John Tkalcevic started the wrestling program at Page High School in Page, Arizona while also teaching physical education, strength training and coaching football and track. He coached for 20 years before retiring in 1999.

He grew up in western Pennsylvania and played football while also being on the wrestling team at Avella High School. After serving two years in the Army in Germany he attended Arizona Western University on a wrestling scholarship. After two years he transferred to Northern Arizona University and wrestled two years for the Lumberjacks.