Over Jim’s three years as a Starting Guard, he averaged 12.28 points per game. In his senior season, Jim averaged 13.05 points per game. Jim’s role as a Guard was critical to the famous “Wheel Offense” that Coach Pinholster had developed. Jim would bring the ball into play and initiate the “Wheel” setting up plays and allowing for fast breaks.
The Stormy Petrels of 1969 led by Jim as Team Captain, won the NCAA Regional Tournament and were ranked 8th in the NCAA National Tournament. The team that eliminated them went on to win the National Championship.
After graduation, Jim was invited to participate in the San Francisco Giants minor league system, but he declined, choosing to move forward to “Make a Life” and “Make a Living”. He made his living as a salesman and sales manager for a national carpet manufacturer for 30 years, retiring to the State of Washington. He has a wife and four children.
Jimmy appreciates the Hall of Fame Selection Committee recognizing him individually and is proud to be a part of the fine Stormy Petrel Basketball tradition. His years at Oglethorpe meant the world to him and provided a strong foundation for him to build a career and his life.
