Justin James New Football Coach

James named new Walla Walla High School Head Football Coach

Walla Walla High School has a new Head Football Coach with Justin James named to take the helm next fall. James was one of three finalists vying for the position made vacant with the recent resignation of Coach Greg Lupfer. Justin James grew up in Walla Walla and graduated from Walla Walla High School where he played football, basketball and baseball.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be the Head Coach of my alma mater,” said James. “The experiences I had and the lessons I learned as a player in this football program helped shape me into the person that I am today. I’m a better coach, teacher, father, and husband because of what I learned through football. This is the experience I plan to provide to our athletes.”

James is currently a 5th grade teacher at Sharpstein Elementary and was the Wa-Hi Freshmen Head Football coach this season. He has been a football coach at Wa-Hi since 2009 in a variety of roles, including Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach. James also coached baseball at Wa-Hi for 11 years.

“This program must be rebuilt on a set of core values,” said James. “Our core values will be rooted in every aspect of this program and will shape our players into successful leaders of this community and beyond. We will produce not only better football players, but also better people. We will provide memorable experiences, meaningful relationships, and positive outcomes for everyone involved.”

James says he will get to work immediately to begin charting a new future for Blue Devil Football. He says supporting programs, increasing strength and development opportunities and building relationships with students to increase participation numbers will be focus areas as he begins his tenure.

“I will work tirelessly and devote myself to rebuilding every aspect of this program into something that our community can rally around because they will recognize the discipline, dedication, and determination we display on and off the field,” said James.