John Reese, a Distinguished Member inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1999, passed away on Monday, at the age of 94.

“On behalf of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Board of Governors and staff, I want to convey our heartfelt sympathies to John’s family and all of those who he touched through his distinguished legacy in the sport of wrestling,” said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “John possessed all of the right character traits necessary to create an incredible body of work at Wilkes College, now Wilkes University. In addition to achieving tremendous success in 42 years (1954-1995) as the head wrestling coach, he also served as athletic director for 34 years (1958-1992), leading wrestling and 14 other athletic programs through membership and participation in all three NCAA Divisions.”

At the time of his induction, Reese’s 42 years at the helm of the Wilkes wresting program was the longest tenure of any wrestling coach at any one institution.

His teams compiled an outstanding collegiate record including five undefeated seasons. From 1955-1995, Reese guided the Colonels to 40 winning seasons. On February 12, 1994, Reese became just second wrestling coach in history to top the 500-win mark.

During his tenure al Wilkes, Reese led the Colonels to 15 Mid-Atlantic Conference titles in 19 years at the Division Ill level. Reese guided his 1973-74 team lo the NCAA Division III National Championship and his 1965-66 unit placed second in the tournament. He coached 10 college division champions.

In 1976, Reese took the Colonel wrestlers out of Division II and MAC and into NCAA Division I and the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association. Despite being the smallest Division I program in the country, Wilkes produced 87 EIWA place-winners including eight champions and the 1976 Outstanding Wrestler, Jim Weisenfluh. The Blue and Gold also produced five NCAA Division I All-Americans.

Reese was also responsible for creating the Wilkes Open, often referred to as "The Rose Bowl of Wrestling" which is held annually during winter break.

A native of Wyoming Valley, Reese attended Kingston High School where he began his wrestling career. While there, he achieved District II honors and was a PIAA Finalist. He started his collegiate career at Millersville State and completed his undergraduate work at Penn State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1951. In addition, Reese holds a master’s degree from PSU.

In June of 1992, Reese stepped down as Wilkes athletic director after 34 years. Reese oversaw the growth of the department to one which now boasts 23 sports.

He conducted a summer wrestling camp in August each year at Wilkes. Reese is a member of the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the Luzerne County Hall of Fame, and former president of the Keystone State Games Committee. Reese has also been honored by having been selected by former Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh to the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

In 2015, Reese's lifelong commitment to Wilkes was celebrated when he was presented with the President's Medal, the University's most prestigious honor, by Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy at the annual Founders Gala. His motto, "victory goes to those who are willing to pay the price," has inspired decades of Wilkes student-athletes and will, no doubt, be remembered by Colonels for years to come. 

For these reasons and more, John Reese is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.