Rogers High Coach Receives Hall of Fame Recognition

David Johnston’s induction into the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in November 2024 serves as a fitting tribute to a coach, educator, and mentor who has shown an unwavering commitment to shaping young lives. For over three decades, Johnston has served as a cornerstone of the Puyallup School District community, through his years of service to Rogers High School.

Johnston excelled in multiple sports as a student-athlete, while attending Hanford High School. After his seventh-grade basketball coach encouraged him to participate in wrestling, Johnston became a four-time state tournament participant and earned two state medals. A passion for wrestling led him to Eastern Washington University, where he not only competed at the collegiate level, but focused on education and becoming a teacher. In 1992, Johnston began coaching at Kent-Meridian High School, where he established his philosophy of building relationships and resilience, while creating a winning culture.

Joining Rogers High School in 1999, Johnston coached the wrestling program for 23 years. During his tenure, the Rams earned seven league titles and placed in the state’s top ten rankings in eleven different seasons. 74 state medalists were coached by Johnston, including three state champions. Perhaps it is no surprise that Johnston was a five-time SPSL Coach of the Year and was named the 4A State Coach of the Year in 2019.

Despite his success, Johnston remains modest. When asked about his accomplishments, and his becoming a Hall of Fame wrestling coach, he expresses a deeply felt gratitude to the students he coached and mentored, and the assistant coaches, school administrators, and supportive volunteers and parents who helped him year after year.

“Being a Hall of Fame coach is humbling,” Johnston shares. “It’s not just about me - it’s about my family, my assistant coaches, my athletes, and an entire community that supported us.”

As he reflects on his career, Johnston identifies that a change in mindset early on influenced his coaching approach. “As a younger coach, I was more focused on wins and losses,” he admits. “But over time, it became about the relationships - the culture we were building, not just with the team but with the school and the community.”

For Johnston, coaching and teaching have always been interconnected. “Coaching allows you to see a different side of kids,” he explains. “You get to know their strengths and challenges, and that connection carries over into the classroom.”

Even after stepping down as head coach in 2022, Johnston’s love for the sport remains. He continues to volunteer with the Rogers wrestling program and serves as the head coach for the school’s girls’ golf team. “Building culture, encouraging pride, and helping students grow. That’s what keeps me going,” Johnston says.

His impact reaches far beyond trophies and accolades. Athletes, colleagues, and peers all speak to his dedication, integrity, and kindness. Jim Meyerhoff, Puyallup School District Athletic Director, praised Johnston’s legacy.

“David Johnston's teams were always ready to compete. He was great at promoting the sport in our community which led to consistently large teams formed at Rogers,” he recalls. “David's impact on the wrestling program continues on through the current coaching staff, most of whom wrestled for him.”

David Johnston’s induction into the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame is not just a recognition of his achievements but a testament to his enduring influence on countless students and athletes. As he continues to shape young lives at Rogers High School, Johnston remains a shining example of what it means to lead with passion, humility, and heart.