Thursday 22 November 2012

Henry Pillard (Joliet Jr. College Wrestling Coach 63-68) talks about Harry Geris and the 1972 NCAA Championships

Henry "Hank" Pillard has been a resident of Joliet since 1965 and in that time he has established himself as one of the community's most valuable assets, as well as a major force in the world of wrestling.
Henry became Dean of Students at Joliet Junior College (JJC) in 1967 and held that position for 20 years. Concurrent with being the Dean of Students, Henry was also the JJC wrestling coach (1965-1985) as well as the football and track coach (1965-1967).



"The one thing that Henry instilled in everyone he coached was Never Give Up -- and Be the Best You Can Be."
-- Bill Vail,
Olympic Wrestling Coach


Wrestling Accolades
As JJC wrestling coach, his teams recorded 268 wins, 43 losses, and 5 ties. He produced 46 All-Americans and eight National Champions! His wrestling career has earned him many awards and acknowledgment's, some of which are listed below. For a complete list of accomplishments, please read the list to the right.

In 1984, Henry received the 25 Year Service Award from the National Wrestling Coaches Association. In 1986, he was inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame. In 1998, he received the prestigious USA Wrestling Service Award. In 2002, Henry was presented with a Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
During his wrestling career, Henry has also provided his services to the USA National and Olympic Teams.
Joliet Chargers Coach
Henry also was the coach of the Joliet Chargers, a semi-professional football team during the 1972-1973 season.



Henry lives in Joliet with his wife Pat and is still very actively involved in the Joliet community.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

A W A R D S
- 2002 / National Wrestling Hall of Fame - Presented Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award
- 1999 / Service to Community Award - University of Dubuque Alumni Association
- 1997 / Grand Marshall - Illinois State High School Wrestling Championships
- 1993 / Community Service Award
1991 / Alumni Hall of Fame
1990 / Athletic Hall of Fame - only person to be awarded these three top honors presented by Joliet Junior College
- 1990 / Christian Youth Center Staff Award
- 1988 / USA Wrestling Service Award
- 1986 / Illinois Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame
- 1984 / National Wrestling Coaches Association 25 Year Service Award
- 1982 / AAU Certificate - for promoting the Olympics
- 1981 / U.S. Congressional Record - 97th Congress - for the benefit of young athletes from all over the world.
- 1975 & 1978 / Illinois Junior College Coach of the Year
- 1971 - 1974 / V.P., Mayor Daley's Wrestling Club, Chicago
- 1970-1971 / President, National Junior College Coaches Assoc.
- 1968 & 1972 / Olympic Trials Coach - Junior College Qualifiers
- 1968-1969 / Team Manager, National Freestyle Greco-Roman Team Champions for the Chicago Mayor Daley wrestling program

- 1968 / United States Patent

COMMUNITY, CIVIC & SPORTS
ORGANIZATIONS
- 1996-Present / Joliet Area Historical Society - Vice President & Board Member
- 1987-Present / Crime Stoppers of Will County - Board Member, Former President
- 1994-1998 / Christian Youth Center, VP & Board Member
- 1992-1996 / Joliet Christian School - Development Committee & Board Member
- 1996 / Atlanta Summer Olympics/Athletes Village - Sports Information for Wrestling
- 1995 / Atlanta's Olympic Test Event - Mayor for World Championship Wrestling
- 1984-1993 / Ms. National Senior Citizens Pageant - President & Board Member
- 1986 / World Cup Wrestling Championship - Director
- 1985-1986 / Clean Community Systems Council - Board Member
- 1983 / Mexico City, National Jr. Pan Am Wrestling Tournament Coach
- 1971-1981 / George Werden Buck Boys Club - Founder of Kids Wrestling in Joliet area
- 1978-1982 / Joliet International Wrestling Tournament - Director of World's Largest International Wrestling Tournament
- 1978 / National Junior Wrestling Team to Iran - USA's Coach
- 1978-1982 / National Integrated Wrestling Clinics - Director

- 1968 / United States Patent

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