John "Jack" Williams has left an indelible mark on the Liverpool High School wrestling program.

A veteran of the Vietnam War, Jack wrestled for Liverpool High School before becoming a four-year member of the Naval Academy's wrestling team, under the direction of the legendary Ed Perry, a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Jack led Liverpool to 256 wins, seven league titles, seven New York State scholarship team titles, and the 2003 Section III Sportsmanship Award. Jack coached Tim Green to a New York State championship in 2001 while former wrestler Harold Sherrell was a runner-up at the 2006 NCAA Division I Championships, competing for the University of Buffalo.

The Onondaga High School League honored Jack by naming him "Coach of the Year" in 1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1993, 2001, and 2007.

He was named National Football League Teacher of the Year in 1991 and a year before his retirement he received the Liverpool Optimist Club Service Award for his efforts in youth wrestling.

Jack lists three coaches who influenced his career:

1. His father, Jack "Woody" Williams, noted Watertown coach and also an honoree of the Hall of Fame
2. George Rogers, head coach at Liverpool
3. Ed Peery, head coach at the Naval Academy and National Wrestling Hall of Fame Distinguished Member

Today, Jack and his wife, Ana Maria, operate a small business in Liverpool. They have two children, Timothy and Katherin.

The New York State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is pleased to recognize the accomplishments of John "Jack" Williams by presenting him with the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award.