Biography

After ending 1988 with a heartbreaking, last minute defeat to Foxboro in the Division III Super Bowl, North Attleboro entered the '89 season hungrier than ever. Although they had lost 9 of 11 defensive starters, the offense returned six starters including guard Jim Cryan. At 6', l85lbs., Jim exhibited tremendous leverage and speed which allowed him to effectively trap-block and pull in North's wing-T offense, paving the way for big play makers such as Hall of Famers Jeff Kraskouskas at QB and Randy Silvestri at fullback.

In a 22-6 victory over Sharon High, The Sun Chronicle noted "the big play of the decisive touchdown drive was a sweep right by North's Jason Fied, who was sprung loose by a great block from Jim Cryan for a 2l-yard gain". And in a memorable rematch with Foxboro, the Rocketeers stunned the Warriors 42-0 as North's offensive line led by Cryan was "demonstratively spectacular" in the victory, according to local scribes. The Big Red's head coach Ray Beaupre stated at the end of the season, "Cryan played well in every game...he is as good a guard in high school football technique-wise as can be".

Named to The Sun Chronicle and Hockomock League All Star teams as an offensive guard, Jim's versatility and athleticism were evident on both sides of the ball. Anchoring the line along with future Pro Chris Sullivan in North's 5-2 defense, Jim would aggressively use his strength to tie up opposing linemen long enough to enable his fellow linebackers to make many initial hits. The two-way starter tallied 25 tackles, 8 assists, and 1 fumble recovery during his senior season. Perhaps his best game defensively was his last on Thanksgiving, when he sacked the quarterback 3 times and helped limit Attleboro to just 2 completed passes in a 62-14 thrashing over the Bombardiers. Jim received the LG Balfour Trophy as the most outstanding defensive player on Turkey Day, and he later was named North's Defensive Player of the Year. 

Jim continued his playing career at Framingham State College (where he was the team's MVP in 1992).