John Furgeson’s wrestling journey began in his junior year at Gaithersburg High School, when he stepped onto the mat with no prior experience. By his senior year, he had developed a passion for the sport and soon found his purpose in coaching. After high school, he began volunteering at Gaithersburg, discovering a lifelong commitment to mentoring athletes and encouraging them to reach their full potential.

Following his graduation from Geneva College, Furgeson began his coaching career at Poolesville High School in 1996. He brought energy and vision to a small program, guiding the team to its first-ever appearance in the Regional Duals. In 2002, he returned to Gaithersburg and revitalized the program, leading the Trojans to their first winning season in 17 years. Four years later, he accepted the head coaching position at Watkins Mill, where he produced back-to-back winning seasons and laid a strong foundation for future athletes.

In 2008, Furgeson became head coach at Damascus High School, inheriting a proud tradition with a strong feeder system. With the support of dedicated assistant coaches and hardworking athletes, he elevated the program to unprecedented success. Under his leadership, Damascus captured eight consecutive Maryland State Dual Championships, three Maryland State Tournament Championships, and recorded 182 consecutive dual meet victories—an eight-season unbeaten streak that remains one of the most remarkable runs in Maryland wrestling history.

Beyond the mat, Furgeson has served as Tournament Director of the Damascus Holiday Tournament since 2008 and created “Cougar Night” to raise funds for Juvenile Diabetes and Ovarian Cancer research. He has also been a financial supporter and active participant in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and FCA Wrestling, further extending his impact on young athletes through faith and mentorship.

Over the course of his career, Furgeson has amassed 431 career dual meet victories, building a legacy defined by passion, service, and excellence. He continues to coach at Damascus High School, where he lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their three sons: John Allan Jr., Timothy, and Nathan.