LIFETIME SERVICE TO WRESTLING

·       Chief Moses Junior High School: 1972-1974

·       Connell High School: 1979-1997

Vard Jenks has dedicated his life to athletics, education, and community service, leaving a lasting legacy in Washington wrestling through decades of coaching, mentorship, and leadership.

Jenks was a standout athlete at Connell High School, where he served as team captain in both football and wrestling and captured a state wrestling championship as a senior in 1968. He continued his athletic career at Ricks College, competing in both sports before transferring to Eastern Washington University. At EWU, Jenks became an NAIA All-American, placing 4th at the 1972 National Tournament at 177 pounds.

After graduating, Jenks began his teaching and coaching career at Chief Moses Junior High School in Moses Lake before returning to Connell High School as a substitute teacher and wrestling coach. Over 18 seasons, he built one of the region’s most respected programs, coaching 55 state placers including 14 individual state champions.

Coaching was deeply intertwined with family for Jenks. Two of his sons, Brandon and Tony, earned state medals, finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively. His youngest son, Kameron, was famously born at the University of Washington Hospital while Vard stepped away briefly to coach two state champions at the state tournament across the street in Hec Edmundson Pavilion.

After stepping down as Connell’s head coach following the 1997 season, Jenks served as a wrestling official from 1998 to 2005, contributing another decade of service to the sport. His dedication was recognized with induction into the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2011 and the School Community Service Award from the North Franklin School District in 1999.

Vard and his wife Verdene, married since 1968, have raised seven children—Shannon, Allyson, Jodi, Brandon, Tony, Kameron, and Ashley—and proudly celebrate 32 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. The couple has lived for 50 years on their farm west of Basin City, where they have grown apples and sweet cherries. From 2008 to 2009, they served an LDS mission in Chicago, further extending their legacy of service.

Through competitive excellence, decades of coaching achievement, and unwavering commitment to community and family, Vard Jenks has made a profound and lasting impact on Washington wrestling.