Jim Scherr
July 27, 1961 - Present
For over two decades, Jim Scherr has had a profound influence on the sport of wrestling, both as an athlete and as an administrator.
After a successful high school wrestling career at Mobridge High School of South Dakota, he went on to enjoy a two-time All-American career at the University of Nebraska with the NCAA title in 1984.
He successfully moved into international competition winning several world-class medals including two world championship silvers and one bronze medal. In 1988, he placed fifth at the Seoul Olympics.
His influence on the sport of wrestling took another path in December of 1990, when he was appointed as the Executive Director for USA Wrestling.
Under his leadership, membership in the organization flourished, growing to record numbers of athletes, coaches, officials and club memberships. With the development of additional training and competitive opportunities for American wrestlers, strong performances were realized on the international level with two world men's freestyle team titles and the women's world title. American wrestlers also showed tremendous Olympic performances with a total of 23 medals from the Olympic Games of 1992, 1996 and 2000. As a result of this success, public awareness for the sport in this country reached new heights with increased media coverage.
Jim's MBA background provided for financial stability for USA Wrestling with the organization eliminating all debt by 1997. In November of 2000, and after a successful 10 year tenure as Executive Director for USA Wrestling, Jim accepted the position of Senior Managing Director for Sport Resources for the United States Olympic Committee.
He has been previously recognized by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1997, when he was awarded the Order of Merit for his efforts of administrative leadership.
For the strong influence and leadership he has provided in the continued development of USA Wrestling and his outstanding athletic accomplishments, Jim Scherr is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Awards:
Year
2002
|
Award
Distinguished Member
|
Chapter/Region
National
|
Year
1997
|
Award
Order of Merit
|
Chapter/Region
National
|
All American Awards:
Season
1984
|
School
Nebraska
|
Tournament
Division I
|
Weight
177
|
Place
1
|
Season
1982
|
School
Nebraska
|
Tournament
Division I
|
Weight
177
|
Place
6
|
College Season Records:
Season
1984
|
School
Nebraska
|
Class
Senior
|
Bouts
37
|
Wins
34
|
Losses
2
|
Ties
1
|
Falls
0
|
Win PCT.
91.89
|
Place
1st
|
Season
1983
|
School
Nebraska
|
Class
Junior
|
Bouts
35
|
Wins
29
|
Losses
4
|
Ties
2
|
Falls
0
|
Win PCT.
82.86
|
Place
DNP
|
Season
1982
|
School
Nebraska
|
Class
Sophomore
|
Bouts
38
|
Wins
27
|
Losses
11
|
Ties
0
|
Falls
0
|
Win PCT.
71.05
|
Place
6th
|
Season
1981
|
School
Nebraska
|
Class
Freshman
|
Bouts
28
|
Wins
19
|
Losses
8
|
Ties
1
|
Falls
0
|
Win PCT.
67.86
|
Place
6th
|
Season
Career
|
Bouts
138
|
Wins
109
|
Losses
25
|
Ties
4
|
Falls
0
|
Win PCT.
78.99
|