Former PSU National Champ John Hughes Bring America's Wrestling Cup To Happy Valley

By Kelley S. Hughes

NCAA wrestling champion John Hughes was eager and enthusiastic to come back to Happy Valley for another competition.

This time, however, he wasn’t back to wrestle.

Instead, his journey is that of pursuing excellence: bringing quality wrestling into Pennsylvania. The competition was fierce, with high-level action and great sportsmanship displayed by coaches, wrestlers, and fans, according to head official Brad Strubel, who officiated the event.

More than 400 spectators came to watch America’s Wrestling Cup’s inaugural competition unfold at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre October 25-27, according to John Hughes, Executive Director, America’s Wrestling Cup.

Hughes’ determination and grit secured more than 1,665 individual wrestling matches which included 75 exhibition matches to Happy Valley.

“Pursuing excellence (Consequi Excellentiam-our motto) is a journey, not a destination,” said Hughes. “My parents, Scotty and Tucker Hughes, taught me the meaning of hard work on our family farm, Never Done Farm, where there’s always more to be done. Growing up at the farm inspired me to dream big. It still does. It shows me that with effort and the right attitude, anything is possible. Through wrestling, I’ve built core values like character, integrity, dedication, punctuality, grit, determination, and resilience – qualities every CEO in America seeks."

Hughes’ first leg of the AWC journey was to provide quality over quantity in wrestling competition. He secured 6 mats and 300 wrestlers, with the help of many coaches. Hughes also contacted and received assistance from PAUSA State Chairman Joe Stabilito, Sr. “I’ve been friends with John’s family since he was 10.”  Hughes’ aim: provide the best pre-season competition they could find on the East Coast.

 Additionally, he wanted to ensure those wrestlers and their families would enjoy their time in Happy Valley. Hughes succeeded partnering with the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, USA Wrestling, PAUSA Wrestling, Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance, Nittany Valley Sports Centre, RUDIS and EventPipe.

Wrestling club teams were diverse and represented more than 12 states, reaching as far as west as Kentucky and far north as Massachusetts. Representation came from MA, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, NC, WV, OH, and KY. Hughes’ alma mater wrestlers, K-8 and some high school wrestlers also made the 2-hour drive from Benton.

“Teams were from all over...a lot of great wrestlers at both (K-8 and high school) levels), said Benton High School head wrestling coach B.J. Wise who attended the event. “I can’t wait to see what John does with this,” said Wise, a former 2X PIAA state place runner up and 2X All-American for Delaware Valley University.

Team Mahindra, coached by Greg Humphreys and his son Josh Humphreys, NCAA wrestling runner-up and 3rd place winner, traveled from West Virginia. “Anytime our guys can compete with high-level competition, we want to be part of it…we knew we need to make the trip!”
Humphreys said.

“Our parents said they really enjoyed the convenience to the venue to the restaurants, hotels and PSU itself.”

Coaches and officials feedback seemed positive as well. Anthony Ciolino, head coach of Team Kong, Long Island, NY, expressed he enjoyed his first time to Happy Valley and the Penn State campus. “I have been coaching for more than 40 years and have never been here! I love it!” Ciolino said.

“Coach Ciolino and his talented Kong wrestlers brought some grit and fun to Happy Valley – true champions,” said Hughes. Team Kong wrestlers were victorious for AWC’s inaugural event. Handcrafted AWC authentic, rustic barnwood trophies Hughes designed were awarded to champions of boys K-8 division and boys high school division and outstanding wrestlers of each division. Future AWC events will include girls K-8 and high school division as Hughes’ program develops and grows.

“Wrestling started promptly on time which is always important. John Hughes was very accessible, on top of things and made sure all the wrestlers got as many matches as possible (8-9) matches.” added Strubel.

Noting the event was punctual, ending on time was important for visiting wrestlers and families as well. “The event ended on time giving us the ability to take in the Penn State experience and catch a PSU Ice Hockey and Soccer game experience on the same day, “said Chris Wagner, father of son Trey who competed for Team Kong. The Wagners are residents of Nazareth, Pa. 

“We’re thrilled with the success of the inaugural America’s Wrestling Cup this past weekend,” said Eric Engelbarts, STS – Executive Director, Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance.

The event showcased incredible athleticism and drew an enthusiastic crowd, proving passion for wrestling here in Happy Valley, according to Engelbarts.

“This partnership between the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance and America’s Wrestling Cup has truly strengthened our commitment to supporting premiere events that bring excitement to our community,” added Engelbarts.

Hughes’ vision for America’s Wrestling Cup, one built on relationships and a shared journey is off to a great start. He welcomes everyone who wants to be part of the America’s Wrestling Cup experience.