Meet The Coaches – Empire Wrestling Academy

In 1992 John Degl was informed by the legendary Coach, Dan Gable, that the Iowa Wrestling team had no space on the roster for him. Refusing to accept the news, John packed up his things and drove from Mahopac, New York to the famed University of Iowa intent on pursuing his academic and athletic career. Once there, John was met by Coach Gable in person who only confirmed the bad news. Undeterred, John showed up for every practice and watched from the sidelines as the team practiced. Three weeks later, an impressed Gable took note of John’s tenacity, and he allowed John to practice with the team.

John went on to qualify for and wrestle at the NCAA Championships for the Hawkeyes, and participate in four National Championship teams, and the rest was history.

Today, John brings the same methods and spirit of Iowa wrestling back home where he runs his own club—Empire Wrestling Academy. From humble beginnings in his parent’s barn to a state-of-the-art training facility in Somers, NY, Empire is known as one of the premier wrestling clubs in the country.

John is married to Jennifer and they have four children and four dogs. (Sean, Jack, Shane & Joy) – (Pudding, Ace, Thor & Paris).

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

20+ Years of Coaching Experience at the Youth, High School, & Collegiate Levels
1991 New York State High School Wrestling Champion
1994, 2001 Empire State Games Champion
University Nationals All-American – 1995, 1996
2x Place Winner at Midlands Invitational, Northwestern University – 1994, 1995
1996 National Qualifier for the University of Iowa
Member of 4 National Championship Teams at UI & 5 Big 10 Team Titles
Head Assistant Coach at Hofstra University – 1997. 1999-2000
Former Head Coach at Mahopac HS – 2002 Section One Team Champions
Currently, Owner of Empire Wrestling Academy & Coach at Iona Prep
University of Iowa, BA
Mercy College, MS

In the professional world Diego started his career with Turner Construction and found himself fortunate enough to work on projects such as Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden, World Trade Center Tower 2 and Delta’s Terminal 4 expansion at JFK Airport. After moving from construction to real estate he became a Vice President of Development and Construction at a national developer and went on to lead a team of analysts, design professionals, project managers and field staff.

He has recently founded and successfully manages his own real estate consulting firm. With a robust pipeline of high profile and leading edge projects worth approximately $400M in volume, he diligently manages his client’s financial interests as if they were his own. Consistently bringing in projects on time and on budget.

In the wrestling world, Diego was instrumental in resurrecting the Mahopac youth program, giving back to the town in which he was raised and proudly wrestled for. He is the Director of Youth Wrestling at Yorktown and here at Empire Wrestling Academy. He also sits on his town’s Parks and Recreation Committee.

Diego is proudly married to Jenna Jaramillo and has two children he adores, Christiano and Ellia. They reside in Yorktown, NY, and Christiano is an Empire Junior Titan.