John Reese spent 42 years at the helm of the Wilkes College wrestling program. This gives him the longest tenure of any wrestling coach at any one institution. His teams compiled an outstanding collegiate record including five undefeated seasons. From 1955-1995, Reese guided the Colonels to 40 winning seasons. On February 12, 1994, Reese became just second wrestling coach in history to top the 500-win mark.

During his tenure at Wilkes, Reese led the Colonels to 15 Mid-Atlantic Conference titles in 19 years at the Division Ill level. Reese guided his 1973-74 team lo the NCAA Division III National Championship and his 1965-66 unit placed second in the tournament. He coached 10 college division champions.

In 1976, Reese took the Colonel wrestlers out of Division II and MAC and into NCAA Division I and the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association. Despite its small size in comparison with the other schools, Wilkes produced 87 EIWA place-winners including eight champions and the 1976 Outstanding Wrestler, Jim Weisenfluh. The Blue and Gold also produced five NCAA Division I All-Americans.

A native of Wyoming Valley, Reese attended Kingston High School where he began his wrestling career. While there, he achieved District II honors and was a PIAA Finalist. He started his collegiate career at Millersville State and completed his undergraduate work at Penn State, where he earned a BS in physical education in 1951. In addition, Reese holds a master’s degree from PSU.

In June of 1992, Reese stepped down as Wilkes athletic director after 34 years. Reese oversaw the growth of the department to one which now boasts 14 sports.

He conducts a summer wrestling camp in August each year at Wilkes. Reese is a member of the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the Luzerne County Hall of Fame, and former president of the Keystone State Games Committee. Reese has also been honored by having been selected by former Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh to the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

For these reasons and more, John Reese is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.