John DeMarco’s love affair with wrestling began as a high school wrestler for Brick Township. An excellent wrestler, John was selected to the 1965 All-Shore team following a four year career of victories in the Districts and Regions and a fourth place finish in the State tournament. He continued to distinguish himself at West Chester State College where he won three major tournaments his freshman year and captured the Middle Atlantic Championship title at 145 his senior year. His peers elected him captain his senior year, the year in which he was named to the NCAA College Division All-American Team.

John soon revealed his skill in coaching at Toms River South High School. His teams won Shore Division Championships seven times - 1975 through 1980 - and again in 1984; Shore Conference Tournament Champions four consecutive years; and five District Championships. His 1976 team was undefeated with a record of 20-0. Five times his teams were ranked in the top ten in New Jersey. He also coached six state champions: three in 1977 when Jeff Parker won the Outstanding Wrestler Award.

Although immersed in coaching, John managed to extend his involvement in wrestling as an official. In fact, he worked for some 30 years at both the high school and college level. He was often invited to officiate those fierce competitions that called for a quality official, one who was respected for his judgment and experience.

A humble, giving, generous man, John is respected by coaches not only in the Shore area but throughout the state of New Jersey. He is considered by many as one of the most knowledgeable coaches in teaching wrestling technique. Universally admired by wrestlers and coaches, he is always available to talk wrestling and willingly demonstrates wrestling “moves” to anyone at any time. Indeed, his interest is primarily the wrestler, not winning matches. He willingly helps athletes improve regardless of their school affiliation. Everything that John does is done in a selfless manner with his main concern of helping the wrestler. His helping attitude extends beyond wrestling. Recently, for example, one of John’s students collapsed in gym class. John immediately initiated action by applying CPR to help save the young man’s life until the EMT arrived.

John’s reputation as a knowledgeable, effective teacher makes him a frequent candidate to conduct clinics for both wrestlers and coaches throughout the state and beyond. He relishes the opportunity to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport to all who are interested.

Awards are many for John: Daily Observer Coach of the Year four times, Asbury Park Press Coach of the Year three times, Region 6 Coach of the Year twice. He has been inducted into the South Jersey Hall of Fame, West Chester Hall of Fame, Region 6 Hall of Fame, and the Jersey Shore Hall of Fame.

But the awards that resonate most with John are that of being a husband, father, and grandfather. He loves his family: his wife Patricia whom he considers a saint; his children, Scott and Jamie, and his grandchildren, Taya and Lilli, whom John considers treasures. John will insist that he has never worked as a teacher or coach because he believes that those who love their job never work a day in their life.