Believe it or not, John Dunlop was looking for a little break.
It was in 2004 when Dunlop, then the head coach of Philadelphia University, needed to cut back a little bit.
He was teaching full time at St. Maria Goretti, he was coaching soccer at the Division I program and things were getting busier at home.
HIs wife is a physician’s assistant, the couple had two children and things were getting much busier at home.
Dunlop wanted to stay involved in coaching, but he couldn’t commit to running a college program. Already working in the Archdiocese, he applied for the open position at Father Judge High School.
“I think I needed a change, I got married and the kids started coming, my wife was an open-heart-surgery PA, so I was playing Mr. Mom a lot,” said Dunlop, a graduate of George Washington. “I was coaching Division I against guys who were doing it full time. Scheduling was rough, I was trying to be a coach and a parent.
“I wasn’t a Judge guy, I went to George Washington. Usually they hire from within or alum. But Father Joe Campellone took a chance on me. For the both of us and Father Judge, I think it all worked out for the best.”
Both on and off the field, in every way possible.
Since Dunlop took over the Crusaders, they’ve become one of the best soccer programs in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
In 21 years, Dunlop has won three Catholic League titles, three District 12 championships, have made the PCL finals nine times and won 298 games.
This year, his 22nd, he started 2-0 to pick up his 300th win.
Success on the field is evident by every metric you could look at. But it’s the other stuff that has turned Dunlop from a good coach to a Catholic League and Father Judge legend.
It’s also made him beloved by many of the men who came through his program over the years.
“JD was the first person to really make me believe that things happen for a reason,” said Derek Ross, a 2011 graduate who is now an assistant coach. “Early on as a ‘know-it-all freshman,’ I disagreed with some of the decisions that were made when it came to me. JD knew that and sat me down to explain the decisions that were made and why they were made. Two years later we held the PCL plaque up together.
“I haven’t met a person yet to say that JD isn’t one of the most genuine humans. JD cares about everyone like we are his family. The amount of times after games I hear, ‘Uncle JD, Uncle JD,’ from kids I know aren’t directly related to him just goes to show that soccer isn’t everything, family is.”
Family is important to Dunlop, and he practices what he preaches.
Dunlop’s son Gavin is a senior on the soccer team.
He’s been around the program his entire life, learning from the older players before he was even in high school.
Dunlop preaches family and his players parrot his words.
“JD has a special connection with his players,” said Wayne Maminski, a 2008 graduate. “Not only was he a great soccer coach, but he took time to get to know you and your family. He came into Judge with something to prove and found ways to motivate a group of guys at a time when the program was rebuilding.”
He more than rebuilt the program.
He made it a standard. He was the first city-league coach to lead a team to a state championship.
Dunlop always wants to win, and his players are the same way. But that’s not even close to the most important thing he teaches his charges.
“JD helped me with many things during and after high school, but one thing that was always appreciative was how he was able to make my college decision easier,” said Jeff Wimsey, a 2009 graduate. “As an 18-year-old kid, this type of decision is tough. JD brought me into his classroom for a meeting where we narrowed down the choices of colleges to three. He was able to show me where I’d fit in as a player at each college but also had the financial numbers to help me set up for a successful future after college.
“The best part about JD being your coach is that it doesn’t stop once high school is over. He is always willing to pick up the phone and talk about whatever’s needed. He connects with a lot of alumni that are eager to come back and volunteer their time for Judge soccer.”
Dunlop came to Judge because he was looking to lighten his schedule. Since getting there, cutting back is one job he hasn’t done a good job with.
He’s turned the soccer program into one of the best around.
He’s the department chair for the business technology department at Father Judge, where he also teaches.
And just as he preaches family with his team, he makes his family a priority. His family includes his wife Melissa, daughter Madison, 21, who is a senior majoring in speech pathology for special needs individuals at Scranton, and Gavin.
Just as he’s a great dad at home, he’s a proud father of all of the Judge players who went through his program.
“You cherish the relationship you have with your players,” Dunlop said. “You’re only as good as your players. So I’m very fortunate to have such great young men and the families allow me to be part of their lives. It’s important to me and I take that responsibility with me.
“I’ve been to weddings, graduations, a lot of family parties. I talk to many, many of my former players. It’s a thrill to have that relationship on and off the field. Some are coaching. I have former players coaching. Great guys who have gone on to great things in our community. Doctors, teachers, police officers, firemen. Father Judge is one of those special places where you take advantage of what they have to offer, you use those values. They’re doing great stuff out there, and you’re proud of being part of what they do.”
It starts when students enter Judge.
It never ends.
“JD always went above and beyond as a teacher and a mentor while I was at Judge,” said Shane Holmes, a 2016 graduate who played at Holy Family. “He continues to support me till this day. He had a major impact on preparing me for what was ahead in life, he pushed me to another level of expectations. I would not have learned the lessons I did as quickly without the help of my mentor, JD.
“I joined the Judge soccer program knowing I was going to get an opportunity to play for a great coach. What I didn’t know is I was going to leave with a great friend, mentor and uncle to my kids. I know he won’t take credit for the 300 wins and he will push that milestone back to his players and coaches but JD is deserving of every single one of those wins.”
His players are grateful for him and that love goes both ways.
Dunlop has put everything he has into the soccer program because he wants the best for his players and his school.
As much as the players love him, he loves them just as much.
“The beginning was rough because I wanted to get the program at a certain level,” Dunlop said. “I really pushed the buttons and now it kind of runs itself and we’re from soup to nuts, freshman to varsity, I think we’re well respected in the Catholic League and in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
“I have a building that does great stuff academically and in the community. I wanted to make a soccer program to connect with the high school. Very fortunate to be a head coach there and a member of the facility. Its really a great institution. I can’t thank them enough.”
His players feel the same way about their coach.
“His ability to understand his players and what he has from team to team,” Ross said. “We all come from different aspects of life and from day one when you enter this program JD begins understanding what you are all about as a young man. Our program is consistently at the top of the league and every year we have a different mixture of players. He is able to get us to buy into his program and give Judge soccer everything we have.”
Dunlop’s biggest goal isn’t winning plaques, notching 300 wins or accomplishing anything on the soccer field.
He wants to win, but he wants what’s best for his players. His players know that, too.
“When making a decision on where to attend high school, I think every parent wants their child to play for a coach who has their back and will develop them as a player and student,” Maminski said. “JD’s goal was to prepare you for on and off the soccer field and he fulfilled every promise he made.
“Coaching is a tough job. Expectations are high. Everyone wants to play, everyone wants to win immediately. However, when you look back, it’s bigger than that. JD wanted to win, but ultimately he wanted you to come out a better person. He wanted to build lifelong relationships far beyond high school soccer. We all benefited from his guidance.”
