The following description appeared in the Hall of Fame program at the time of induction:
Jim Ulrich is one of the finest head coaches in Fredonia State history. He established marks that may never be broken, foremost among them, 20 consecutive SUNYAC outdoor championships in men’s track and field from 1976-77 to 1995-96. Overall, he was the architect of 36 SUNYAC championships, including 15 SUNYAC indoor team titles. His teams also won 14 New York State Collegiate Track and Field titles – twice as many state titles as the next best school since the association was formed in 1949. He was chosen SUNYAC Coach of the Year 13 times and United States Coaches Association Division III Regional Coach of the Year in 1994.
His teams compiled a dual meet record of 95-5 and produced countless All Americans. This year’s induction class includes the 10th athlete Ulrich coached (Eric Springer). Previous Hall of Fame inductees are Donald W. Brenner, Neil Moore, Daniel Mlodozeniec, Lou Paganello, Kym Orr, Keith Norward, Bernard Prabucki, Patrick Corbett, Fred Thompson, Steve Hoyser, Bret Johantgen, Charles Collins, Jason R. Fairlee, Keith A McFayden, Neil S. Hambleton, Trevor Hitchcock, Jeff Winden, and the late Fred Ruterbusch.
Ulrich is entering his third athletic hall of fame. He was also inducted into the Kenmore West High School Hall of Fame in 1997. Two years ago he was recognized by Indiana State University, where he was an All American in the javelin. Ulrich has continued to complete and win individual masters throwing championships at state games held in New York and Florida. He holds Florida masters division state records in the javelin and the discus.
Retired and now living in Punta Gorda, Fla., Ulrich and his wife of 37 years, Linda, have two grown children, Jim and Kathleen, and two grandchildren, Grace and Kaitlin Anzalone.
(NOTE: Ulrich coached Fredonia State to 27 state titles and was named New York State Collegiate Track & Field Athletic Conference Coach of the Year four times. He recruited and coached 67 All Americans. He also served as president of the NCAA Division III Track & Field Coaches Association from 1995 through 1998)
