JON DAVIS

1942-2007

 

During Jon Davis' lifetime, he served as a wrestler, teacher coach Christian husband and father, administator, leader and mentor.  He personified excellnce in wrestling.

 

Jon began his wrestling career as a junior high and high school varsity wrestler in Granite City, IL.  He was hired as a math teacher in Edwardsville in 1968 and deveoped and coached the junior high wrestling team from 1970-1987.

 

Jon established the Edwardsville Wrestling Club in 1970 so that his wrestlers could compete in the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF) State Tournament series.  During his coaching career, the Edwardsville Wrestling Club won every Regional Tournament, placed at all Sectional Tournaments, and sent hundreds of wrestlers to participate in the IKWF stat Wrestling Tournament.  He continued to be a vital part of the Edwardsville Wrestling Club until his death.

 

From 1977-2007, Jon was the definitive leader of the South Section of the IKWF.  During his tenure, the South grew from the smallest to the second largest section in the state.  He was the eyes, ears and voice of the South.  He educated over 100 young wrestling coaches in what it takes to start and run a successful Illinois in regard to youth wrestling.  Jon's knowlegde of the IKWF history and the Wrestling Rule Book was second to none.  His understanding of how and why the rules were implemented was invaluabe to the growth and administration of the IKWF organization.

 

Jon's work ethic, dedication and loyalty to youth wrestling and the IKWF were the highest standard.  He worked tirelessly for kids and for coaches in the entire State of Illiniois.  The letter "K" which represents "Kids" in the IKWF logo, says it all in defining the man Jon Davis:  He did it all for the Kids.