Roger Wendorf was born, raised and has spent his entire life in Merrill. He graduated from Merrill High School, where he lettered in football, wrestling and baseball. In his senior year, Roger was named all-conference in football and placed forth in the state wrestling tournament. While at Merrill Junior High, Roger was coached by Hall of Famer, Arvo Britten. His high school coach was Robert Opsahl. Roger attended the University of Wisconsin, wrestling under George Martin and Duane Kleven. He graduated in 1973 with a degree in Physical Education. Roger returned to Merrill to each elementary physical education, a position he holds yet today. He was assistant wrestling coach at Merrill High School from 1973 to 1981 and named head coach in 1981. He also has served as an assistant football coach, assistant baseball coach and head girls' softball coach. Under Roger the Merrill wrestling teams have consistently been ranked in The Crossface. His honors have included District Coach of the Year (1987, 1990); serving on the Coaches Advisory Committee; hosting a German Exchange Team and Canadian Team in dual competition; and receiving the Merrill Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Award twice for his work with the wrestling program. Roger's teams have won 4 conference titles, 20 individual titles, five regional championships and 5 sectional championships. Roger's 1984 team placed second in the WIAA tournament and won the state team title in 1992 and again in 1993. He has coached 59 state qualifiers, 25 state place winners, 8 runners-up and 5 state champions. He has compiled a dual meet record of 175-33-1. Roger is committed to his community and its young people. He has demonstrated this by organizing and coaching grade school wrestling and coaching boys and girls Little League and Flag Football. He has served on his church council and stewardship committee and taught Confirmation class. Roger's summers still include playing softball and building houses.