By WESTON ST. CLAIR
Every afternoon at Penn High School, the track hums with determination. At the center of it all stands new coach John “J.P.” Ferrell, recording splits, offering encouragement, and already shaping something bigger than times on a stopwatch.
Ferrell didn’t arrive as an assistant coach for Kingsmen Boys Track & Field without a résumé. During his five seasons coaching at LaPorte High School, he helped turn the Slicers into a competitive pack in what would prove to be a historic run as well. His teams captured two sectional championships and, in 2022, claimed both a sectional title (the first in 46 years) as well as a regional championship for the first time in school history. That regional win came down to a razor-thin margin, a moment that defined his belief in preparation and persistence.
Before stepping into his current role, Ferrell also became part of the Penn community in the classroom. He was hired as a teacher at Schmucker Middle School, where he quickly got involved far beyond academics, serving as assistant coach for the high school cross country team. That experience helped him build relationships with athletes who would be returning for the track season and better understand the culture he’s now leading at the high school level.
Now at Penn, Ferrell’s focus isn’t just on winning, but on building a culture that will last for years to come.
“I’m definitely looking forward to building a stronger 4×4, 4×8 culture here,” Ferrell said. “I think we have a lot of talent right now that we can definitely capitalize on.”
That vision is already taking shape. Practices are intentional, expectations are clear, and athletes are being pushed to see themselves as part of something larger than individual events.
“Coach J.P. has pushed our team to new levels where we now understand these races aren’t for ourselves but for the team as a whole,” Kingsmen Senior runner Kale Grewal said.
Ferrell knows success won’t happen overnight, but he’s not shying away from the challenge. With a mix of experience, energy, and belief in his athletes, he’s aiming to carry Penn deeper into the postseason.
For now, it starts with each lap, each handoff, and each small step toward something bigger, something Ferrell has built before, and hopes to build again.
