Class of 2017

Fisher and Mahomet-Seymour

Jim Moxley began his wrestling career in 1979, wrestling in the 98-pound weight class for the Eureka Hornets. After four years of Varsity wrestling, he set a school record for career wins at 96. Serving as Captain his senior year, he capped off his career by placing 4th in the IHSA State Wrestling Tournament at 132 lbs in 1982.

Jim graduated from Eureka College in 1987 with a degree in Elementary Education. Later that year, he landed a teaching and coaching position at Wrestling Power-House, Mahomet-Seymour. There he was an Assistant Coach under Hall of Fame Coach, Marty Williams. Williams led the Bulldogs to 5 IHSA State Titles in the 80's, Moxley felt very lucky to be a part of the final two championship teams. Moxley said that he soaked up as much wrestling technique and motivational skills as he could take in during those two years. Then in 1991 he was given the opportunity to move down to the Jr. High to be the Head Coach of Mahomet-Seymour's successful feeder program.

As Head Coach at Mahomet-Seymour Jr. High, Moxley's wrestlers brought home an IESA State Trophy 8 years in a row. Four times the Bulldogs earned the right to be called the IESA State Champions, three times the IESA Team Runner-Up and one 4th Place Trophy. Additionally, Moxley coached 15 Individual IESA State Wrestling Champions and numerous individual State Qualifiers and State Placers. He led his Bulldogs to an amazing 117-4 dual meet record in his 9 years as head Jr. High Wrestling Coach. In 2001, the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) honored Coach Moxley by naming him as Grand Marshall of the 2001 IESA State Wrestling Tournament.

Jim earned a Master's Degree from the University of Illinois in School Administration, so he decided to pursue an Administrative position. He has been the Principal at Fisher Grade School and the Athletic Director at Fisher Jr. High for the Past 17 years.

Moxley then entered the next phase of his wrestling career, as a "Wrestling Dad," coaching his two sons through their elementary school years and then taking a seat in the bleachers as their biggest fans through their Jr. High and High School years. Both sons, Matt and Tyler enjoyed successful wrestling careers and are both currently coaching wrestling teams of their own.

After the conclusion of his sons' wrestling careers, Moxley decided that he needed to stay in the sport that he loves so much, so he picked up his whistle once again, but now he wears a striped shirt. Moxley is enjoying perhaps the final phase of his wrestling career as a wrestling referee. In the past four years, he has officiated the Mid-West Nationals, IKWF and IESA Regional and Sectional Tournaments as well as two IHSA Regionals. He states that officiating is a great way to stay involved in the sport and a great way to stay active during the winter months.

Jim would like to thank his amazing athletes, coaching staff and wrestling parents over the years, he said, "Together, we accomplished great things!" Finally, he expresses his love and appreciation to his older brothers who got him interested in the sport and to his loving parents who didn't miss a meet. Most importantly, he appreciates the love and support of his wife Bonnie and their three children, Matt, Tyler and Blayne, all of whom have made this "Wrestling Life" so much fun.