Three months after wrestling at NCAA championships, this Prep grad led practice at his alma mater
More than three-dozen youths filled the wrestling room at Cathedral Prep for Tuesday’s practice led by Paniro Johnson.
Johnson, a 2021 Prep grad who currently wrestles at Iowa State, led attendees through a four-hour session hosted by Rambler Wrestling Club in conjunction with Bad Karma Wrestling Club. Johnson’s demanding training schedule rarely allows trips to his native Erie, but while in town this week, the four-time PIAA medalist made sure to find time for local wrestlers.
“I just want to show the kids a few things in wrestling and give back to the community,” said Johnson, who was the 2023 Big 12 champion at 149 pounds. “I remember when I was young and guys would come in and help. I used to look up to those guys and I hope these guys look up to me.”
A rare homecoming
Johnson, who lives and trains in Iowa, hadn’t been to Erie yet this year. He’ll return to Iowa after a week, he said, to continue training.
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After sitting out from competition his first year at Iowa State, Johnson broke onto the college wrestling scene in 2022-23, compiling an 18-6 record and appearing at his first NCAA tournament after winning the Big 12. He most recently competed at the U20 World Team Trials, finishing second in freestyle at 79 kilograms to narrowly miss a spot at this year’s world championships.
Johnson had helped at prior practices and clinics elsewhere, he said, but Tuesday was his first time as lead instructor.
“(Johnson) comes back and helps any time he can. Showing kids stuff, being a good role model for everybody,” said Mark Harrington, head coach of Rambler Wrestling Club. “All the kids look up to him and he’s super relatable with the kids.”
Johnson and Bad Karma head coach Mark Steen opened the session by sharing lessons about work ethic, college wrestling and life. Johnson then showed an assortment of takedowns while an audience ranging from ages 5 to 16 watched intently.
Summer dedication
A full wrestling room is hardly a rarity at Prep, even during off months such as June.
“We’ve been having 30 or 40 kids at practice every day,” Harrington said. “The kids in this area who want to be really, really good are coming down and getting better. We have a lot of kids down here grinding, and that’s a good sight to see.”
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Johnson decided during his sophomore year at Prep, he said, to dedicate all his time to wrestling. Since then, he’s remained on an upward trajectory toward his ultimate goal — winning a national championship.
“You need to work as hard as you can and not take anyone lightly,” Johnson said. “Wrestling is about who is better that day, so you need to come ready every single time and grab the moment sometimes when the lights get bright.”
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Contact Jeff Uveino at juveino@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter@realjuveino.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Iowa St. wrestler, Prep grad Johnson leads youth practice at alma mater
