Throughout his wrestling career, John Meyers has always steadily improved. In his three years on the mat at Greensburg Salem, he elevated his record and placed better in the regional and state tournaments each campaign. He followed the same path during his three years at Seton Hill, including a breakthrough performance last season. Now, he’s competing at the Division I level at Clarion University. Meyers is under the microscope for the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

Meyers began his varsity wrestling career for Greensburg Salem as a sophomore in 2017-18. Wrestling at 195 pounds, Meyers achieved a mark of 25-13. In the sectional, Meyers finished in second place, thus qualifying for the WPIAL Class AAA tournament. At that event, however, he failed to place, concluding his individual season.

The following season, Meyers improved to a record of 31-10. He finished as runner up once again in the sectional competition, but captured a third-place finish in the WPIAL Class AAA tournament. Subsequently, he qualified for the PIAA event, but he failed to place.

In Meyers’ senior season, he bumped up to the 220-pound class, as he upped his record to 33-2. He took first place in the section, and came in second at the WPIAL Class AAA tournament. In the state competition, Meyers finished third.

Thus, he wrapped up his career with the Golden Lions with a mark of 89-25.

Meyers stayed close to home for his college choice, as he joined Seton Hill University for the 2020-21 season, redshirting at 197 pounds.

The following season, Meyers moved up to the 285-pound heavyweight class, and achieved a mark of 7-8. Among those matches, he went 5-2 in dual meets, and he notched four pins. Collectively, the Griffins went 8-6 overall, including 3-4 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), finishing sixth at the NCAA Division II Regionals.

Last season, Meyers emerged as a top grappler for the Griffins, as he posted a record of 17-3, including 4-1 in dual meets. Competing in the NCAA Super Regional, Meyers went 4-0. He captured first place with a 3-1 decision against Isaiah Vance of the University of Pitt-Johnstown. Competing at the NCAA DII Championships in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Meyers went 1-2 and was eliminated in the blood round. Seton Hill posted a team record of 5-10 overall, including just 1-6 in the PSAC, placing sixth at the NCAA Super Regionals.

Following last season, Meyers opted to transfer to the DI level, joining Clarion University. Thus far with the Golden Eagles, he’s gone 5-6. Clarion has amassed a record of 3-4 overall, and 1-0 in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

John took time from his schedule to respond to questions about his decision to transfer to Clarion, the best qualities of his high school coach, and what rule he’d change in college wrestling.

Q: You had a breakout season last year. What were the biggest factors in that success?

A: I’d say the biggest factors in my success last year were Brian Tucker, Drew Phipps, and Mark Marshall. Each played a unique role in my success preparing me for life, on and off the mat. These individuals are great role models and people who I will always look up to.

Q: How do you describe your style of wrestling?

A: If I had to describe my style of wrestling, I’d say it’s more calm, patient, and explosive.

Q: What are the pros and cons of wrestling heavyweight?

A: In my opinion, one of the cons of heavyweight is the weight gap from 197 pounds to 285 pounds. A pro of wrestling heavyweight is being able to focus more on getting better at wrestling rather than cutting weight.

Q: What team and individual goals have you set for this season?

A: Individually, one of my goals is to have consistent performances and to just have fun doing what I love. Aside from that, just being a good person and bettering myself in all areas of my life is a huge focus for me this year. It’s important for me to realize that there’s more to life than wrestling and that wins or losses don’t define who I am as a person. As a team, my goal is to be there for my teammates, help guys believe in themselves, and be a positive role model.

Q: What led to your decision to transfer to Clarion?

A: Not wanting to have regrets or wonder how good I could have been was a major factor in why I transferred from Division II to Division I. I wanted to take a chance on myself and see how good I really can be. What excites me the most is competing at the highest level. Clarion was a great fit for me all around.

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: My major is business management. My ideal future profession would be a business owner and entrepreneur. I would also like to pursue acting and see if it’s something I could do as a career.

Q: What has been your most challenging college course?

A: My most challenging college course has been accounting.

Q: You wrestled for Randy Parsley at Greensburg Salem. What were his best qualities?

A: I’d say Randy’s best qualities are getting guys to believe in themselves and preparing his athletes for the next step of their life, on and off the mat. Randy, Patrick Hutchinson, and Brian Sticca made the sport of wrestling fun, showed what it means to be there for others, and were a huge part in who I’ve become as a wrestler and person.

Q: What was your favorite high school memory?

A: My favorite high school memory was the state tournament in Hershey and all the trips we went on as a team.

Q: Do you still follow Greensburg Salem athletics or WPIAL wrestling?

A: I still do follow Greensburg Salem athletics, but not so much WPIAL wrestling. I’m sure once I’m out of college and done competing, I will be more involved.

Q: If you could change one rule about college wrestling, what would it be? Why?

A: I’d like to see a shot clock added to folkstyle wrestling. I think that will help create more action and make wrestling more entertaining.

Q: Do you use water, a sports drink, or something else during matches?

A: During matches, I usually just drink water with electrolyte powder to make sure I stay hydrated.

Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: A Chipotle bowl with white rice, chicken, salsa, corn, sour cream, and cheese.

Q: If you were stranded on an island with one teammate, who would you choose? Why?

A: I’d choose a former teammate, Billy McChesney. I feel like he has the brain and muscle to help us survive.