A three-sport star at Salesianum School, Hagan went on to excel in football and track at West Chester State. He was picked on the University of Delaware “All-opponent football team” in 1952. Jimmy
became one of Delaware’s premiere basketball coaches. Starting with the Jackson Street Boy’s Club, he compiled winning records there (96-7) and at St. Hedwig’s CYO. He had winning records at both
Salesianum (118-26 in seven years) and Conrad High School (65-50 in six years), producing 10 All-Staters in the process. Hagan was the 1968-69 Delaware High School “Coach of the Year” when his Conrad
Redskins won the Blue Hen Conference Flight “A” title and finished second in the State tournament.