Jim Gibbons

2003 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee

Jim Gibbons distinguished himself as both an outstanding competitor and mentor during his wrestling career.

Jim opened his wrestling career by winning the 98 pound state title as a sophomore at Ames High and followed that up with a 105 pound state title as a junior and a 119 pound state title as a senior. Jim lost just one match in high school and posted 76-1 record. Jim was also a freestyle state champion.

At Iowa State University he continued to see success as he was a two-time Big Eight champion while winning the NCAA 134 pound championship as a junior. Jim placed seventh in the nation as a sophomore and third as a senior. He was a three-time All American and captain of the Cyclone squad his senior year.

Jim stayed at Iowa State after graduating and was named an assistant coach. He then followed the legendary Harold Nichols as head coach and produced a NCAA championship team in 1987.

As Iowa State’s head coach from 1985-1992, Jim was named Rookie Coach of the year; National Coach of the Year (1987), and Big Eight Coach of the Year (twice). He was assistant coach from 1983-1985.

Jim takes pride in having 33 All-Americans in the seven years of coaching as well as seven NCAA individual champions. Notable wrestlers he coached includes; Kevin Jackson (Olympic and Word Champion), Eric Voelker (two-time NCAA title holder) Tim Krieger (two-time NCAA title holder), Stewart Carter (NCAA champion) Bill Kelly (NCAA champion) and Mike VanArsdale (NCAA champion).

Jim was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame with his brother Joe and uncle Joe Frank in 2003.