Carlson, John

John Carlson grew up in Iowa and moved to Arizona at the age of thirteen. He graduated from Mesa High in 1965, and earned a degree in Education from Arizona State University. John started his coaching career at Mesa’s Westwood High in 1969, before teaching and coaching at many high schools throughout central Arizona. In 1974, John joined Chandler High as a history teacher and coach in football, wrestling and track. Over a thirty-five year career in Chandler, John has led many athletes and teams to championships, including five national wresting titles, nine national track titles and two national swimming titles. Among many honors, John is a member of the Arizona Wrestling Hall of Fame and recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was a Wrestling USA Magazine Man of the Year and most recently was recognized by the National Federation of State High School Associations in 2008. In 1985, John moved into the position of Athletic Director for Chandler Unified School District.

To read the summary of an oral history interview with John Carlson recorded on September 19, 2009, click the icon below:

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