James Cannon

Biography

James Cannon begins his seventh season on the RIT wrestling staff as an assistant coach for the 2025-26 season. Cannon brings nearly 40 years of coaching experience at the high school level, most recently serving as an assistant coach at Fairport High School under his son, John-Martin Cannon. At Fairport, he helped lead the Red Raiders to the 2017 Class AA Section V Championship. Originally from Grand Rapids, Mich., Cannon was the head wrestling coach at Grand Rapids Christian High School from 1984-92. He led Grand Rapids Christian to 126 dual wins as well as the school's only two Grand Rapids City League Championships. Cannon also served as head wrestling coach at Brockport High School from 1996-2008, amassing 122 dual meet victories. At Brockport, Cannon coached one New York State Champion, one New York State runner-up and 15 different place winners. In addition, he received three different Coach of the Year honors at Brockport. In three seasons at Fairport, Cannon helped coach a New York State Champion and three place winners at the state tournament. Cannon recently served as a Social Studies teacher for 41 years. His son, John-Martin, is also on the RIT wrestling staff as an assistant coach.