Jim Jordan

Jim Jordan might be the best wrestler ever to occupy an elected position in the United States Government. His wrestling credentials alone speak volumes, especially in a profession where a strong voice must be heard.

Raised in Champaign County, Ohio, Jordan graduated in 1982 from Graham High School where he was a four-time state wrestling champion with a career record of 150-1. He went on to wrestle for the University of Wisconsin from 1982 - 1986. During that time he was a three-time All-American and a two-time NCAA champion. Jordan placed sixth in the 134-pound weight class as a sophomore followed by NCAA titles the next two seasons. His 1985 NCAA title was particularly memorable, as he defeated eventual six-time World and Olympic champion John Smith of Oklahoma State in the finals. Jordan’s final college career record was 156-28-1. He graduated from Wisconsin with a degree in economics.

Jordan was voted most dedicated athlete on his team for three consecutive seasons, which was foreshadowing of success to come. He would take the lessons he learned on the wrestling mat into the realm of public service. The former Badger standout would go back to his home state to serve as an assistant coach at Ohio State from 1986 - 1994. Jordan also earned a Master’s degree in education from Ohio State and a law degree from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

Jordan was first elected to the Ohio General Assembly in 1994 and served three terms as state representative of the 85th Ohio House District. In 2000, he won a seat in the Ohio Senate by a margin of 88 percent to 12 percent.

Since January 3, 2007, Jordan has represented Ohio’s 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He won congressional terms during the 2008, 2010, and 2012 by convincing margins. Jordan has also received numerous awards during his time as a congressman, including National Legislator of the Year, Freedom Fighter Award, and the Thomas Jefferson Award.

Awards:

Year
2014
Award
Outstanding American
Chapter/Region
National
Year
2010
Award
Outstanding American
Chapter/Region
Ohio

All American Awards:

Season
1986
School
Wisconsin
Tournament
Division I
Weight
134
Place
1
Season
1985
School
Wisconsin
Tournament
Division I
Weight
134
Place
1
Season
1984
School
Wisconsin
Tournament
Division I
Weight
134
Place
6

College Season Records:

Season
1986
School
Wisconsin
Class
Senior
Bouts
54
Wins
50
Losses
3
Ties
1
Falls
0
Win PCT.
92.59
Place
1st
Season
1985
School
Wisconsin
Class
Junior
Bouts
50
Wins
46
Losses
4
Ties
0
Falls
0
Win PCT.
92
Place
1st
Season
1984
School
Wisconsin
Class
Sophomore
Bouts
52
Wins
40
Losses
12
Ties
0
Falls
0
Win PCT.
76.92
Place
6th
Season
1983
School
Wisconsin
Class
Freshman
Bouts
29
Wins
20
Losses
9
Ties
0
Falls
0
Win PCT.
68.97
Place
DNW
Season
Career
Bouts
185
Wins
156
Losses
28
Ties
1
Falls
0
Win PCT.
84.32

All Rankings:

Season
1986
Rank Date
02/24/1986
Weight
134
Rank
1
School
Wisconsin
Season
1986
Rank Date
03/13/1986
Weight
134
Rank
1
School
Wisconsin
Season
1985
Rank Date
12/31/1984
Weight
134
Rank
1
School
Wisconsin
Season
1985
Rank Date
01/21/1985
Weight
134
Rank
1
School
Wisconsin
Season
1985
Rank Date
03/14/1985
Weight
134
Rank
1
School
Wisconsin

Our Mission: To honor the sport of wrestling by preserving its history, recognizing extraordinary individual achievements, and inspiring future generations