About our Founder

John A. Hughes is a globally experienced, values driven wrestling coach and business leader.

John is currently the Executive Director, America's Wrestling Cup, a newly formed organization dedicated to promoting and increasing competitions for girls and boys in the the effort of producing outstanding future student-athletes.

In Pennsylvania, John is duly-noted as an outstanding wrestler and coach. As a wrestler, Hughes is regarded as "one of the toughest wrestlers in Penn State history." While at Penn State University, John earned an NCAA Championship title at 142 pounds; a Big Ten Champion; gold medalist at the Pan-Am Games; and a University Freestyle Wrestling Champion. Hughes ranks in the top 15 in the Nittany Lion annals with 121 career victories. Prior to wrestling for Penn State, he was a four-time PIAA state champion, Benton, PA.

As a Division I Coach for 22 years, John has assisted in developing outstanding student athletes; producing more than 100 All-Americans and had a hand in the development of Lehigh University's Darian Cruz, now 2024 Olympian for Puerto Rico.

Hughes was inducted as a member of the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He and his wife Melissa have a son Riley and a daughter Morgan.