Jan began his wrestling odyssey at Manheim Central High School in Pennsylvania. From there, he wrestled for East Stroudsburg University serving as captain of an undefeated 1967 team. In dual meet competition he was undefeated his junior and senior years winning the East Stroudsburg Open, Coast Guard Invitational, and the prestigious Wilkes Open Championship. After graduation, he returned to coach his high school alma mater for three years before accepting the position to teach and coach in New Jersey at Phillipsburg High School, a position he held for ten years. At Manheim his team record was 39-3; at Phillipsburg his record was 132-25. In his ten years at Phillipsburg his teams were ranked in the top 5 on nine different occasions; his teams won a District Championship every year he coached. Individually, his wrestlers have won a host of championships: 5 State champions in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, 61 District Champions, 31 Region Champions and 13 Holiday Tournament Champions.

For Jan Dutt wrestling has always been an important part of his life. When he was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis of the hip, he tried a rehab program but soon realized if he wanted to continue one of his wrestling loves, officiating, a hip replacement would be necessary. By looking at his approach to rehab, we get a glimpse of his character. He knew rehabilitation was important, so he started rehab in the recovery room just three hours after surgery. Next came hours and weeks of supervised workouts by the medical personnel of Sports Medicine Lehigh Valley – all to speed his return to a healthy life style but most especially to collegiate officiating. An accomplished and highly respected official, he officiated for 25 years at the college level working both the EIWA Championships and the NCAA Division I Championship.

Jan had the ability to integrate his philosophy of teaching and coaching always working in a positive fashion to inculcate in his students the need to strive for improvement, to learn from mistakes. As a result his students considered him an excellent teacher both in the classroom and on the mat, one who was respected for his caring efforts and appreciated for his accomplishments.