After ten years on the Wrestling staff, four years as Assistant Coach and six as Head Coach, John Chillem will step down from the role of Head Coach at the end of this academic year.
Stepping into the role of Head Coach will be current Assistant Coach and CCC alumnus, Alex Velez ‘18, who brings years of competitive and coaching experience, much of it gained under the tutelage of Chillem. His time as a student-athlete at CCC culminated in a National Qualifier appearance in 2018.
“I’m very honored to be stepping into the role of the head coach,” remarked Velez. “This program means a lot to me, especially as an alumnus who competed here myself.”
Velez has spent the past two seasons on the Wrestling staff as Assistant Coach for the Cougars, and previously served as a Volunteer Assistant Wrestling Coach at Cherry Hill High School East for four years. With a solid group of returning sophomores, and a strong incoming recruiting class, Velez is poised to continue the program’s legacy of excellence.
The opportunity to take the reins as Head Coach from Chillem, who served as his coach, professional mentor, and friend, is not lost on Velez.
“I thank John so much for being a mentor and a friend to me,” said Velez. “The traditions and values I have learned from him and this program are something that I’ve implemented in my daily life.”
Chillem leaves behind a decorated legacy. He is a three-time Region Coach of the Year and, in 2023 he was named NJCAA National Coach of the Year. Under Chillem’s leadership, the program flourished. Chillem coached 72 National Qualifiers, 8 All-Americans, and 1 National Champion. The team captured three Region 19 Championships, two Gulf Atlantic District Championships, and earned five top-10 finishes, including two in the top 5, at the NJCAA National Championships.
Velez is prepared to carry forward Chillem’s legacy, aiming to have the same lasting impact on his athletes that Chillem had on him.
“He has been an amazing role model for the students, helping them through not only in their athletic career but with their academics as well. I hope to keep the same traditions and values for as long as I have this opportunity.”
