It could be said that James A. Beichner was born to wrestle and coach. He burst on the scene in the late 1970s, wrestling for Cassadaga Valley H S, in NY State Section VI. Jim quickly distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete. With an overall four year record of 130-18-1, he placed three times in the NY State High School Wrestling Championships (5th, 4th, & 2nd). As one would suspect, Jim Beichner became a highly recruited wrestler during his senior year. When the "dust settled," He chose to attend Clarion University and grapple for hall of fame coach Bob Bubb. Jim went on to have a terrific wrestling career at Clarion. He won 125 matches. In doing so, he won four Pennsylvania State Conference Championships and was voted OW in 1986, won the Eastern Wrestling League Championships in 1904 and 1985, was a two-time (1984 & 1985) NCAA Div. I All American, at 190 lbs. (5th & 8th), was captain of the only Clarion wrestling team in history to complete an undefeated dual meet season at 17-0. In addition, the team was ranked as high as third in the NCAA Div. I wrestling rankings. Also, Jim went undefeated for three straight years in dual meets and was invited to wrestle in the NWCA East vs West All Star Classic in 1985 and 1986.

Mr. Beichner began his wrestling coaching career in 1986 when he assumed an assistants position at his alma mater, Clarion University. The following year, Jim accepted a job as assistant wrestling coach at the University of Pittsburgh. He remained in this position for seven years. During this period, Pitt produced several wrestling All Americans and enjoyed seven straight winning seasons. It was not long before Jim became highly sought after by colleges and universities looking for a good head wrestling coach. Not surprisingly, Mr. Beichner accepted the head wrestling coaching position at the University at Buffalo (UB) in 1995. Jim quickly went to work building the foundation for a wrestling program that would be recognized and respected nationally.

Jim Beichner accomplished a great deal during his 18 years at UB, both on and off the mat. He was named Rookie Coach of the Year by Amateur Wrestling News (1996), twice voted NY State Collegiate Wrestling Coach of the Year (1995 & 2004), East Coast Conference Coach of the Year (1996), Mid-American Conference Coach of the year (2011), served as president of the of the NY State College Wrestling Coaches Association (2000-2001) and the National Wrestling Coaches Association (2008-2010). In addition, his teams won two NY State Collegiate Championships (2003 & 2009), won the Binghamton Dual Meet Tournament (2000) and the Bloomsburg Invitational (2000 & 2001). Also, Jim gave UB its first in history NCAA Div. I wrestling All American, Kyle Cerminara, 8th at 190 lbs. (2004).

Mr. Beichner's positive impact was not only experienced by the UB Athletic Department but was also felt by those who live in the greater Western NY community. His work in the community included co-founding an annual fund-raising event called Takedown Cancer that raised over $9B,000 for Carly's Club of Roswell Park Cancer Hospital (2009-2013). In addition, Coach Beichner and his wrestlers spent a great deal of time interacting with cancer patients at Roswell Park. The local media outlets gave a great deal of coverage for the good deeds Jim and his wrestlers were doing on behalf of others. Mr Beichner also led several other local fund-raising initiatives for individuals and families in need. Because of their efforts, the UB wrestling program was viewed by others with a great deal of respect and admiration.

2013 saw Jim accept a job as Director of Athletics for Team Penske Auto Racing. A hands-on supervisor, he managed the efforts of eight professional fitness coaches and staff members. Over a nine-year period, Jim Beichner trained pit crews have been chosen as the Top Pit Crew ten times in races that include the: INDY 500, Daytona 500, Brickyard 400, Monster Energy Cup and the X finite Owners Championship. The Penske Team has won these races multiple times as well as others. It seems obvious that Mr. Beichner's presence has been impactful on the success of Penske Auto Racing.

Jim has been a loving father. A parent of three adult children, his two sons, Jacob and Sam, wrestled in high school (Williamsville East), with Jacob making it to the States and wrestling for Cortland in college. Daughter Grace excelled in high school soccer at Williamsville East as well. Recently becoming a grandfather, Mr. Beichner lives in Salisbury, North Carolina with his wife Delaney.

The Upstate NY Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is honored to award Coach Jim Beichner with the Lifetime Service Award of the NWHOF. We salute you for all your contributions to wrestling on the local, state and national level.