Johnathon Pankhurst wrestled for La Plata High School, graduating in 1995 with a record of 103-28-1, including 77 pins. He was a two time state placer and a state finalist. John was the first wrestler in his school’s history to win more than 100 matches and served as team captain for three years.

He wrestled in college at Appalachian State University before transferring to Ohio State and began to focus on coaching. He first coached his three younger sisters in cross country and track, before focusing on wrestling after they graduated from high school.

He coached in Ohio, including a successful stint at the Ohio School for the Deaf, before becoming assistant coach at La Plata. Since 2011, he has been the head coach at La Plata.

During his time in La Plata, John, known as “Coach Pank,” not only experienced tremendous success, but he also earned the widespread respect of other coaches and teams as a role model for student-athletes.

As a head coach, John’s teams posted a record of 260-102 and placed in the top five of the state six times. He coached 27 individual state place winners and 9 state champions. Several of his wrestlers have gone on to excel in college.

John also assists his wife Shannon who operates the Upward programs at First Baptist Church of La Plata.  Their two children Hannah and Abigail have grown from active participants to Upward coaches as well