With over 36 years of leadership experience in collegiate athletics and professional sports, Jim Beichner brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA). His career has been defined by fostering a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and trust across both wrestling and auto racing, building strong relationships with coaches, athletes, race car drivers, crew chiefs, and executives.
Beichner's most notable tenure was as the head wrestling coach at the University at Buffalo (1995-2013), where he led student-athletes to excellence in competition, academics, and community service. His leadership extended beyond the mat, playing a key role in fundraising initiatives for organizations such as Carly’s Club, the Jeff Parker Foundation, UB Wrestling, and the NWCA.
Before rejoining the NWCA, Beichner served as General Manager of MAC’s Performance Engineering & Manufacturing (2024-present) and Director of Athletics for Penske Racing (2013-2023). His coaching journey began as an assistant coach at the University of Pittsburgh (1988-1994) before making a lasting impact at Buffalo.
A longtime advocate for wrestling, Beichner previously held multiple leadership roles within the NWCA, including President (2008-2010), President-Elect (2006-2008), and Board of Directors member (1998-2005). His return to the NWCA marks an exciting new chapter as he works to develop and support wrestling coaches nationwide.
Born and raised in the Jamestown, New York area, Beichner now resides in Salisbury, North Carolina, near Charlotte, with his wife, Delaney. His three adult children, Jake (and wife Alexandra), Sam (and wife Angel), and Grace, also live nearby. He is a proud grandfather to Cameron and Reagan.
