Arvo Britten did not wrestle as a student at Wausau High School, Wausau, Wisconsin. He played in the 1955 state basketball tournament. Graduating in 1955, he went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Britten graduated in 1960 with a degree in physical education. While a student at Stevens Point, Britten played basketball and football for one year. During his last 2 years, he went out for wrestling. In 1959, he placed 2nd in the WSUC Conference tournament. In 1960, Britten placed 2nd in the State AAU tournament. Merrill Public Schools hired Britten as a junior high physical education instructor. In 1964, Britten became a member of the Merrill wrestling coaching staff. Britten accepted the junior high wrestling coach position. In 1964, he started the freshman wrestling program in Merrill. Since that time he has never had a season with more than 2 losses. He accumulated a record of 207-17-0. All seven state champions from Merrill have had Britten as their freshman wrestling coach. He stressed acquiring the fundamentals. He has set high educational standards and expectations of his wrestlers. While teaching and coaching, Britten decided to become a wrestling official. Little did he know that he would eventually become on of the top officials in Wisconsin. As an official, Britten would set standards by which others may be measured. Britten is a professional on and off the mat. Britten has always conducted himself as a professional and a gentleman. He has been in high demand to officiate any match and any meet. Coaches and wrestlers alike, respect his judgement. He is concise, knowledgeable and authoritative in his official's judgements. Britten has developed a reputation statewide. Britten has officiated regional and sectionals every year that he has been registered and dating back to 1965. Doug Chickering, WIAA Executive Director, states, "Arvo (Britten) is a master official. He brings to any contest a level of knowledge, competence and experience that very few can claim." What Britten has done is direct the course of wrestling not only in the Merrill area, but also the state of Wisconsin. He has been a contributing influence for wrestling for over 25 years. He was concerned about the direction wrestling took and will continue to do so. Not only has Britten conducted WIAA wrestling rules interpretation meetings, but he has been called upon by WIAA administration to help interpret rules. As recent as 1989, Britten was the Head Official at the annual WIAA State Wrestling Tournament. As stated by Don Hermann, WIAA Assistant Director, "Arvo is the "coaches' official", the "Officials' official", the "consummate official." Britten officiated at all levels. He has been called upon to officiate at the collegiate level which included two national collegiate tournaments.