John Sammons

Class of 2016

Oswego

John Sammons wrestled for Joe Hall at Rochelle Township High School where he was a two-time state qualifier, the first in the school’s history. John also was a three-time NCIC champion, district champion, and two-time sectional runner-up. Sammons was also twice the recipient of his team’s MVP award. In addition to wrestling, John participated in baseball, football, track, and cross country. He earned all-conference honors in baseball.

He went on to Western Illinois University where he competed for three years in wrestling, two in baseball, and earned his Bachelors and at Northern Illinois University Master’s degrees in Education, along with his Type 75 Administrative Degree. John’s senior year led to a broken leg which sidelined him from competition. John was a two time NAIA national qualifier.

After college, John moved on to Elmhurst Elementary School District where he taught from 1968-1970 as one of the district’s Physical Education Coordinators. In 1970, John began a 31 year span at Oswego High School where his mark was made. John coached wrestling at Oswego for 20 years, including 16 years as the head coach. John qualified at least one wrestler downstate for 15 straight years while amassing a 229-85-2 varsity dual meet record. He produced 27 individual state qualifiers coming away with 10 state place winners. His teams produced 9 varsity conference championships, 2 district titles, and were consistently state ranked during his tenure, always known for their depth and toughness.

In addition to coaching wrestling, John also was the head cross country coach at Oswego for 10 years. During John’s reign his teams accumulated 9 conference championships, 3 state qualifying teams, and 4 state individual place winners.

In addition to his IWCOA Hall of Fame Induction, John has also been inducted into the Halls of Fame at Rochelle Township High School and Oswego High School.

John retired from Oswego High School in 2001 and now works as a Realtor for Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell in Oswego where he partners with his lovely Wife Mary Ann to form the Sammons Team.

John and his wife Mary Ann reside in Oswego and have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.