John Young
Class of 2003
Peotone
A graduate of Joliet Township High School, John Young wrestled for four years under Hall of Famer Ray Klootwyk. He later attended Joliet Junior College and wrestled for another Hall of Famer, John Swalec.
He was a national qualifier as a freshman and was a member of Joliet’s National Championship team in 1964. He went on to wrestle two years at Illinois State University and was a 1966 graduate.
John taught and coached at Peotone High School from 1966 until his retirement in 1999. During that time, his teams won 316 (316-265) duals. He had 24 state qualifiers and 12 place winners, two of whom won state titles. While at Peotone, John taught science and also coached football for 25 years.
While in high school, John played four years of football. He also played football for two years at Joliet Junior College and two years at Illinois State. John has also been a wrestling official.
John has been a firefighter and paramedic in Peotone for the past 32 years and has served as Fire Chief in Peotone from 1996 until the present time.