Jerry Wagner started the wrestling program at Athens High School in 1962 after being approached by the superintendent of schools requesting he initiate the program.

Prior to 1975, many of the records were destroyed.

Since 1975, Jerry has a dual meet record of 105-10-0.

Jerry did not compete in wrestling as a student.

Jerry learned wrestling as many coaches did who started coaching in the 50s and 60s, attending clinics and camps.

"I have attended wrestling clinics and one-week wrestling camps from the early 1960s with George Martin and Jim Douglas (Coleman) as clinicians, to 1970s and 80s with Squaw Valley, California (Vaughn Hitchcock) and Iowa State (Harold Nichols), plus many more at Madison and River Falls."

Athens High School is a small school, with an enrollment of 240 students.

Under the control of Jerry Wagner, an impressive record of accomplishments is worth recognition.

Athens won 10 consecutive conference championships from 1977 to 1986 and has crowned 67 individual conference champions. Jerry's teams have won seven regional championships and one sectional championship.

His teams have sent 29 qualifiers to the state tournament with 14 becoming state place-winners and eight capturing state championships.

In 1984, Athens won the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association State Tournament. Athens placed second in 1980 and 1986, and placed third in 1985. The Badger State Tournament team championship was won by Athens in 1983 and 1985.

Jerry served as a member of the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association's executive committee from 1980 to 1985.

He was selected conference coach of the year eight times and in 1984, he was selected District Two Coach of the Year.