About Us - Empire Wrestling Academy

About Empire Wrestling Academy Closing the Gap on Your Potential

Expanding Empire’s reach into Westchester and the Bronx with seasonal clinic-style training at Iona Prep. Join the wrestling academy New Rochelle families trust for proven results.

Meet Our Founder

In 1992 John Degl was informed by the legendary Coach, Dan Gable, that the Iowa Wrestling team had no space on the roster for him. Refusing to accept the news, John packed up his things and drove from Mahopac, New York to the famed University of Iowa intent on pursuing his academic and athletic career. Once there, John was met by Coach Gable in person who only confirmed the bad news. Undeterred, John showed up for every practice and watched from the sidelines as the team practiced. Three weeks later, an impressed Gable took note of John's tenacity, and he allowed John to practice with the team.

John went on to qualify for and wrestle at the NCAA Championships for the Hawkeyes, and participate in four National Championship teams, and the rest was history.

Today, John brings the same methods and spirit of Iowa wrestling back home where he runs his own club—Empire Wrestling Academy. From humble beginnings in his parent's barn to a state-of-the-art training facility in Somers, NY, Empire is known as one of the premier wrestling clubs in the country.

John is married to Jennifer and they have four children and four dogs. (Sean, Jack, Shane & Joy) - (Pudding, Ace, Thor & Paris).

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

20+ Years of Coaching Experience at the Youth, High School, & Collegiate Levels
1991 New York State High School Wrestling Champion
1994, 2001 Empire State Games Champion
University Nationals All-American – 1995, 1996
2x Place Winner at Midlands Invitational, Northwestern University – 1994, 1995
1996 National Qualifier for the University of Iowa
Member of 4 National Championship Teams at UI & 5 Big 10 Team Titles
Head Assistant Coach at Hofstra University – 1997. 1999-2000
Former Head Coach at Mahopac HS – 2002 Section One Team Champions
Currently, Owner of Empire Wrestling Academy & Coach at Iona Prep
University of Iowa, BA
Mercy College, MS

Our Mission at Empire Wrestling Academy

Our mission is to close the gap on every athlete’s potential. We believe wrestling teaches lessons far beyond the mat -building resilience, character, and confidence for life.

“We don’t measure success with medals or trophies. Our mission is closing the gap on your potential.” – John Degl, Founder

Culture & Values at Our Wrestling Training Center

Meet Our Coaches

Empire’s coaching staff is made up of Division I wrestlers and NCAA All-Americans, bringing decades of experience to the mat. Every coach shares one mission: to develop athletes into disciplined, resilient competitors.

Empire by the Numbers

training athletes in New York

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Attend your first session we’ll guide your placement

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active members training year-round

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Stories That Define Us

Maxine V., Parent

The coaches went above and beyond to build confidence in my daughters.
They love coming to practice.

Dolores DeMauro

Empire Wrestling has been a game changer for my son. In one year he has developed into a confident and skilled wrestler. John and his coaching staff have an remarkable teaching style that instructs in proper technique, while at the same time making the experience an enjoyable one. Can’t thank Empire enough for the amazing transformation in my son’s wrestling ability in such a short time, as well as the opportunities it has provided for him. Kudos to the entire staff for making this wrestling academy such a success. Would definitely whole heartedly recommend Empire for all your wrestling training needs.

    
 
 
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   Jack Magnani 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great tournament last weekend!  Youth eastern states at empire wrestling was a fantastic experience for our entire family. Quick, smooth, and great competition. It’s our second time attending and can’t wait for next years. Thanks again empire wrestling !
  
 
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   Holly Rousseau 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Empire Wrestling Academy has been fantastic! I have two teen sons who have wrestled for a few years and have had various coaching opportunities. They have excelled in the sport of wrestling, having placed at the state level and won many matches. Since they've started at Empire they come home praising   Empire. Every practice they feel challenged.  Every practice the coaches are diligent in identifying if they are partnered up correctly. Every practice the coaches stand by and ensure the techniques are being done correctly. These are a few examples among the many things that stand out with my sons. One of the best things to hear after practice was how much the coaches really care about the students. Thank you Empire!!
  
 
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   Adriana MacGregor 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We joined EWA this year and our experience has been phenomenal. The coaches are fantastic and the club is committed to providing high quality wrestling instruction as well as an amazing and supportive community of wrestling families.
  
 
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   barron ransom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I couldn’t be happier with this club. The coaches have not only helped me improve as a wrestler but also as a person. The bonds you form here are truly lasting, and the coaches are fully dedicated to your growth. When you join, you become part of a second family. The club brings together people from across Westchester and even out of state. They also host clinics featuring world champions and other accomplished athletes and coaches who share techniques and insights about advancing to the next level. Overall, this club has been life-changing for me, and I’m confident it can do the same for you if you give it a chance.
  
 
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   Luke Ryan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joining Empire Wrestling Academy has completely transformed my wrestling. I went 0-2 at sectionals my sophomore year before switching to EWA and now as a junior I'm now competing with some of the best kids in the state. The coaching staff is phenomenal—they’re knowledgeable, encouraging, and really focus on each member's individual growth. The environment is both friendly and competitive, with excellent training partners who push you to be your best. Since switching I’ve never looked back. If you’re serious about improving, Empire Wrestling Academy is the place to be.
  
 
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   Youssif Hemida 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Empire Wrestling Academy is a great place to train! Great facilities and great coaching. John Degl brings a passion to the sport that is unmatched. One of the best decisions in my wrestling career was coming here to train in the offseason which set me up for much success in college and beyond.
  
 
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   Robert Demauro 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience at Empire Wrestling Academy has been excellent. I switched over from another club 2 years ago and it was the best decision for my wrestling career. Empire has the best coaching staff and all the kids in the club help each other get better everyday. Everyone practices together so younger students can get mentored and older students can learn from mentoring. Empire offers numerous clinics and camps so the students can get different wrestling perspectives and learn different technique. All around Empire is a extremely inclusive place where everyone can improve and enrolling in Empire has elevated my wrestling tremendously.
  
 
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   Tina Pote 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough good things about my son's wrestling club! The coaching here is top-notch, but what truly sets this club apart is its commitment to fostering personal growth in the young athletes. Beyond just teaching wrestling techniques, the coaches mentor the wrestlers to develop courage, independence, perseverance, and self-esteem. For those who may not have a strong high school program, Coach Degl is incredibly supportive, providing invaluable guidance as he prepares them for college wrestling and walks them through the recruiting process. It’s evident that this club is about so much more than just winning matches; it's about building character and life skills. We are so grateful to be a part of this amazing community that invests in the athletes’ futures, both on and off the mat. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a positive and nurturing wrestling environment!

Join the Empire Community

For over 25 years, Empire Wrestling Academy has built athletes who succeed on and off the mat. If you’re searching for a wrestling club near you or structured wrestling training, your child’s journey starts here, with one free week of training. That’s what Empire Wrestling Academy is all about.