John won multiple letters in Football, Basketball and Track during his career at Chagrin. In 1956 he was named to the All-Cuyahoga Conference Team as both a running back and linebacker and was named the starting Fullback for the Cuyahoga County All Star Team. John also was a strong contributor on the storied 1956 Basketball team that advanced to the Class B Final Four under the leadership of Coach Dale Bruce. John continued his athletic career in college, ending up at Ohio Wesleyan, again under the influence of Coach Bruce. He played cornerback on defense and halfback on offense and was named to All-Ohio Conference Teams both years. John was President of the Senior Class at CFHS and was inducted into the CFHS Achievement Hall of Fame in 2002.