James “Jim” Craig

Official ⋅ Class of 1987

Oak Lawn

Jim originated from Iowa. He was a runner-up in Iowa from Davenport High School. He later went to Iowa University where he wrestled under the legendary Dave MacCuskey. While at Iowa he placed twice in the Big 10, finished 3rd in the NCAA Division I and 1955 won the National Championship.

After graduation he began his coaching career at Britt, Iowa, where after having his team place 2nd in the State and Winning the Class B State Championship, he moved to Illinois to take over the program at Oak Lawn High School.

While at Oak Lawn his teams won a number of dual meets, have 6 State Place winners of which two were State Champions. In 1974, his team was runner0up in the state. In 1974, Jim retired from active coaching and turned to Administration. He did continue to Officiate, which he began in 1963 the year that he came to Illinois. In his 24 years in Illinois as an Official, he has officiated numerous Dual Meets; 7 Regionals; 4 Sectionals; 3 Dual Meet Sectionals, 1 State Finals, 7 Kids State Tournament Finals, 3 Prairie State Game Finals, both Free Style and Greco. He has also worked the Midlands Tournament.

In 1983, he helped coordinate the World Junior Free Style and Greco Games which were held in Oak Lawn.

He still officiated and is presently a Dean of Students at Oak Lawn Comm. High School and President of School District Board 218.

Retired in 1993.

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