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James “Butch” McAdams is a familiar name in the D.C. region for a multitude of reasons. Whether it’s because of his illustrious 29-year career as head basketball coach at the Maret School or his voice on his “In and Out of Sports” radio program, you know McAdams’ name when you hear it.
On June 10, McAdams was enshrined as part of the inaugural class of the District of Columbia State Athletic Association Hall of Fame, along with the likes of NBA legend Elgin Baylor, Wanda Oates and Maurice “Maus” Collins.
Being a part of any inaugural class is epic because of the example for those who follow, but for McAdams, it means much more.
“It means a lot to me and to the Maret School, it’s the most significant award I’ve ever received,” he said. “You do things because you’re supposed to do them, and when it’s the right thing you shouldn’t be rewarded. However, because of my love for D.C, this is very important to me.”
McAdams forged a relationship with legendary Georgetown University basketball Coach John Thompson, trailblazing avenues for youth in the area to become involved with the community through basketball.
“Dr. Joe Carr and I started a Sunday program at Maret where local kids would come for open gym,” McAdams said. “John Thompson and Georgetown players like Allen Iverson and Jerome Williams would meet up there at Maret and play ball. This paved the way for African-American boys and girls in Washington and exposing them to education that they weren’t aware of or could qualify for.”
Since 1992, McAdams has operated his own sports talk show on WOL-AM 1450 on the Radio One Network.
The transition into radio was “rigged,” McAdams said.
“I never had any training in radio, I was experienced in answering the questions but never asking them,” McAdams said. “Ms. Cathy Hughes wanted to change WOL-AM 1450 from music to talk radio.
“In and Out of Sports” has been running for six years, featuring guests such as NBA prospect and DeMatha alumnus Markelle Fultz, Marion Barry, John Thompson and many more. The purpose of the show is to allow figures in the D.C. area to tell their story.
Listen to the show on Sundays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on 95.9 FM and 1450 AM.