John Curtis Christian School head wrestling coach John Kendrick to retire

RELEASE: John Curtis Christian School

The John Curtis Christian Patriot family would like to congratulate Coach John Kendrick on a spectacular career as the school’s wrestling coach. Coach Kendrick announced his retirement to administration some time ago and the school would like to formally recognize him and his achievements as the school’s head wrestling coach.

Coach Kendrick started his head coaching career at John Curtis Christian School in 2006. In that time period the team achieved numerous feats. Among the achievements were bringing home a state runner up trophy in 2012 and, this past season, in 2024.

Although the school has had a wrestling program from early on, Coach Kendrick revived the program and increased participation in the sport year after year. Coach Kendrick built the program from using the school’s ability to have children participate in sports as early as 3rd grade. The fruits of that labor paid off as the team became a contender at the state level year after year. The team consistently placed at state tournaments. In fact, the Patriots have yielded 9 individual state champions, as well as 12 individual state runner ups. Among those was one of his sons, Colton Kendrick. Coach Kendrick also had the opportunity to coach his other son, Adam.

Those honors are the highlights of his coaching career, but his impact on students went well beyond the wrestling mat. Coach Kendrick worked everyday in the classroom as an English teacher. Being a wrestling coach is one of the most difficult on-campus “jobs”. Often times giving up personal and family time during the Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and, sometimes, Mardi Gras holidays. After 18 years of being the school’s head wrestling coach, he will get to enjoy family time during those school holidays.

It is safe to say that Coach Kendrick helped student-athletes both on and off the mat become champions. He has carried out the missions of the school’s commitment to excellence and has helped build champions for life. We are thankful that Coach Kendrick will continue his teaching roles, teaching full time in the English department at JCCS. The school is actively seeking qualified head wrestling coaches who will fit the mission John Curtis Christian School by building champions in the classroom, on the mat, and in life. Qualified candidates should send their information and resume to athletic director, Johnny Curtis, at jcurtis3@johncurtis.com.