Guard/Linebacker/Punter: 1973-1975
Wearing number 63, Jim Walsh was the rock of the Mineral Point defense in 1974-75. Even after thirty-five years, he has the reputation of being one of Mineral Point's toughest players and hardest hitters. He was highly motivated, and truly played each down as if it was the most important of the game. He was a three year letter winner. Jim saw limited Varsity action as a sophomore, playing some defense and special teams. As a junior, he racked up 77 tackles, an interception and two fumble recoveries as an outside linebacker in a 5-3 scheme. Moving to the Middle Backer as a senior, he piled up an additional 99 tackles, three interceptions and a fumble recovery. His tackle total of 180 gave him the career record for most tackles, which was eclipsed the very next year when the state went to a nine game schedule rather than eight. He is one of a handful of Pointers to average more than ten tackles per game. On Special Teams, Jim occasionally punted and returned four kick offs as a senior. He was named to the All-Conference team as a Linebacker as a Junior, and as a Senior was honored on both sides of the ball as Linebacker and Offensive Guard.
Jim graduated from Mineral Point in 1976 and attended Southwest Tech, earning his Certification in HVAC and Refrigeration. He has worked for Speedway for over 30 years. After graduation, Jim played semi-pro ball for several seasons for the Delevan Red Devils, where he missed a playoff game in order to get married. He and his wife Lynn have raised two children, Dana and Tyler. Jim and Lynn currently reside in Dousmann, Wisconsin.
Jim enjoyed the "funny things in practice" and those that can only happen in games. After a particularly vicious hit, Jim made his way to the wrong huddle. As he was retrieved by teammate Tom Poad, Poad suggested he stop tackling with his head.
Jim just kept tackling.
- Three Year Letter Winner: 1973, 1974 & 1975
- Captain: 1975Â Â Â
- All Conference Guard: 1975
- All Conference Linebacker: 1974 & 1975
- Total Career Tackles: 180
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