Jim Heffernan

High school career

Heffernan was a two-time OHSAA state champion and three-time state qualifier at St. Edward High School (Lakewood, Ohio). His non-champion qualification saw him finish in 5th place.

College career

At the University of Iowa he was a national champion, a national runner-up, and a four-time All-American. The national title came in 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