Hall of Honor
Information as of 2004: Lari Mertens began his wrestling career in the seventh grade at Merino, Colorado, under the coaching of Everett Thorpe. His early beginnings paved the way to an extremely successful high school wrestling career at Merino High School. He not only excelled in wrestling, but in football and track as well. In 1979 he placed in the top three rankings in the state shot-put, the discus, and the 880 relay. That same year he was on the All State Football team and placed third in the 185 pound bracket in the State wrestling championship. Lari ended his high school career in 1980 by winning the state heavy weight wrestling championship…Lari attended Mesa State College 1980-1984, participating in football his first year and in wrestling all four years. In 1984, going in to the NAIA tournament with a 19-5 record and boasting conference championships two years in a row, Lari won the NAIA wrestling championship in the 190 pound division. Under Ed Tooker's coaching, Lari not only excelled on the wrestling mat (National Champion and two-time conference champion), but he was also honored by being named Academic All American in 1984…From 1984 to the present Lari has been president of the Mertens' farms and for the past 18 years has coached the Merino Junior High wrestling teams. His desire to contribute extends to his willingness to volunteer for many civic organizations which include the Willard Fire Department, the Elks Club, as to serve as trustee for the Zion United Church of Christ. Lari's interests include SCUBA, fishing, hiking, biking, woodworking, skiing and traveling…Lari lives in Sterling with his wife, Lois Christiansen and children Will, 6, and Brooke 2.
