USD 249 Frontenac Schools Hall of Fame

John Varsolona

Inducted 2025

John Varsolona arrived at Frontenac in 1975, the first full year of girls’ basketball in Kansas. What followed was one of the most dominant stretches in program history. Under his leadership, the Lady Raiders went on an extraordinary run that included 112 consecutive league victories and an overall record of 144-6.

During Varsolona’s tenure, Frontenac captured seven straight CNC League titles, five Sub-State championships, and advanced to the state tournament four times—finishing as the 1975 and 1978 State Runner-Up before completing a perfect season as the 1979 undefeated State Champions. His teams posted an incredible postseason record of District 4-0, Regional 4-0, Sub-State 21-1, and State 9-3.

The 1979 championship squad was later honored with induction into the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA) Hall of Fame. Varsolona’s coaching philosophy centered on discipline, teamwork, and effort, building a culture where “there was never an I in TEAM.”

Before arriving in Frontenac, Varsolona had already proven himself by winning state championships at Bronaugh. After his Raider years, he continued his coaching career at the collegiate level, serving as an assistant at both Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University.

John Varsolona’s name is synonymous with winning, leadership, and the foundation of Frontenac girls’ basketball excellence. His legacy is forever etched into Raider history.