Virginia Names Jim Harshaw Assistant Wrestling Coach
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Adam Jones (Univ. of Virginia Media Relations)
09/13/2000
Harshaw returns to UVa to coach the Cavalier wrestling squad CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. University of Virginia head wrestling coach Lenny Bernstein announced that Jim Harshaw has been named an assistant wrestling coach at UVa. Harshaw, a former All-American wrestler and graduate of Virginia, replaces Brendan Buckley, who was recently named the head wrestling coach at Columbia University. Harshaw, a native of Cranberry Township, Pa., returns to UVa with a vast wealth of collegiate wrestling experience. He was a member of the Cavalier wrestling program from 1995-1999. During his five-year career at Virginia, Harshaw posted an impressive record of 102-38 (.729) overall, 37-13 (.740) in dual match action. He gathered All-American honors in the 1998-99 season after posting a record of 40-8 (.833) overall, 14-1 (.933) in dual matches. He is one of only seven Cavalier wrestlers ever to earn All-American honors. Harshaw joins Matt Roth (1999) and Steve Garland (2000) as one of three UVa wrestlers that have gathered All-American honors during the past two seasons. Harshaw became only the fifth wrestler ever at Virginia to win three ACC Championships titles after he won the championships in 1997-1998-1999. He was a four-time NCAA Championship qualifier, a two-time Intercollegiate Virginia state champion and was twice named the Outstanding Wrestler at the State Meet. Harshaw became the sixth UVa wrestler to be named a NWCA Academic All-American when he gathered the honor in 1999. Harshaw left his mark throughout the UVa record books with his illustrious wrestling career. His 102 career victories stands second on Virginia's all-time win list, tied with former teammate Matt Roth. Harshaw and Roth also set the UVa all-time record for most pins in a season with 11 during the 1999 campaign. He stands second all-time at Virginia for: pins in a career (24), matches competed in during a season (48), and is third all-time in most wins in a season (40) and dual match victories in a season (14). Harshaw also stands fourth all-time at UVa in matches in a career (139), dual matches competed in a career (48) and dual match wins in a career (37). "Jim was one of the hardest workers I have ever coached at UVa," said Bernstein. "I expect him to put the same type of work ethic into coaching as he did into wrestling. He has all the tools needed to be an outstanding wrestling coach." Harshaw will make his UVa assistant coach debut when the Cavaliers open their 2000-2001 regular season with a match against the James Madison Dukes on Saturday, November 11th in Harrisonburg, Va.