Jim Dressler

High School: Shamokin H.S. 

High School Coach: Tim Montgomery

LHU Coach: Bill Connor, Jack Fisher

Years at LHU: 1976-1980

Jim Dressler was one of the most outstanding Defensive Ends to play football at Lock Haven University. He was big, strong, fast and a tremendous student of the game. As a leader on and off the field, Jim handled every situation with measured patience and dignity. Jim’s work ethic was especially notable, as he spent many hours during the off season in the weight room and did everything on the practice field with 100% effort. All of this led to Jim being named co-captain of the 1979 Pennsylvania Conference Champion Bald Eagles, winner of the Edward L. McGill Memorial Leadership Award and the Louis F. Carter defensive MVP Award.

Jim was also an extremely successful track and field athlete at LHU. During the spring of his junior year Jim became an All-American javelin thrower by placing third in the nation in the event. He also competed in the national tournament during his senior year, placing 11th overall in the country. He won the Ross Nevil “Outstanding Athlete of the Year” Award in 1979.

Jim spent the fall of 1980 as a graduate assistant football coach at LHU. He then went on to coach Football with Coach Sam Shicatano at Shamokin High school for 5 years. Jim also coached Track & Field at Shamokin, Mount Carmel, and Danville High Schools for over 25 years.

Jim has also spent much time mentoring youth and adults in various capacities as an Assistant Pastor. He spent many years in youth ministry, heading the Boys Brigade Church Youth Group for over 15 years. He also provided interim and community counseling services for over 9 years, as a supervisor and facilitator working with inmates, counseling them on their relationships with their children and their fathers.

Jim is now entering his 14th year as a Health and Physical Education Teacher and Coach at Shamokin High School, where he continues to be a fine mentor for young people. Jim and his wife Deb have one son, Sam, who is an outstanding running back in his senior year at Lycoming College.