Winona State University Athletics

Roger J. Goerish was a versatile football player during his playing days at Winona State University and that versatility would later prove to be beneficial in his teaching and coaching career.

During his four-year Winona State football career, Goerish played nearly every position on the team.  It was his defensive play that led to a 1964 conference championship for the Warriors and two of the more successful Winona State football seasons in the 1960’s.  His efforts also earned for his three consecutive All-Northern Intercollegiate Conference selections and a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-District 13 honor in 1964.

Goerish took that gridiron versatility and moved on to a 34-year successful education and coaching career at Kiester, Minn., High School.  He coached football for 16 years and compiled a record of 138-79-1, guided his team to three state tournament berths, and was named Minnesota 9-Man Coach of the Year in 1990.  Goerish also coached wrestling and baseball for 15 years each, winning eight conference wrestling titles and three district baseball championships.

Success also followed Goerish off the athletic field and the classroom.  He was a charter member and former president of the Kiester Jaycees.  He served three years on the Kiester City Council, five years on the Kiester Economic Development Association and eight years as a member of the Kiester Park Committee.