University of Wisconsin-Superior Athletic Hall of Fame
James Campbell of Trego, Wis., was an outstanding wrestler at the University of Wisconsin-Superior who used his skills as a team leader to become a leader as an educator, as a coach, and as a member of his community. He is a recipient of the Mertz Mortorelli Coaching Achievement Award and inducted to the UWS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.
As a wrestler, Campbell lettered each year from 1974-77 and competed in three national tournaments. He was twice named team captain and received the Mertz Mortorelli Most Inspirational (DEDICATED) Wrestler Award in 1976 and 1977.
Campbell earned his bachelor's degree in physical education in 1977. The following year, he became a physical and health education teacher for the School District of Shell Lake. For many years, he has taught, coached and served as Athletic/Activities Director.
Over the years, Campbell served as head coach and assistant coach for baseball, winning seven regional and nine conference titles and coaching two sectional championship teams. As an assistant coach in football, he participated in state title teams in 1980 and 1991 along with coaching several conference championship teams. In wrestling, he coached his wrestlers to 140 individual conference, regional and sectional titles; served as head coach for the 1988 state wrestling champion; and coached 31 state qualifiers, 26 state place winners and two state champions along with 17 All-State Academic Team members. He also coached several state All-Star wrestling teams.
Campbell's hard work and dedication earned him numerous accolades, most recently the title of Wisconsin State Athletic Director of the Year for 2002. He was named Athletic Director of the Year for District 1 in 2001 and State Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1988.
