Jon Rhodes started his 36 year coaching career in Perham, Minnesota (1966-68). After his two year tenure in Perham, he was married and he and his wife, Carol, moved to Forrest Grove, Oregon, where Carol taught English and Jon began work on his Master's Degree and also started a middle school wrestling program as a volunteer. The following year he and his wife moved back to Minnesota where they continued their teaching/coaching careers in Harmony (1969-1992). They then finished out their professional careers (1992-2006) at St. Mary's International School in Tokyo, Japan. During Jon's coaching career he posted a 249-99-8 record. He also coached 104 individuals to tournament titles, as well as winning 20 conference titles (1 at Perham, Minnesota, 11 in Harmony, Minnesota, and 8 at St. Mary's International School, in Tokyo. During his career his teams captured 54 tournament team titles (dual meet and individual tournaments), including three Far-East Championships. His individual wrestlers also claimed 3 Far-East "Outstanding Wrestler", awards. He posted one undefeated regular season in Harmony and two undefeated teams in Tokyo. Both of Jon's sons, Reg and Ryan, won multiple tournament titles, with Ryan finishing up his wrestling career as a "Far-East Champion" during his senior year at St. Mary's International School. Jon also took great pride in his teaching profession and was named "Teacher of the Year," in Harmony (1974). He also won the District 1 "Coach of the Year" award in 1989 as well as "Coach of the Year" at St. Mary's International School in Tokyo. Jon also had a very significant influence on the "Far-East" Wrestling Tournament format as he introduced the Minnesota State Tournament Dual Meet plan, which was adopted and is currently utilized in both the "individual" tournament and "dual-meet" tournament format in the "Far-East" Wrestling Championships. Teams from the Philippines, Guam, Okinawa, Korea, and Japan participate. Retired Harmony teacher and coach, Del Elston commented on Jon's professional and personal attributes as "...I find him to be an exceptional human being. He has shown through his burning desire to succeed, what can be done through dedication, hard work, love of competition and a caring attitude. He continually exemplifies the highest standard of professionalism and character in his teaching and coaching..." Mark Hanson, former head wrestling coach at Yokota Air Base in Tokyo said, "If my son were of the age to wrestle I'd want him to wrestle in the St. Mary's program with Jon Rhodes as his coach." Dave Ornauer, senior sports writer for the Stars & Stripes-Pacific- said, Jon is "A giant in the sport, a man who I liked and respected immensely..." Shu Yabui, former wrestler for Coach Rhodes and a three time "Far-East Champion," (a rare feat) said, "Mr. Rhodes coached both American Folk Style and the International Free-Style with great success." Shu is currently the head wrestling coach at St. Mary's, Tokyo, Japan. Jon is also responsible for initiating the Harmony Holiday Wrestling Tournament and managing it for years. The Holiday Tournament has been going for 42 years, certainly one of the oldest tournaments in the state. Four former Rhodes wrestlers are currently coaching wrestling. "I don't know whether I should take credit for that or the blame." Jon's hobbies include golf, reading, gardening, and water color painting. He continues to follow the Minnesota Gopher Wrestling Program as well as the U.S.A. international wrestling teams. Jon gives a special mention to two of his former assistant coaches: Frank Tribon was an outstanding assistant for a number of years during Jon's Harmony years and Doug Ofstedal was also outstanding help for Jon as an assistant in Harmony as well as Tokyo. Jon was also a charter member of the Harmony JC's, a longtime member of the Harmony Community Band, the Harmony Community Theater and is a current member of the Harmony Lion's. But Jon says that his wife of 46 years is the greatest person in his life and gave incredible support and love to Jon all those many years and counting. The Rhodes family includes Jon's wife, Carol, and his two sons, Reg (age 44) and Ryan (age 40). Jon retired from teaching and coaching in 2006.