No one word can justify the legend of Coach Jim Anderson, and the many that know him, characterize him in one word - Intense! To this day, Anderson's impact is felt through the example he set as a student-athlete and coach on Alden Street. 

A product of Hanover Park high school in Northern New Jersey, Anderson joins the PrideCast to talk about a fascinating career progression in athletics and business. Anderson's introduction to wrestling occurred under Coach Joseph Krufka, a 1952 Olympic Alternate and 1955 NCAA runner-up to legendary, Dan Hodge. 

Coming from humble beginnings, Anderson would go on to wrestle for Coach Doug Parker at Springfield, and met financial challenges along the way that derailed him from finishing his college career in the traditional four year span. The New Jersey native discusses his brief departure from Springfield to pursue a career in the Marines and start a family. He also shares what led to his return to Alden Street to finish his undergraduate career. Anderson went on to become a New England Champion in 1966 at 167lbs. 

Following a short stint as an educator in New York Public Schools, Anderson pursued the opportunity to complete a graduate degree while being an Assistant Wrestling Coach under Doug Parker, and leading Springfield's Men's Lacrosse program for eight seasons where he tallied 50 wins. 

The former men's lacrosse coach left Alden Street to travel globally to serve in a plethora of occupations including Westinghouse, and building theme parks in Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, and more.