Class of 2023

Orland Park Contributor/Wrestler

Mike Urwin competed as a youth wrestler for the Orland Park Pioneers where he was an IKWF state champion in 1982. He then moved onto St. Laurence High School in Burbank whereas a sophomore with a 34-1 record he won the 1984 IHSA State Championship at 98 pounds to become the first ever IHSA wrestling individual state champion from the Chicago Catholic League. The 1984-85 season presented its own set of challenges as Mike missed a month of his junior season with mononucleosis but was able work his way back to the mat to qualify for the state tournament and compile a 19-3 record. He placed 4th as a senior in 1986 at 112 lbs, finishing his final high school season with a 36-5 record. His three year varsity record was 89-9. In 2013, Mike was inducted into the St. Laurence high school athletic hall of fame for his accomplishments in wrestling.

After his wrestling career was complete, Mike continued his wrestling journey as he went on to volunteer as a coach with the Orland Park Pioneers for 20+ years, coaching many wrestlers who qualified for the IKWF and IHSA state tournaments, including several youth and high school state champions and eventual NCAA AllAmericans.

As great as his wrestling and coaching resume is, Mike’s greatest accomplishments are arguably in the capacity of a contributor. Mike has served the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF) full-time as its Secretary/Treasurer since 1996. He was honored as an IKWF Grand Marshal and Ron Silverstein award winner in 2010 for his dedication and service to the organization. In addition, Mike assumes the role of tournament manager for the IKWF Kids Open, Dual Team State Tournament, and Individual State Tournaments every year. He also holds the same role for the ILUSAW Freestyle and Greco state tournaments and has served as an integral part of the team of contributors that has produced many national championships in USAW age group Freestyle and Greco-Roman competition.

He has served the IHSA for the past eight seasons as score clock coordinator and has been instrumental in the transforming the IHSA State Tournament and State series to the use of Trackwrestling tournament software and electronic scoring