Grove City College Athletics

Two-sport standout Jim Poole helped the Grove City College wrestling and football programs reach historic heights during his distinguished career from 1966 to 1970.

Poole compiled a 33-11 record in his four years as a starter for the Grove City wrestling squad. After posting an 8-1 mark at 145 pounds as a freshman, Poole went 9-3 at 152 pounds during his sophomore season. That year, he helped the Wolverines to a program-record nine dual meet victories.

The Cedar Cliff (Pa.) High School graduate again went 8-3 in the 152-pound weight class as a junior in 1968-69. He co-captained the 1969-70 team as a senior and won 8 of 12 matches while splitting time between the 150- and 158-pound weight classes under head coach Joe Kopnisky.

His 33 career wins ranked second in program history upon graduation.

A member of Grove City’s undefeated 1966 football team, Poole moved into the starting lineup at linebacker in 1967 and spent three seasons as a stalwart on the Wolverine defense. In Poole’s three seasons as a starter, Grove City limited opponents to 2.9 yards per carry while also forcing opposing quarterbacks to throw 61 interceptions.

Grove City held 13 opponents to one touchdown or fewer from 1967 to 1969.

The Wolverines went 6-3 during the 1967 season, then posted a 7-2 record during his junior year. Grove City’s 21 wins from 1966 to 1968 tied the program record for most victories in a three-year span. Overall, the Wolverines went 24-9-2 during Poole’s career.

Following graduation, Poole taught science and gifted education in the Grove City Area School District while also working as a football and wrestling coach.

He also served as a scholastic wrestling official for 25 years and earned the opportunity to officiate the PIAA Championships on three occasions.