Roger Law

The sport of wrestling has not received the same amount of support and recognition that the other sports at Astoria High School have received but there have been a number of outstanding wrestlers that have graduated from Astoria. Roger Law was singled out early in his career as he was invited to the high school as a freshman to participate with the varsity team. Astoria was a three year high school at that time. Roger’s development as a high school wrestler was one of continual improvement all four years. His achievements included being selected outstanding wrestler of the year his sophomore, junior, and senior years by his teammates and coaches.

As a sophomore, Roger was District Champion and qualified for the State Meet but did not place. His junior year he again advanced to the State Meet as a District Champion placing fourth in the State AAA Championship. His senior year was outstanding as Roger completed an undefeated season at 123 pounds then dropping back to his natural weight of 115 pounds winning the District Title to advance again to State. Roger completed his high school career by placing second in the AAA finals, the highest place any Astoria wrestler in the history of the school.

His coach, Curt Davis, expressed Law’s disappointment in the finals where Roger was leading 3-1 with 25 seconds remaining only to lose the match with 3 seconds on the clock.

Roger’s success on the mat earned him an Athletic Scholarship to Oregon State. He wrestled two years at the NCAA Division One Level. This was a first for an Astoria wrestler to compete for a Division One school.

Roger’s life off the mat was also busy with school activities that included Boy Scout Eagle award in 1972, member of the National Honor Society, Senior Class President in 1975 and was the recipient of the National Honors Society Scholarship in 1975. He was the first Astoria student to win this scholarship since 1964 as only 200 are awarded throughout the United States. He represented Astoria at Boy’s State and won the Danforth Leadership Award, and was also named the school candidate for Outstanding Teenager of America Honors.

After graduating from Oregon State University with a degree in Food Schience and Technology, he has worked for thirty plus years as an Entrepreneur in Biotechnology dealing with proteins and enzymes, providing protein and nutrients for life.

Roger and Patricia Dian Yutzie were married in 1982 and live in Tualatin, OR.