|
Jim Schmitz is in his 11th season as head coach of the Marquette wrestling team and his 16th year as a member of the wrestling program, He served as an assistant coach under Fred Rideout from 1987-89. Last year, Schmitz led the Golden Eagles to their second 10-win season in his tenure. After going 11-10 last year, Schmitz's career coaching record stands at 67-119-3. Schmitz's association with the MU wrestling program dates back to the fall of 1983 when he arrived on campus as a freshman. During his career at Marquette, Schmitz compiled a 110-57-4 record at 142 and 150 pounds and made two consecutive trips to the NCAA Championship. He finished in the top 24 during his junior season (1986) and was in the top 16 at the 1987 championship as a senior. In reward for his outstanding career as an MU wrestler, Schmitz received the 1987 McCahill Award, which is presented to the Marquette senior athlete from the previous year who has demonstrated the highest performance in scholarship, leadership and athletics. Only four Marquette wrestlers have earned this prestigious award. In addition to his coaching duties at Marquette, Schmitz continues to compete for various clubs in the Milwaukee area. He is a six-time Illinois Prairie State Games placewinner, including the 163-pound Greco-Roman title in 1989. In Wisconsin, Schmitz has won the state AAU Freestyle Championship five times. In 1992, '94-'96 &98, Schmitz won the Badger State Games Freestyle Open division at 163 pounds. Schmitz is actively involved in local wrestling clubs, youth education programs, the Wisconsin International Developement Program, Special Olympics and Gesu Catholic Church. Schmitz, a Wheaton, Ill., native, received his bachelor of arts degree in political science with a minor in economics from Marquette in 1987. He is single and resides in Milwaukee. He currently works at and owns Advanced Personal Exercise(APEX), a company specializing in personal training. |
