Donnie McPherson, a graduate of Portland's Washington High School, coached wrestling for 31 years at Portland's Jefferson and RooseveJt High Schools and at Heritage High School in Vancouver, Washington. His 1990 Jefferson team finished second in the Oregon State Tournament. He led Heritage to an 83-6 dual meet record and the 2003 Washington State 4A wrestling title. It remains the sole state mat championship for the school. His teams won a total of ten District championships. Donnie was honored with five Coach-of-the-Year awards. He attended Portland State University, where he wrestled and played football.