Jim Farina
Class of 2004
East Leyden High School | Iowa State University
Jim Farina becomes the third member of his family inducted into the IWCOA Hall of Fame, joining his father Chuck and brother Mike. Jim is a 1979 graduate of East Leyden High School. He had a career record of 153-6. He was a two-time state champion, winning the Outstanding Wrestler Award his senior year. Jim was also a three time State Freestyle Champion and a four time State Greco-Roman Champion. His sophomore year he was name the Outstanding Wrestler in the State Freestyle. He was also named the Outstating Wrestler in the Central Junior Nationals. He was second in both the National Freestyle and National Greco-Roman Tournaments. Jim was a member of East Leyden’s 1978 State Championship Team.
Jim continued his wrestling career at Iowa State University in Ames, IA. Twice, Jim reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament. He placed fourth in the National Freestyle Open Tournament.
Jim traveled to New Zealand where he coached and competed. He coached the Te Awamutu, New Zealand to the National Freestyle Championship. He also competed in the National Open Freestyle and won the championship and was selected Outstanding Wrestler.
Currently, Jim is a business owner of a manufactured home dealership and lives in Arizona with his wife, Linda.