Induction Video(Written: June 2015)
Byron James was the most successful wrestling coach in UW-River Falls history, serving in the role from 1959-98. His “old style” coaching methods helped the Falcons win 11 league championships and he coached four national champions, 52 All-Americans, 55 conference champions and five league wrestlers of the meet. James was named conference Coach of the Year in 1985 and 1988. His 1985 team placed third at the NCAA Division III Championship.
James served as the NAIA Wrestling Coaches Association president during the 1976-77 season after UW-River Falls hosted the national meet in 1974. He was also a member of the U.S. College Sport Committee; National Wrestling Coaches Association Membership Committee and AAU International Games Committee.
He was inducted into the UW-River Falls, NAIA Coaches, George Martin Wrestling and Wisconsin High School Wrestling Coaches halls of fame. James earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and master’s degree from the University of Iowa. He passed away in May 2007.