Written and Produced by Tony Richards
January 13th in the Time Tunnel:
Happy Birthday to those who have passed on and to those great wrestlers still with us:
In Memoriam:
Ramon Torres 1932
Bearcat Wright 1932
Ron Reed\Buddy Colt 1936
John Kronus 1969
Shad Gaspard 1981
Happy Birthday:
Bruce Hart (76)
Robin Smith\Rockin Robin (62)
Reno Reggins (59)
Mason Ryan (44)
Ian Ricciboni (39)
RIP Memorial: We stop & remember those who have passed on this day and gave themselves to the business for us, the fans. We salute you and thank you.
Coach John Heath 1-13-2004 at the age of 81
Lanny Kean\Cousin Junior 1-13-2009 at the age of 48
The Life and Career of Coach John Heath
John Heath’s journey took him from the streets of Philadelphia to the sunny shores of Sarasota, where he became a legendary amateur wrestling coach and a key player in professional wrestling promotions, particularly Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF). His career spanned decades, blending teaching, coaching, promoting, and commentating, all while impacting countless young lives through his dedication to amateur athletics. Heath’s story is one of resilience, community involvement, and a deep passion for wrestling that extended from the mats of local schools to the televised rings of professional circuits. His legacy endures as the “father of amateur wrestling in Florida,” a title earned through tireless efforts in coaching and promotion.
John Thomas Heath was born on February 21, 1923, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a city known for its gritty, working-class ethos that likely shaped his disciplined approach to life and sports. He pursued higher education at Temple University before graduating from East Stroudsburg State Teachers College, equipping him with the knowledge to become an educator and coach. Heath’s early adulthood was marked by service to his country; he was an Army veteran of World War II, an experience that instilled in him values of leadership and perseverance.
In 1956, Heath relocated to Sarasota, Florida, seeking new opportunities in a burgeoning Sunbelt state. This move proved pivotal, as it positioned him at the heart of Florida’s evolving sports scene. By 1963, he had settled in nearby Manatee County (Bradenton), but his professional and community ties remained deeply rooted in Sarasota. Married to Pauline, Heath built a family that included sons John T. Jr. and Patrick D., and daughter Mary Carol Heath Quinlan. He was a devoted family man, crediting his children’s successes to their own hard work, and later became a grandfather to two. A member of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church in Sarasota, Heath’s faith and community involvement were integral to his personal life.
Heath’s arrival in Sarasota coincided with his entry into education and coaching. From 1956 to 1988, he served as a teacher and coach at St. Martha’s Grade School, where he pioneered amateur wrestling programs that produced remarkable results. He coached 38 individual AAU state amateur champions, including future professional wrestlers like Bob Orton Jr. and Mike Graham, son of legendary promoter Eddie Graham. Heath conducted weekend clinics at the Sportatorium in Tampa, emphasizing wrestling’s role in developing physical strength, balance, and discipline in young boys.
Pictured: Sarasota Times December 20th, 1975
His influence extended to high school athletics when Cardinal Mooney High School opened in 1959. Heath served as its inaugural football coach and athletic director, returning in those roles from 1966 to 1973, with head coaching stints in football from 1966-1968 and 1971-1973. He organized wrestling events at high schools across Florida, splitting proceeds to support school programs, and was instrumental in introducing wrestling to kids who might otherwise lack access to structured sports.
Tributes from those he mentored highlight his humility and unwavering support; he was known for teaching not just techniques but life lessons in responsibility and politics, both in sports and beyond. Heath’s coaching philosophy—rooted in his expertise in human anatomy and amateur wrestling—earned him respect as a mentor who “made many lives better” through selfless guidance.
While Heath’s coaching career flourished, he simultaneously immersed himself in professional wrestling, debuting in 1956 and wrestling professionally from 1958 to 1976. Motivated initially by financial needs, he competed in matches across Florida, including Miami and Jacksonville, and even refereed bouts. His final in-ring appearance was in 1976 at a fundraiser for Bayshore High School.
Pictured: Coach John Heath puts the abdominal stretch on Mike Pappas in his last professional wrestling match in July 1976.
Pictured: Mary Heath Quinlin, Coach John Heath, Dusty Rhodes and Pat Heath
As a promoter from 1957 to the early 1980s, Heath became the local Sarasota County promoter for Eddie Graham’s Championship Wrestling from Florida, organizing events and traveling to surrounding towns to announce matches. He was a fixture in the promotion, providing training and fine-tuning to wrestlers, drawing on his amateur background to explain move histories and origins. Heath’s commentary career elevated his profile; he partnered with the iconic Gordon Solie, teaching him wrestling intricacies that enhanced Solie’s broadcasts. In the late 1980s, he commentated for the Professional Wrestling Federation (PWF) alongside Diamond Dallas Page and hosted a Sunday afternoon wrestling program. After Jim Crockett acquired the Florida territory in 1987, sidelining Heath temporarily, he returned as color commentator for a revived CWF in the early 1990s.
His contributions were recognized with the NWA’s Man of the Year award in 1980, underscoring his impact on the industry. Heath’s dual roles in amateur and professional wrestling bridged the two worlds, training pros while promoting events that drew crowds to Sarasota venues like the American Legion Arena and Robards Arena.
John Heath’s legacy is that of a “true gentleman and class act,” as described by peers like Bill Moody (Later Percy Pringle\Paul Bearer). He was a fixture in Florida wrestling for decades, respected for his professional conduct, community focus, and ability to inspire both athletes and broadcasters. His work at Cardinal Mooney, including the memorable 1972 championship season, left indelible marks on Sarasota’s youth.In his later years, Heath battled cancer, passing away on February 13, 2004, at age 80 in Bradenton. A memorial Mass was held at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church, reflecting his faith-centered life. Donations were encouraged to Hospice of Southwest Florida, highlighting his community’s appreciation.
One Thing I Learned About Ramon Torres
He once competed under a mask as “Avenger 2” and lost a Mask vs. Mask match to Oki Yama on December 8, 1967, which required him to unmask.
Thank You for Reading
I’m Tony Richards, Pro Wrestling Historian, Author and Storyteller. I share pro wrestling historical items in each issue of the Time Tunnel Pro Wrestling History Newsletter. Thanks for reading! If you enjoy my information on select events, matches and insights, please share it with folks you think might like to be a subscriber!
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