Jim Gruenwald thanks USOEC and USA Wrestling upon leaving for Wheaton job

As most already know, I have accepted a position and verbally committed to Wheaton College as the head wrestling coach as well as with Fellowship of Christian Athletes as the director of the wrestling ministry in the greater Chicago area.

This decision was not lightly or easily come by. However, my wife and I prayed, sought counsel, weighed each position and decided that this was best for our family and where we believe God is leading. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the USOEC and USAW. Unfortunately, the time away from family, the long winters, an inability to support a growing family on an asst. coach's salary, the distance from relatives combined with the opportunity presented by Wheaton College and the FCA which corrects all of the aforementioned difficulties made the decision for us - despite the emotional torture I feel in leaving the athletes, the 'man breakfast' on Saturday mornings, coworkers, church, mentors, and friends.

With the work needed to be done and imminent birth of child #5, I am tenatively planning on being finished and moving by the first week of August. I hope by then I will have left the 'house in order,' and Ivan can focus on what he has over and over again demonstrated to me by actions, results, and love for Greco his mastery of coaching.

I would like to finish by saying thank you to all the fine people I have had the opportunity to work with. My time at the USOEC has been extremely benefitial to me personally and professionally. I hope that in the future I can continue to work in some capacity to help improve USA Greco and the program at the USOEC.