IUP Athletic Hall of Fame
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James "Skip" Ashton was a jack-of-all-trades for IUP football teams that laid the foundation for the program's winning tradition.
A halfback, Ashton led his team—they were then known as the Indians—in rushing in 1962 and in receiving in 1962 (tied) and 1963, returned punts and kickoffs, and occasionally lined up at safety on defense. In fact, he spent the entire 60 minutes on the field during a loss to East Carolina in 1961.
Ashton lettered all four of his seasons at IUP and started in the backfield the last three. The Indians hadn't yet established a tradition of success when he arrived on campus—only five winning seasons since World War II—but the program's fortunes turned when IUP finished 5-2-1 in 1962 and 7-1-1 in 1963.
A do-everything contributor that fall, Ashton rushed for 316 yards and led the Indians with 14 catches, 175 receiving yards, seven touchdowns, 42 points and 491 all-purpose yards. Modest numbers by today's standards, they were outstanding in that era of ultra-conservative offensive tendencies.
Ashton was named to the Pittsburgh Press All-District team that year and was an honorable mention selection on the Associated Press All-Pennsylvania team, which included players from major schools.
He also wrestled during his freshman season at IUP, competing in the 157-pound class.
After graduation Ashton founded Poly-Pro Inc., a packaging company, in Roswell, Ga., and served as its president and CEO. He retired in 2007 after turning over the reins to his son, Scott.
Ashton and his wife, the former Ginnie Harrigan, a 1964 IUP grad, reside in Hilton Head, S.C. They have two adult children, Scott and Cynthia, and five grandchildren.
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