Beta Theta Pi - University of Minnesota

the betA Piper PAge 2 W restling fans may know Jim Brunzell Jr. '71, former AWA tag team champion, from his nearly 30-year career in the ring. Those of us receiving this newsletter have the privilege of calling him a brother. What some may not know, however, is that his career and his path to Beta Theta Pi were influenced by the same person. When Jim was a freshman, his football teammate Greg Gagne attended a rush (now recruitment) event at Beta Pi and invited Jim to join him. Greg later decided not to pledge, but Jim stuck around, enticed by the many football teammates living there (including College Hall of Famer Bob Stein '69) and the quality location on campus. The brothers shared a common bond through athletics and social events, and Jim gained valuable life experiences from interacting with many great Betas. Once such brother was Jim's former roommate, Bill Tilton '69, who went on to be a successful medical malpractice lawyer. "They gave me a family outside of my family, and it brightened my world," Jim said. Jumpin' into the Ring Jim played football at the University of Minnesota for three years, followed by a year playing semi-pro football in Wisconsin. As he prepared to return to UMN, Jim got a call from Greg inviting him to his father's pro wrestling camp. "Jumpin' Jim" Brunzell debuted as a wrestler in 1972. "If somebody told me at age 18 that I'd have a 27-year career in pro wrestling, I would have said they were crazy!" Jim wrestled in about 5,000 matches throughout his career, from local circuits and the WWF to the independent circuit in his later years. His highlights include wrestling as "The High Flyers" with tag-team partner Greg, followed by "The Killer Bees" with partner Brian Blair. Jim's 2015 book, MatLands, includes stories from his career as well as his upbringing from school years—plus photos of Jim and his family with people like Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and even Bruce Springsteen! In 2013, Jim was inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thez Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Waterloo, Iowa. Family, Friends, and Fans "I'm glad I survived my career—because a lot of guys didn't," Jim said of the wrestling world. Many wrestlers have lost their lives or families to addiction and other health issues. Jim gives most of the credit to his wife, Mary, for looking after him and their family through the years. "Not only did she run my gym while I was away but she also did a wonderful job bringing up our two kids." Their daughter, Jennifer, and son, Jim III, have both excelled in school and their careers. Their two grandsons are both avid soccer players, and Jim loves spending time with them and following their games. "Although I've taken a beating physically, I'm still cognitive enough to appreciate my blessings." After retiring, Jim spent 10 years raising funds for his church's maintenance committee. He also attends comic-cons around the country and enjoys the opportunity to meet fans and take pictures with them. Chapter Goals Secure a substantial new member class in the fall (20-25 members). This will be completed through recruitment outreach and emphasizing informal recruitment during the summer. Continue and improve upon our academic success. While our chapter excels in academic performance, we feel there is always room to grow. New strategies to further our success in academia might include reoccurring grade checks and scheduled study meeting locations. Open new forms of revenue for the chapter. Ideally by increasing the number of chapter house live-ins in the upcoming academic year. Chapter President Jacob T. Polzin '25 polzi104@umn.edu Vice President of Brotherhood Connor B. DeJong '23 Vice President of Finance Zachary S. Ahearn '25 Vice President of Communications Joseph A. Burgess '25 Vice President of New Member Education Simon C. Horning '24 Vice President of Risk Management William K. Allan '24 Vice President of Ritual Thomas J. Wolfe '23 Vice President of Programming Daniel J. Peters '25 Vice President of Recruitment Owen B. Ratgen '24 ratge006@umn.edu Success in the Ring and Beyond JUMPIN' JIM BRUNZELL '71 COUNTS HIS BETA BLESSINGS Jim Brunzell '71 and his family in 2012. Tokyo, Japan, 1981: Jumpin' Jim Brunzell '71 dropkicks the great Dory Funk Jr. Jim's main advice to today's brothers? Study hard and play hard. "I was good enough to get by, but I wish I would've got my degree. And who knows, I still might! I was very fortunate to walk into the Beta house and be welcomed, grow as a student, and grow much more as a person. I'm forever indebted to and proud to be a Beta." You can connect with Jim at jimbrunzelljr@gmail.com. CHAPTER OFFICERS

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