Then it's off to honors classes, where he consistently posts A's and B's when the grades come out.

After school, he jogs across Locust Street to Fred Carlton Field where he is a record-setting running back for the BHS football team.

Some nights and weekends, he heads to his part-time job at the Burger King on South Main Street in Normal.

Whew!

Wade certainly isn't idling away his time. He doesn't want to miss out on anything.

"I call myself a people person," said Wade, who is also a three-year member of BHS' track and basketball teams. "These are ways I can meet new people, and people can meet me. When I heard about the peer program I really wanted to get involved because I like helping people less fortunate."

Wade's football exploits draw most of the attention, but it's easy to see there's much more to the speedy 5-foot-9, 175-pound senior than touchdowns.

"He does a lot," said BHS coach Rigo Schmelzer. "We have a quality individual who is bouncing a lot of things on his plate, and he's trying to do everything the right way. He's a kid you know is always going to give it a solid effort.

"Sometimes between the honors classes he's in, the job he's holding down and practice, it kind of wears on him. There's not many kids that if you put them in the same situation as he's in could come through in the same positive manner. I've been impressed with him. He's one of those young men you like to be around and one of the reasons you're in coaching."

BHS senior fullback/linebacker Justin Harrison, a University of Illinois recruit, marvels at the juggling act his close friend performs.

"He's a busy person," Harrison said. "He likes to do a lot for other people and help other people out. James is the nicest kid I know as far as the way he deals with other people."

The speedy and deceptively strong Wade became the all-time rushing leader in BHS' storied history during last week's 27-20 win over St. Louis University High. His 195-yard effort raised his career total to 3,430 yards and season mark to 1,419 entering tonight's regular-season finale at Urbana.

Wade rushed for 1,824 yards last season to help BHS reach the Class 6A state title game. The 8-0 Raiders are poised for another long postseason run, and Wade is one of the major reasons why.

"He's one of those guys who doesn't ever really get hit hard. He doesn't get blasted very often," said assistant coach Don Anderson, who works with BHS' running backs. "He's able to slip and slide, and that's something unique to him.

"Plus, he has good vision and great acceleration. When he sees the hole he's able to accelerate through. He's real strong, and that surprises some guys. He doesn't get arm-tackled. It takes more than one guy to bring him down."

Harrison has first-hand knowledge of the difficulties in trying to contain Wade.

"It's hard to see him behind the big linemen sometimes," Harrison said. "The way he shoots off the hole so fast, by the time you do see him he might be 70 yards down the field."

Schmelzer expects to see Wade on the field next year at the collegiate level.

"I see him playing in a Division I-AA kind of program," Schmelzer said. "His speed is good, and he sees the holes well. He's physical and doesn't shy away from any kind of contact. He's been durable. The rushing record says a lot. We've had a lot of good athletes who have held it."

Wade is keeping his college options open.

"I would like to definitely play in college," he said. "I'm looking at a couple of schools and hoping for the best. I know with my grades and everything else I'm involved in it won't be hard to get into a college. I'm trying to pick the best fit for me."

No matter where he ends up, Wade will listen closely to the advice of his mother (Lisa Mahone).

"My mom has always encouraged me to keep doing what I'm doing," Wade said. "Not to do too much, but do what I'm able to do and never be afraid to ask for help. That helps me balance everything. Knowing not to stress myself thinking I need to do this or that. Just take one step at a time and just enjoy it."

Wade is relishing his final football season with his Raider teammates.

"These guys are like family to me," Wade said. "I just enjoy practicing with them, hearing all the new stories and the times when we're trying to outdo each other. Those are things I'll remember as I get older, and that's what I cherish now. That's why I really love football."

Contact Douglas Hamm at dhamm@pantagraph.com