Clayton Joyner Scholarship awarded to FCHS swim captain James Sturges

Joyner (left) and Sturges

The first Clayton Joyner Scholarship was awarded to Falls Church High School senior James Sturges. The award honors FCHS swim coach and FCHS alum Clayton Joyner, who died May 5. Known as Coach CJ, Joyner also coached the swim team at Holmes Run Pool.

Sturges is an outstanding scholar and athlete. This past season, as a member of the FCHS swim team, he broke his own records in the 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly and the 50 freestyle record formally held by Randy Carroll.

The relay team of Sturges, Matt Quandt, Eric Schwartz, and Brett Davey broke the state relay team 200 freestyle record that included Coach CJ. At the 5A state meet, Sturges qualified for Junior Nationals and went on to place in the top 10.

The $2,000 Clayton Joyner Scholarship will help Sturges defray his expenses at the University of Southern California.

“Out of sadness often comes a glimmer of joy,” says Clayton Joyner’s mother, Nancy Joyner. “My joy came on Monday night with the privilege of awarding James Sturges the first Clayton Joyner Scholarship. As a team captain of the Falls Church High School Swim and Dive Team, James demonstrated leadership, dedication, and team spirit.”

Left to right: Nancy Joyner, James Sturges, and Clayton Joyner’s girlfriend, Jana Kuwano.