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

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