Jon “Cliff” Loysen has been active in wrestling as a coach, clinician, and official for nearly forty years. His first exposure to wrestling came at the Rutgers University College Avenue gym where he would quietly, unobtrusively, appear at practice and watch National Wrestling Hall of Famer Coach Dick Voliva’s team go through their paces during daily practices. He also credits Olympian and National Champion Lee Merrill and Bill Farrell, the former U.S Olympic coach, with help in understanding the fundamental skills of the sport. Cliff quickly fell in love with wrestling and became a student of the sport. Who would know that this man, a man with no background or experience in wrestling, would in ten years emerge as one of the most respected coaches in New Jersey?

Loysen started wrestling programs at both Edison and J.P. Stevens High Schools. In thirteen years his teams posted a record of 120-34-1. During the last ten years his team record was 92-15-1. From 1964 thru 1970 Loysen’s teams captured eight consecutive District team titles and five consecutive Middlesex County Tournament titles. In consecutive years he had his entire team in the District finals. His wrestler’s individual accomplishments are just as impressive: 13 wrestlers in the final four of the State Tournament, 5 state champions, and 2 Outstanding Wrestler Awards, 3 third place finishers, and 2 fourth places finishers.

In addition to his success as a high school coach, Cliff also made contributions to the sport of wrestling by coaching the inexperienced wrestlers at the middle school level and by officiating. He has officiated at all levels of the state tournament series from the Districts thru the States. He served as President of the wrestling officials Central Chapter, and for ten years he taught inexperienced officials in the important role of Cadet Supervisor.

A humble, gentle man Cliff has made significant contributions to wrestling not only in Middlesex County but throughout New Jersey. Aware of this, his peers have recognized him with induction into the Region V Hall of Fame and as the recipient of the New Jersey Wrestling Officials Award of Honor for Lifetime Service.