Oklahoma State University Athletics
Shields Honored as 2013 Gallagher Award Recipient
March 05, 2013 | Cowboy Wrestling
March 5, 2013
STILLWATER—Oklahoma State wrestling coach John Smith has announced that Jim Shields is the recipient of the 2013 Gallagher Award, presented by Oklahoma State wrestling. Shields was a starter for the Cowboys in 1971 and an assistant coach from 1988-91.
The Gallagher Award is presented annually to an OSU alumnus who exemplifies the spirit and leadership eminent in the tradition of champions. Shields will receive the award prior to the Bedlam dual on March 8.
“First of all, it's a very humbling feeling to be recognized as the recipient of this award,” Shields said. “It's the ultimate for any former OSU wrestling alum to even be considered for it, much less actually receive it. I've known almost all of the Gallagher Award winners and it's awesome to be included in that elite group. These are people that wrestlers hold in the highest regards for both their great wrestling accomplishments and contributions to OSU and the world's oldest sport.”
“Jim Shields demonstrates everything the Gallagher Award represents, a lifetime commitment to wrestling,” Smith said. “We're honored to present him with this award.”
In 1971, Shields claimed the Big Eight title at 177 pounds, and that same season, he moved to heavyweight for the NCAA tournament, where he finished third and compiled a 19-4-2 record for the season.
He was a part of three Oklahoma State NCAA title teams, in 1971 as an athlete and in 1989 and 1990 as an assistant coach.
After his time at OSU, Shields went on to coach high school wrestling in Tulsa, Okla., where he led East Central to a state title and Bishop Kelley to two state titles. He also spent time coaching in California and Kentucky, leading teams to three more state titles.
In 2010, he was honored by the Oklahoma chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award.
Currently, Shields serves as an assistant wrestling coach at Jenks High School in Jenks, Okla.
Gallagher Award Recipients
1986 - Rex Peery
1987 - Frank Lewis
1988 - Myron Roderick
1989 - Tommy Chesbro
1990 - Joe McDaniel
1991 - John W. Divine
1996 - Ray Murphy
1997 - John Smith
1998 - Grady Peninger
1999 - Kenny Monday
2000 - Pat Smith
2001 - Kendall Cross
2002 - Mike Sheets
2003 - Doug Blubaugh
2004 - Grover Rains
2005 - Bobby Douglas
2006 - Charles Hetrick
2007 - Fred Davis
2008 - Lee Roy Smith
2009 - Bobby Stites
2010 - Bill Harlow
2011 - Eddie Griffin
2013 - Jim Shields
