John
John Douglas Carlson
John Douglas Carlson
, well-known and beloved as “Coach” to thousands of Chandler residents and students, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 12, 2018, in Chandler. Coach Carlson was a native of Fort Dodge, IA, and the son of Ole John and Gertrude Irene Carlson. He was a graduate of Mesa HS (1965) and attended Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education, social studies, and health and recreation. He earned post-graduate degrees and principal certification from Northern Arizona University. After four years in Sacaton and Eloy schools, John spent most of his career in Chandler: from 1974-1986 as a teacher and coach at Chandler HS, and from 1986-2012 as CUSD Director of Athletics. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol; son, Christopher (Gina); sister, Connie Stepherson (Lee), one uncle, two aunts, and many cousins, all out of state. Coach Carlson’s storied career as a teacher, coach, and mentor to thousands of students is legendary in Chandler’s history. During his career, he taught history, safety ed, and drivers ed courses. However, his unique gift was in coaching, and he became the consummate coach. If a coaching position was unfilled, John would step in to fill it. He coached baseball, basketball, cross country, football, softball, track and field, volleyball, weightlifting, and, of course, wrestling. He developed an award-winning wrestling program at CHS, earning state titles in 1989 and 1990 as well as many regional titles. His teams achieved national rankings during many of those years. He also coached student-athletes to state and national titles in track and field. As a coach and a teacher, he created lasting friendships with fellow teachers, students, community leaders, and sports fans across the state and nation. He was honored many times by sports, wrestling, and education organizations. A great honor came to John and Carol (also a teacher and administrator in the district for 32 years) when CUSD named an elementary school after them. The John and Carol Carlson Elementary School was dedicated in 2012. Other deserved recognition came from the AZ Interscholastic Association, USA Junior World Wrestling, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. As a tribute to his years of coaching, he is a member of seven halls of fame. Thousands of former students, players, and associates will miss his friendly, welcoming spirit in the classroom, around the campus, and on the sidelines of sports events. Memorial services for Coach Carlson are planned for Saturday, June 2, at 10 am at the Compass Christian Church, 1825 S. Alma School Rd, Chandler 85286. Coach Carlson’s family suggests contributions in his memory to Sunkist Kids (
www.sunkistkids.org
) or to AZ-USA Wrestling (
www.az-usaw.org
or
www.paypal.me/AZUSAW
)
, well-known and beloved as “Coach” to thousands of Chandler residents and students, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 12, 2018, in Chandler. Coach Carlson was a native of Fort Dodge, IA, and the son of Ole John and Gertrude Irene Carlson. He was a graduate of Mesa HS (1965) and attended Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education, social studies, and health and recreation. He earned post-graduate degrees and principal certification from Northern Arizona University. After four years in Sacaton and Eloy schools, John spent most of his career in Chandler: from 1974-1986 as a teacher and coach at Chandler HS, and from 1986-2012 as CUSD Director of Athletics. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol; son, Christopher (Gina); sister, Connie Stepherson (Lee), one uncle, two aunts, and many cousins, all out of state. Coach Carlson’s storied career as a teacher, coach, and mentor to thousands of students is legendary in Chandler’s history. During his career, he taught history, safety ed, and drivers ed courses. However, his unique gift was in coaching, and he became the consummate coach. If a coaching position was unfilled, John would step in to fill it. He coached baseball, basketball, cross country, football, softball, track and field, volleyball, weightlifting, and, of course, wrestling. He developed an award-winning wrestling program at CHS, earning state titles in 1989 and 1990 as well as many regional titles. His teams achieved national rankings during many of those years. He also coached student-athletes to state and national titles in track and field. As a coach and a teacher, he created lasting friendships with fellow teachers, students, community leaders, and sports fans across the state and nation. He was honored many times by sports, wrestling, and education organizations. A great honor came to John and Carol (also a teacher and administrator in the district for 32 years) when CUSD named an elementary school after them. The John and Carol Carlson Elementary School was dedicated in 2012. Other deserved recognition came from the AZ Interscholastic Association, USA Junior World Wrestling, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. As a tribute to his years of coaching, he is a member of seven halls of fame. Thousands of former students, players, and associates will miss his friendly, welcoming spirit in the classroom, around the campus, and on the sidelines of sports events. Memorial services for Coach Carlson are planned for Saturday, June 2, at 10 am at the Compass Christian Church, 1825 S. Alma School Rd, Chandler 85286. Coach Carlson’s family suggests contributions in his memory to Sunkist Kids (
www.sunkistkids.org
) or to AZ-USA Wrestling (
www.az-usaw.org
or
www.paypal.me/AZUSAW
)
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