Honoring Wisconsin Badgers Wrestling Legend: John Guira

Badger Notes is set to remember our legends in an 8-part summer series that will honor and highlight Wisconsin Badgers wrestling standouts from the past and showcase their accomplishments not only to the Badgers program – but also their contributions to the sport of wrestling.

Wisconsin Badgers Legend John Guira: 1982 – 1985

John Guira came to the Wisconsin Badgers by way of Oak Park High School (Illinois) and was the Illinois State Champion before coming to Madison. The Illinois Wrestling Hall of Fame Honoree also placed second in the Junior National Greco Roman Championships as a prep wrestler.

In his four seasons with the Badgers – Guira earned thee All-American honors for the Badgers and was a place winner at the Big Ten Championships all four years. He finished his Wisconsin career ranked seventh all-time for pins at Wisconsin (126).

The Illinois native would go on to have a very decorated international career too. Guira earned many medals in international competitions and was an freestyle alternate in the 1992 Olympic games. Frequently near the top of the podium at the Pan American games, World Team Trials and other international bouts – John Guira won a World Cup gold medal!

Wrestling was not finished after he left the Wisconsin Badgers or the international arenas. Guira, along with Mark and Dave Schultz, became invaluable for the Hollywood screenwriters. Landing a job as the wrestling coordinator for the movie “Foxcatcher” Guira worked with Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo.

This Badgers dawwwg turned wrestling coordinator was credited as an executive producer for his contributions to the film.

Regardless of what three-time All-American did – he was uber successful. An accomplished musician, Guira was as well rounded an athlete could be.

The Wisconsin Badgers wrestling program is better because of John Guira.

Wisconsin Badgers Legends Series

Part I – Lee Kemp

Part II – Bob Konovsky

Part III – Isaac Jordan

Part IV – Andrew Howe

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