Hall of Fame induction: 2012
Jim Gano graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1976, where he was coached by Bill Crowther.
As a standout athlete, he set impressive personal records, including 1:56.5 in the 880 yards, 4:23.8 in the mile, and 9:38 in the 2-mile.
His high school career was marked by numerous accolades, including winning the 3000-meter Delaware State Outdoor Championship in 1976 and securing the Blue Hen Conference Cross Country Championship titles in 1973 and 1975.
He was the runner-up in the Delaware Cross Country Championship in 1975 and was selected for the Philadelphia/Delaware All-Area Cross Country Team during his senior year.
His outstanding performances earned him recognition as a High School All-American in 1976.
Continuing his athletic journey at the University of Delaware, where he graduated in 1980, Gano competed under the guidance of Coach Jimmy Flynn.
He was a four-year letter winner in both indoor and outdoor track & field and set five school records: 2:12.8 in the indoor 1000 yards, 2 Mile Relay (both records still stand), 1:52.7 in the outdoor 800 meters, as well as records in the indoor distance medley and outdoor sprint medley relay (1:51.7 split).
Throughout his college career, he consistently placed in major invitational and ECC conference meets, qualified for multiple IC4A Championships, and played a pivotal role in helping the University of Delaware outdoor track & field team secure three consecutive ECC Team Championships from 1977 to 1980.
In his senior year, he was named co-captain alongside Eddie McCreary, further cementing his leadership and contributions to the team.