Jim Koch Amateur Wrestling Index

Jim Koch was a highly respected figure in the wrestling community, known for his excellence as an athlete, coach, and national leader in the sport.

Koch began his wrestling career in 1963 as a junior at Milbank High School in South Dakota. As a senior, he posted a 23–1–1 record at the state meet, becoming the school’s first wrestler to earn a state medal.

Recruited to South Dakota State University for both football and wrestling, Koch received the Stephen F. Briggs Academic Scholarship. After his first year, he chose to focus exclusively on wrestling. He completed an undefeated freshman season and went on to become the varsity 160-pound wrestler, advancing to the North Central Conference championship finals in each of the next three years. Koch graduated from SDSU with honors in 1969 and later earned a Master of Science in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from SDSU in 1974. His master’s thesis is available for viewing.

Koch began his coaching career in 1969 as a graduate assistant at SDSU. In 1970, he was appointed the first head wrestling coach at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, a position he held for 41 seasons until his retirement in 2011. Under his leadership, UW-Parkside developed into one of the nation’s premier wrestling programs. According to a university press release, Koch’s wrestlers earned 128 All-America honors and 80 Academic All-America honors, while 14 athletes won individual national championships. His teams finished in the national Top 10 during 23 seasons, participated in 68 national tournaments, and qualified for the NCAA Division II or NAIA National Championships 31 times.

Beyond his university coaching career, Koch played a significant leadership role at the national level. He chaired the National Hall of Fame committees for both the NAIA and NCAA Division II, overseeing the induction of more than 70 and 74 members, respectively. He also served as president of the National Wrestling Coaches Association for both organizations and was instrumental in establishing academic All-American award criteria. Koch served as host coach for the NCAA Division II National Wrestling Tournament in 1982, 1990, and 2002.

Koch received numerous honors for his coaching achievements and service to wrestling. In 1971, Amateur Wrestling News named him Collegiate Rookie Coach of the Year. As an SDSU alumnus, he received the Ralph Ginn Coaching Award in 1995. He was inducted into six halls of fame, including the NAIA National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1993 and the NCAA Division II Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2000. In 2003, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame recognized Koch with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jim Koch passed away on March 23, 2017, at the age of 69, after being struck by a car while jogging in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was attending the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. Shortly before his death, the National Wrestling Coaches Association renamed its Division II hall of fame in his honor. In November 2018, the University of Wisconsin–Parkside dedicated the Jim Koch Wrestling Center practice facility.- South Dakota State University