While growing up in Norfolk, Virginia, John Epperly attended Granby High School, and became a member of the wrestling team under renowned Hall of Fame coach Billy Martin.

Following high school, John received his bachelor's degree in education from Lock Haven University and his master's degree from Virginia Tech.

He began his teaching career in Arlington, Virginia, and shortly became the wrestling coach at Wakefield High School. During his years at Wakefield, his teams won several tournaments and had multiple individual champions.

After moving to Fairfax County in 1969, he coached for one year at Oakton High School.

In 1970 he became part of the inaugural staff of the newly built Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax. During his tenure as head coach at Robinson, his teams won multiple district and regional tournaments as well as three state tournaments. Members of these teams also won many individual district, regional and state titles.

He was twice named as The Washington Post All-Met Wrestling Coach of the Year, and three times named Virginia High School League Wrestling Coach of the Year.

He retired from coaching in 1991 with an overall win-loss record of 308-38-3.

His successful coaching career was honored by his induction into the Robinson Secondary School Hall of Fame, The Lock Haven University Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame.