Walt Markee established himself as one of Oregon's premier high school wrestlers at Tillamook High School, where he became a four-time district champion and three-time state champion. He was rated the nation's top prep wrestler at 138 pounds and represented Oregon on a Japan Cultural Exchange tour following his freshman season.

Walt continued his career at Oregon State University, where he became a two-time Pacific-10 Conference champion. After joining the Oregon State Police, he continued giving back to wrestling through volunteer coaching at The Dalles High School and North Valley High School in Grants Pass.

After moving to the Dallas area, Walt helped establish the Dallas Mat Club in 1993, beginning a coaching connection that has spanned more than three decades. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively with at-risk youth. As an assistant coach at Dallas High School, he has helped the Dragons win three state championships in boys wrestling and two state runner-up finishes in girls wrestling.

Following his retirement as Director of the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division, Walt operated a deep-sea fishing business. For more than a decade, proceeds from the business have been donated to support the Dallas wrestling program.

Walt and his wife, Theresa, have two adult children.