John Putnam is an example of an increasingly endangered species in public schools-a teacher/coach. For 34 years John served at Marshfield High School as both an assistant and head coach, while also officiating countless tournaments and dual meets.

After growing up in Everett, John attended Springfield College, where he wrestled junior varsity and varsity. John graduated from Springfield in 1963 and received his Masters Degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1964, after which he began teaching science (chemistry) at Marshfield High School. There he utilized his leadership skills as science department chairman for over thirty years.

Starting in 1970, John assisted Doug Spade on the mat at Marshfield. After Doug stepped down, John coached the Rams from 1981 through 1990. During his time at the helm, Marshfield won five Sectional crowns and had several individual State Champions. John turned over the reins of the program to John Kenny in 1991 but continued to assist him until his retirement in 2004. John was instrumental in setting up the Marshfield Holiday Tournament, one of the largest in-season tournaments in Massachusetts.

Throughout his career, John was an active high school and college wrestling official. During his 25 years officiating, John served as President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer for the NEIWOA and MIWOA.

John is semi-retired and now lives in Pembroke. He continues to work part-time at Marshfield High, and works in teacher development at several colleges and universities in the Boston area.