James Huntley

James Huntley enters his fourth year with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling coaching staff during the 2024-25 season.

Huntley played a pivotal role in the Blugolds record smashing 2023-24 season. This seasons roster produced 6 National Qualifiers, 4 All Americans, and the first National Champion since 2006. The Blugolds placed 5th at the NCAA Championships and claimed their first WIAC Championship title in school history. 

Huntley helped the Blugolds place 11th at the NCAA Championships and tie for second in the WIAC in 2022-23. He was part of a coaching staff which produced a national runner-up, two All-Americans and three national qualifiers. The Blugolds achieved their highest ever ranking in the National Wrestling Coaches Association rankings that season.

Huntley was an integral part of the 2021-22 record setting season where the Blugolds finished the season with titles at the Messiah Invitational, 8 Man Battles and Pete Willson Invitational. In addition to a runner-up finish in the WIAC and Upper Midwest Regionals, the Blugolds had 11 Scholar All-Americans and 5 NCAA qualifiers. James was a part of the Upper Midwest Regional Coaching Staff of the Year for his efforts. James' role within the coaching staff is technique development, individual workouts and practice planning, and preparation and recovery training for the team.

Huntley, a Woodbury, Minn., native, graduated from UW-Eau Claire in the spring of 2021. During his four year wrestling career as a Blugold, he was a two-year captain and won over 40 matches.

Before UWEC, Huntley wrestled for four year at Stillwater High School where he earned honors as a state place-winner (2017), state qualifier (2015, 2017), section champion (2015, 2017), first team all-conference (2015, 2016, 2017), and team captain (2016, 2017).

"James made the transition from student-athlete to coach look easy and he already had the respect of Blugold wrestlers for the career that he had," Head Coach Tim Fader said. "James has a positive impact on everyone that he comes in contact with and has a background of success in high school and college. James makes hard things easier and will continue to help those around him, especially our upper weight wrestlers."