Jim Heffernan

Jim Heffernan is a former NCAA wrestling champion and former wrestling coach at the University of Illinois.

High school career Heffernan was a two-time OHSAA state champion and three-time state placer at St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio.

College career At the University of Iowa he was a national champion, a two-time national runner-up, and a four-time All-American. He won the NCAA national championship during his junior year.

Coaching career Heffernan spent 19 years as an assistant at the University of Illinois, 2 years at Oregon State University, and 2 years at Lehigh University. In 1995, 2001, and 2003 he was named national assistant coach of the year. In 2009, Heffernan became the head wrestling coach at the University of Illinois.

Accolades 1987 University of Iowa Male Athlete of The Year 2006 National Wrestling Hall of Fame Glen Brand Inductee 2015 University of Iowa Hall of Fame