Doug Roper began wrestling in the eighth grade at Ferguson High School under coach Virgil King. He was a three-time All-Peninsula District wrestler at Ferguson High School in Newport News, Virginia. He continued his education at Elon College and wrestled for coach Mickey Brown, earning all-district honors in 1976.

Roper began coaching at Western Alamance High School in Elon, North Carolina, helping with the wrestling program while student teaching.

After graduation, he returned to Virginia's eastern region to begin a career as a history teacher and wrestling coach.

He shuttled between Bruton High School in Williamsburg, Virginia, and Tabb High School in southern York County, Virginia, for some years, before being appointed head coach for Tabb by longtime wrestling coach and athletic director Willard Hunt in 1985.

His teams consistently finished in the top three at the district level and in Region I of the Virginia AA division. At the state level, his Tigers were regularly in the Top 10, and took home a runner-up trophy in 2007.

During this time, Roper produced 80 wrestlers who have placed at the state meet, including seven runner-ups and 10 state champions. He is especially proud of Andrew Williams, a four-time state champion, and Bobby Toms, who won two titles. In his career, his record is 402-229-4.

Roper spent many hours during his 38-year teaching and coaching career in coordinating youth wrestling at both the Bruton and Tabb communities. He has spent countless hours at camps and clinics all over the USA.

He attributes his success to his colleagues, students, wrestlers, and family.

"If you want to be happy and enjoy what you are doing, surround yourself with good people. I have been blessed."