Jim Reynolds, Jr.
Jim Reynolds, Jr. has to be one of the most dominating athletes that has participated in athletics in Ashland County. Born in Ashland, Jim began competing in athletics in the Ashland City Schools. Jim moved to Mapleton and the Firelands Conference. Jim had all the qualities of being a great athlete: strong, quick, fast, good intuition, and an excellent work ethic.
We are certain that Jim, Jr. would mention the mentorship of his father, Jim, Sr., during his competition in athletics. Jim’s athletic career is one that could be read in “USA Today.” He was successful in every sport that he competed. His success story included the sports of football, wrestling, and track.
Jim graduated from Mapleton High School in 1970 and was recruited to play football at the University of Cincinnati. He transferred to Bowling Green State University to finish his collegiate career in football. Jim, Jr. joins his father, Coach Jim Reynolds, Sr. in being inducted into the Ashland County Sports Hall of Fall.
Jim’s first love is football. At Mapleton, his career included scoring 190 points, rushing for 2,630 yards and 437 career tackles. He had an incredible 30 single tackles in one game.
At the University of Cincinnati, he started as a linebacker his sophomore year. At Bowling Green State University, Jim earned two varsity letters, was named 1974 Defensive Lineman of the Year and to second team All-Mid American Conference Team as a linebacker. Jim also has the distinction of being named Ashland Times-Gazette “Player of the Year” twice.
Jim also participated in wrestling and track. He qualified to the state track meet in the shot put, finishing seventh in that event. The records that Jim set at Mapleton are still intact. He was also successful in wrestling. He wrestled in the heavy weight class in spite of only weighing 185 pounds in his junior year. Jim advanced to the districts, losing to the eventual state fourth place finisher. He wrestled in the 190 pound class his senior year and broke his arm in the district final match. Back in those days, there was only one division and all student athletes participated in the same tournament regardless of school size.
Jim is married to the former Connie Lamb and they have one daughter, six years old Melanie. Jim is self-employed in the Cleveland area. He is delighted to join his father in this prestigious organization The Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame.
Nominator: James R. Reynolds