James R. Jolgen
Inducted in 1996

Lake Washington High School 1955-1969

deceased 2000

James Jolgen attended Everett High School and was a pupil of Roy Sandberg and Bill McLaughlin. From these two men, Jim learned the value of athletics and dedication necessary to be a builder of programs which were educationally sound and which would help young kids become men of superb character.

Jim Jolgen was the backbone of Lake Washington High School Wrestling for over seventeen years. The record that Jim established has yet to be duplicated. During his six years as head coach, his teams lost only two matches against 115 victories. Each year Jim was head coach his teams placed first in the conference. His teams placed second at the regional level in 1959 and 1960.

Many of Jim's wrestlers were successful under his guidance. Dave Enslow went on from Lake Washington to become a standout heavyweight for the University of Washington. Dallas Delay was a state champion for the Kangs and went on to wrestle at Central Washington. Hall of Famer Pat Alexander wrestled at Lake Washington under Jim Jolgen.

In 1977 Jim was recognized by the Northwest Wrestling Officials Association as a founding member and senior official for over twenty years. Jim officiated for 15 state championships and was recognized by the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Association with the Officials Award in 191985. He also served on the State Board for Wrestling and helped with the Rule Committee on the National Level. He also served as the KingCo representative for wrestling.

Along with his wrestling duties, Jim coached football, baseball, tennis, track and cross country and basketball during his twenty eight years of teaching. Jim retired from coaching in 1969 and became the Athletic Director at Lake Washington. When he retired from education in 1980, he and his wife Dorothy were honored at a banquet attended by more than 800 former students, athletes and community well-wishers. They just wanted to say "THANKS" coach for all you have given to us.

Nominated and inducted by Doug Chapple, Hall of Fame Member.