Jim Ferguson
Wrestling (1989-1991)
NJCAA All-American at 167-pounds in 1991
Won 70 matches during his Waubonsee wrestling career
University of Rutgers wrestling scholarship
Highly successful executive in the financial industry
Former Waubonsee wrestling coach Dave Hejtmanek has described Jim Ferguson as “one of the hardest workers to ever come through my program. He was dependable, and represented Waubonsee with the highest degree of character and integrity.” In addition to all those qualities, Ferguson was also just outright good on the wrestling mat.
Ferguson was the Skyway Conference’s Champion at 167-pounds his freshman season in 1989-90. He went on to qualify for the NJCAA National Finals later that year and gained some valuable experience which benefited him the following season. Ferguson earned NJCAA All-American status the next year when he finished fourth in the nation, ending his Waubonsee career with 70 wins overall. A 1989 graduate of Andrews High School in Tinley Park, Ferguson completed his Associate of Arts degree at Waubonsee in 1991 before continuing his collegiate career. Ferguson received a wrestling scholarship to Rutgers University where he competed in the 190-pound weight class. His senior year he placed second at the prestigious 104-year old Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) Tournament to qualify for the NCAA Tournament, ranking as high as 10th nationally that season.
Ferguson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Sociology from Rutgers in 1994 and began working for Merrill Lynch in their International Operations department. He transferred to the company’s Oak Brook office in 1996 and two years later began working for Smith Barney, where he is currently the Vice-President of Wealth Management. Ferguson and his wife Denise live in south suburban Orland Park with their four children, nine-year old Madeline, seven-year-old Jimmie, four-year old Kate and two-year old Colin