Coach, Delta Junction & Wasilla High Schools

Roger Nelles

Roger Nelles, a basketball coach for over 42 years, is a familiar face around high school basketball courts. He has coached at Delta, Palmer high schools, with the major part of his career at Wasilla High School. Roger knows that talent often wins games and a lot of time the best coached team doesn’t always come out on top. Roger waited a long time to have his wish come true but in 2007 Wasilla won its first ever 4A boys basketball title. He has served as a mentor to many young coaches and helped build programs and traditions. He has a tireless work ethic, is a man of honor and integrity and has had profound impact on young people, his peers and his community. Roger retired from teaching in 1999 but continues to contribute to the basketball program through volunteer coaching at Palmer High School.