John Petree

“Make the next generation hunt the STANDARD!”

Championship-winning educator, wrestling coach, and U.S. Army veteran with a career record of 190-30. Proven program builder with five consecutive Arkansas Class 5A boys wrestling state championships (2022-2026), multiple Coach of the Year honors, and extensive experience developing student-athletes through discipline, accountability, leadership, resilience, and high expectations. Committed to educational excellence, lifelong wellness, and preparing students to become responsible, capable members who hunt and establish the standard in their communities.

I am committed to educational excellence and to helping every student reach his or her fullest potential. My goal is to promote lifelong learning through essential standards that develop competent thinkers, problem-solvers, and decision-makers. Students should learn to collaborate and communicate effectively, listen to others, and understand the importance of physical and emotional wellness. As an educator and coach, I strive to develop responsible citizens who can apply their knowledge to improve the quality of their lives, pursue personal wellness and safety, and contribute positively to their communities. I also believe technology literacy is essential; students must learn to use digital resources responsibly and apply technology appropriately. In athletics, these same principles become discipline, accountability, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and the ability to respond to adversity. The goal is not only to win, but to develop young people who are prepared to succeed long after their competitive careers end.

• 2018-19 NWA Coaches Association Arkansas Coach of the Year
• 2019-20 ALL Prep Boys Wrestling Coach of the Year
• 2021-22 ALL Prep Girls Wrestling Coach of the Year
• 2021-22 Arkansas Wrestling Association Coach of the Year
• 2022 Arkansas Gazette Coach of the Year
• 2022 Arkansas Class 5A Wrestling Coach of the Year
• 2022, 2023 NFHS Arkansas Wrestling Coach of the Year
• 2023, 2024 AHSCA Coach of the Year
• 2024, 2025 River Valley Democrat-Gazette Wrestling Coach of the Year
• 2024, 2025, 2026 NWCA Arkansas Boys Head Coach of the Year
• 2025 Arkansas Class 5A Wrestling Coach of the Year
• 2026 Arkansas Class 5A Wrestling Coach of the Year

• Head Coach Van Buren High School Current