Joseph Cliffe
Coach/Contributor ⋅ Class of 1993
Plano High School
Joe began his wrestling career at Dekalb High School for Hall of Famer Don Flavin. He was a 2 times up state champion, Regional and Sectional Champion and twice 4th in the State; his last placement was on the 1968 State Championship Team.
His collegiate days were spent at Northern Illinois University; however, as one of the top 105 lb. men in the nation, he was at a disadvantage for the 118 lb. class. During this time, he was a 4 time place winner in the USA National Free Style Championship at 105.5 and a 3 time place winner in Greco Roman. He was also a two time Greco Roman Champion. He was a member of the 1973 University World Team and placed 6th in Moscow.
His coaching began at Georgetown where he had 4 State Qualifiers. Moving to Plano in 1982 he has since has 30 State Qualifiers of which 17 were place winners, including 5 champions.
His teams in Plano have been unofficially 6th, 4th and twice 2nd in the State Individual Tournaments.
Joe has been nominated 3 times for Coach of the Year.
He was named a “Friend of Wrestling” by the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association in 1990.
He was named “Man of the Year” by the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association in 1991.
He has been Secretary of the IWCOA since 1987, which includes membership.
He has hosted the Ultimate Dual Meet 4 times.
He has coordinated the membership and all state award ballots and tickets to the banquet since 1987.