On April 1, SportsLife Leadership celebrated one year of service for Field Leader Jose Campo. When he joined the staff, Campo brought 40-plus years of coaching experience and seven years of chaplaincy with the U.S. Senior Men’s Freestyle Wrestling Team—a role he continues today.

After collegiate stints at Yale and Southern Connecticut, Campo notably spent 29 years as head wrestling coach at Mount Carmel High School in San Diego, California, earning the 1994 National Wrestling Coach of the Year award. In retirement, he has also worked with the Cal Baptist University wrestling program for the past five years.

Yet Campo’s path to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006—where he and his father became the first father-son duo inducted—nearly never happened.

“My father was the most successful high school wrestling coach in New York,” Campo explained. “So naturally, I started wrestling at age three. But in high school, I rebelled against my father’s example. I was bulimic, used diuretics, and sought shortcuts. Despite spending more time on the mats than anyone, I was never a champion.”

Hoping to please his father, Campo followed his older brother to West Point. However, his wrestling career ended after three major surgeries, and things worsened when he participated in the largest cheating scandal in military academy history.

“I was kicked out in 1976, bringing shame to my father’s name,” Campo said. “I fled to California to hide in anonymity. For eight years, I used drugs. I had no job, no car, and no meaningful relationships.”

In 1985, Bobby Antonacci, one of his father’s wrestlers, visited and shared the Gospel—a pivotal moment that transformed Campo’s life. He accepted Christ, overcame his addictions, and pursued his coaching dream with renewed purpose.

“I’m a testament to God’s grace. He changed my life and turned me around. Through sports ministry, I share my story so people know that if He can do this for me, He can do it for anyone.” – Jose Campo

About 13 years ago, Campo began working with SportsLife Leadership’s Chief Sport Officer Carl Perry. In 2018, Perry contacted him about becoming chaplain for the U.S. Senior Men’s Freestyle Wrestling Team in Oceanside, California—conveniently near his home. The request came from USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender.

“My coaching instincts kicked in immediately,” Campo recalled. “I washed mats, brought water to wrestlers, and led my first Bible study with five attendees, including head coach Bill Zadick.”

From that Colorado Springs training camp onward, Bible studies grew to 20-30 regular participants. Today, approximately 80 percent of the team and support staff participate in gatherings at camps and international events, including the Olympics, World Championships, and Pan American Games.

“The rest of your life can be the best part,” Campo said. “That’s my reality now. This chaplaincy is incredibly fulfilling, and God’s impact is unbelievable.”

Most recently, at the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Wrestling Championships, Campo received SportsLife Leadership’s inaugural Steven J. Cochlan Leadership Award.

“Jose Campo is currently the most influential person in wrestling,” said SportsLife Wrestling Executive Director Brandon Slay. “God prepared him for this. He commands respect across all levels—from young wrestlers like Jax Forrest and Bo Bassett to Kyle Dake. His impact on people’s lives is remarkable.”

When not traveling, Campo enjoys time with his wife Stacey of 35 years and three grandsons, reflecting on wrestling’s bright future.