As a competitor and as a coach, Jim Zalesky epitomizes excellence in the world of wrestling. He is a hero in the history of the sport and a driving force in the present and the future of wrestling.

Born in the wrestling rich state of Iowa, Zalesky won two high school state championships and two state freestyle crowns. His potential established, he enrolled in the University of Iowa where excellence became the benchmark of his mat career. He became one of the elite four- time NCAA All-Americans. In 1982, 1983 and 1984, he captured three NCAA individual championships and three Big 10 titles. In amassing these achievements, he was undefeated his junior and senior years, with 89 consecutive wins. He was named the Outstanding Wrestler of the 1984 NCAA tournament and the Big 10 tournament. Amateur Wrestling News named him the Wrestler of the Decade for the 1980's.

Excellence then became the theme of his wrestling coaching career. He began as an assistant at the University of Minnesota before returning to his alma mater as head assistant coach. In 1992 and 1997, he was honored as the National Wrestling Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year. In 1997 he was named head wrestling coach of the University of Iowa. Currently, he is in his seventh season at the Hawkeye helm and has compiled a record of 106 wins and 22 losses. His record includes coaching three NCAA championship teams and nine individual NCAA champions. In 1998 and 1999, he was honored by the National Wrestling Coaches Association as the Coach of the Year. In 1999 he was also named W.I.N. Coach of the Year and in 2000, the Big 10 Coach of the Year. He is also a member of the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame and the University of Iowa Letterman's Club Hall of Fame.

For his legacy of excellence as a competitor and as a coach, Jim Zalesky is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.