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Concordia University Chicago Athletics

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Athletic Hall of Fame

James Refenes

James Refenes

  • Class
    1982
  • Induction
    2003
  • Sport(s)
    Wrestling

James Refenes, ’82, lettered in wrestling for four seasons. He was an NAIA National Qualifier in 1979 and an NCAA Division III Midwest Regional champion and National Qualifier in 1980, 1981 and 1982. Refenes became an Olympic National Qualifier in 1980. He took seventh place at the NCAA National Tournament in 1982 and earned the honor of becoming Concordia’s first NCAA Division III All-American in wrestling. Upon graduation, he held Concordia wrestling career records in takedowns, pins and wins. His four-year record was 102-46-2.

            
Refenes has taught biology at Milwaukee Lutheran High School since 1982. He coached the MLHS wrestling team from 1982 to 1993 and took the reins once again in 1997. Refenes’ 2000 team won the Wisconsin State Wrestling Championship.
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