Coaches
At the Wrestling Academy, we are proud to say that we have some of the top coaches in the state! From wrestling, to coaching, and even officiating accolades, these brothers are among the best around.
Jimmy Ballantyne
Jimmy is married to Jill, his high school and college sweetheart. They tied the knot in 2009 and they're proud parents of 2 sons and a daughter. Jimmy comes from a wrestling family. Jimmy wrestled under his father when he was in preschool through high school. At Pearl River High School, Jimmy excelled as a multi-sport athlete, being named All-State in football as a defensive back, being the first in PRHS history to make the state tournament in tennis, and being a 4-time state finalist in wrestling. He and his brother, Ian, were a part of back-to-back team state runner-up titles, the best finishes in school history. After high school, he wrestled at Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina. Jimmy took over as head wrestling coach at Fontainebleau High School in 2014, who set a school record for points at the LHSAA State tournament, with three state finalists and their second state champion. He has stepped down from his Head Coach position in order to work at the Wrestling Academy.
Accomplishments
2002-2006 - 4x LHSAA Division III State Finalist
2005-2006 - 2x LHSAA Division III State Champion
2005-2006 - 2x Times Picayune All-Metro
2006 - Composite Academic All-State
2006 - NFHS Academic All-American
2006 - Wendy's High School Heisman National Finalist
2009 - Greco-Roman All-American (University Nationals)
Ian Ballantyne
Ian is married to Holly since 2015, whom he met in college at Nicholls State University. They are proud parents of one young son. Ian comes from a wrestling family, where Jim, his dad, coached him from preschool through high school. Ian was a two-time state finalist in high school at Pearl River and a four-time state place-winner. While wrestling, he and his brother, Jimmy, were part of team back-to-back state runner-up finishes, the best in school history. He also excelled as a 3 year letterman in football and tennis, and a state place-winner in the 110-meter hurdles. During college, Ian began officiating wrestling matches and is currently well known around the country for his ability. He is top-level nationally certified and officiates numerous prestigious tournaments in all 3 styles.
Accomplishments
2003-2007 - 4x LHSAA Division III State Placewinner
2004, 2007 - 2x LHSAA Division III State Finalist
2007 - 110m Hurdles State Finalist
2007 - Academic All-State
2008-1017 - LHSOA-BR membership
2016-2017 - FILA 1C Officiating Certification