Jim Heffernan


Jim Heffernan is a former NCAA wrestling champion and former wrestling coach at the University of Illinois.

High school career

Heffernan was a two-time OHSAA state champion and three-time state placer at St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio.

College career

At the University of Iowa he was a national champion, a two-time national runner-up, and a four-time All-American. He won the NCAA national championship during his junior year.

Coaching career

Heffernan spent 19 years as an assistant at the University of Illinois, 2 years at Oregon State University, and 2 years at Lehigh University. In 1995, 2001, and 2003 he was named national assistant coach of the year. In 2009, Heffernan became the head wrestling coach at the University of Illinois.

Accolades