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Elton to step down at SJU
April 29, 2004
COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. -- Saint John's University's John Elton recently announced that he will be stepping down as head wrestling coach, effective immediately. Elton will continue to work in the position of Master Gardener at Saint John's, a position he started in summer 2003.
Athletic director Timothy Backous, OSB, appointed current assistant coach Brandon Novak as interim head coach. A national search for Elton's full-time replacement will begin this winter.
Elton completed his 23rd season in 2003-04 as head wrestling coach at SJU with an impressive 273-100-5 dual meet record, and he ranks first among SJU wrestling coaches for most dual meet wins in a career.
"John Elton embodies the Benedictine value of stability by sharing 23 hard-working years in making the wrestling program a vibrant and vital part of Johnnie athletics," said Backous. "The only solace in his departure is that he will still be part of the Saint John's family as he pursues his dream as Master Gardener in making our physical surroundings even more beautiful."
Elton started his competitive wrestling career at Bloomington Lincoln High School. In 1976, Elton placed second at 145-pounds in the Minnesota State Wrestling Tournament. As a collegiate wrestler, Elton was a four-year standout for the Johnnies and captured a National Catholic Championship during his senior season. Elton also qualified for the NCAA tournament at 150-pounds in 1979 and 1980 and the NAIA tournament in 1977 and 1978. Elton graduated with honors in 1980 from Saint John's.
The SJU teams have posted an impressive .729 winning percentage during the Elton era. In 1981-82, SJU was 4-5-1 overall during Elton's first year. Since that season, SJU has never dropped below .500 and has won 10 or more dual meets 19 times.
Elton has been named MIAC Coach of the Year in 1984, 1993, 1995 and 1997.
At the national level, SJU has qualified athletes to the NCAA Division III tournament in 19 of the past 20 seasons, including 19 NCAA All-Americans and 29 Scholar All-Americans.
In 2003-04, SJU finished with a 12-4 dual record and finished third at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional, with three wrestlers advancing to the NCAA Championships.
Elton is a resident of nearby St. Cloud, with his wife, Joan, and two children.
Elton's Year-by-Year Records
Year / Record / MIAC Finish
TOTALS / 273-100-5