Jim Woods
Class of 2003
Western Illinois University
Jim 1Woods attended Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights and graduated in 1970. He wrestled for four years for Hall of Fame coach Tom Koenig. He was the recipient of the Jim Bouton 110% Award and had a 42-13 career record.
After high school, Jim went on to Western Illinois University. He wrestled for four years at WIU and had a 112-11 career record. In 1974, Jim became the first heavyweight to win both the Division I and Division II NCAA Championship with a senior record of 37-2. He won the Gorriaran Trophy for the most falls in the least amount of time. Jim also won the Div. II NCAA title in 1974 and placed fifth in 1972 and was runner-up in 1971. He holds the career record for most wins, most falls and most tournament wins at Western Illinois University. Jim was a member of the USA team that toured USSR, USA World Cup Team, and was an alternate to the USA World Team in 1975. He was a three y¢ar1 letter winner in football at WIU and signed as a free agent with the Washington Redskins.
Jim received a NAACP Award for Service to the Community and was appointed by the Governor to the Foster Care Review Board. He was also on the President’s List at Scott Community College.
A twenty-five year veteran of Davenport Fire Department, Jim retired as a lieutenant and now serves as a para-educator at Davenport Central High School. He also works as an official in both football and wrestling.