Reed City Area Public Schools has announced that softball and wrestling coach Roger Steig has been selected as the district’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus.

Steig, a 1971 Reed City High School graduate, participated in football, cross country, track and wrestling as a Coyote. After graduating, he attended Ferris State College and placed 18th in the nation as a wrestler. He began coaching the Reed City wrestling program in 1986 and still leads the Coyote squads. He also began coaching varsity softball in 2006.

His entrepreneurial spirit has been evident in Reed City for more than 50 years. He founded Steig Trucking in 1973, a company that grew to 165 employees and 100 trucks, and sold it after his retirement in 2023. Over the years, he has owned at least 22 businesses in automotive, real estate, recycling and other industries.

“There’s no one like Roger,” said Superintendent Michael Sweet. “His dedication to our students and the community of Reed City is unmatched. He has built businesses, created opportunities for others, and spent decades mentoring young athletes. He truly represents the best of Reed City."

A luncheon will be held in 'Coach Steig’s' honor, and he will address the Class of 2026 during the graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 17.

When asked about his message to the graduates, Steig said "don’t allow the fear of failure to prevent you from participating in the game."

_{Photo courtesy of Roger Steig. Release information courtesy of Reed City Area Public Schools.}