Yet another product of East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, Illinois, John Gogonas wrestled for legendary Hall of Fame coach Charles Farina, but also credits much of his coaching abilities to two other outstanding coaches from Leyden, fellow Hall of Famer, the incomparable Jack Leese, and the inspirational Jim Payne.

Technique was strengthened by East Leyden teammates Rich Purgatorio and HOF Dave Froehlich.

John coached in Newton, Iowa, and says he is forever grateful to fellow coach Bruce Clement. He also coached in Bettendorf, Iowa, being a part of the 1981 Iowa state high school championship team, where he learned more from fellow coaches Hall of Famer Franc Freeman, Paul Castro, and Terry Paustian.

John eventually moved to Austin, Texas and was the head wrestling coach at Travis High School for seven years.

He was blessed to be the father of two wonderful boys, and started and ran a youth wrestling club for 10 years.

Eventually, he went back to coaching high school wrestling and working with another legendary coach, Kevin Smith.

He was also involved with Team Texas for freestyle and Greco-Roman.

John thoroughly enjoyed working with every young man he ever had the pleasure of coaching, but it was so wonderful and rewarding to watch his own two sons, George Gogonas and Greg Gogonas, develop and become successful at all levels of wrestling - youth, high school and college.

“This award is a great honor, but what I accomplished the most was surrounding myself with great people. I have much respect for them and the sport.”