As a wrestler for Niles High School, Jim Mooney developed a life-long passion for the sport. After wrestling for Central Michigan University, his passion gave way to a life­ long career. Jim Mooney began teaching and coaching for Williamston Community Schools in 1962. He coached wrestling at Williamston High School for 32 years and was athletic director for 15 years. While Mooney also coached football, baseball and golf for the high school, he most enjoyed his career as a wrestling coach. During his tenure, Mooney mentored 46 state qualifiers and produced 19 state champions. He coached state champion Tom Minkle, a former U.S. Olympian and head wrestling coach for both Central Michigan and Michigan State Universities. Mooney's teams won 9 ICL Championships, 6 district championships and 6 regional championships. He coached state runner-up teams in 1967 and 1971. In 1999, his team won the state championship. In wake of his success, the Lansing State Journal named Mooney Coach of the Year. He was also recognized as Regional Coach of the Year 6 times and Class C/Division III Coach of the Year 3 times. As a head coach, Mooney's record was 305-125-3. Mooney retired in 2006 after the MHSAA Individual State Finals. An annual tournament hosted at Williamston High School, the Jim Mooney Williamston Classic, has been known as one of the toughest regular season tournaments for the past few decades. Mooney and his wife, Barb, have three children and six grandchildren.