Olympians Bill and Jim Scherr Headline Wrestling Clinic
11/3/2004 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan wrestling program will host a wrestling clinic on Sunday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m.-noon at Cliff Keen Arena. The clinic will be free and feature technique and practice planning instruction from former Olympic wrestlers Bill and Jim Scherr. Videocameras will be permitted and attendees can come down to mat level during the clinic.
"The Scherr borthers are two of the all-time greatest big men in U.S. wrestling history," said head coach Joe McFarland. "I spent a good deal of time around them throughout their careers, and I have tremendous respect for their wrestling ability, their work ethic and their competitiveness. Technically, they really have a thorough understanding of the sport and really know how to teach it; that's why we are so excited about having them at this clinic."
A six-time national freestyle champion and one-time greco champion, Bill Scherr won the gold medal at the 1985 Freestyle Worlds at 198 pounds. He claimed silver medals at the 1986 and '89 Worlds and bronze at the 1987 Worlds and 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. Prior to his accomplished international career, Bill was a three-time NCAA All-American at Nebraska, capturing the NCAA individual title at 190 pounds in 1984.
Jim Scherr was a two-time All-American at Nebraska and won the NCAA 177-pound title in 1984. After college, Jim experienced similar success at the international level with two world championship silver medals and one bronze. At the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, he placed fifth at 198 pounds. Outside of the wrestling circle, Jim served 10 years as the executive director for USA Wrestling and as a top executive with the United States Olympic Committee.
Both are distinguished members of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Immediately following the clinic, wrestling fans will get their first look at the 2004-05 Michigan team at the annual Maize and Blue Intrasquad as the final wrestle-offs will determine the starting rotation. Among the Wolverines slated to compete will be returning NCAA All-Americans fifth-year senior Ryan Bertin (Broadview Heights, Ohio/St. Edward HS), senior/junior Ryan Churella (Northville, Mich./Novi HS) and senior/junior Greg Wagner (Fort Wayne, Ind./Snider HS).
For any further information regarding the clinic or intrasquad meet, please contact the Michigan wrestling offices at 734-647-1223.
Contact: Leah Howard (734) 763-4423
