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Watertown Today
By the People, for the People
Estelline & Estelline-Hendricks' Top Athletes Over 42 Years
Longtime sportswriter highlights standout high school athletes from the region
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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This article is part of a series by veteran sportswriter Roger Merriam, who has covered the top high school athletes in the Watertown, South Dakota area since joining the Watertown Public Opinion in 1984. The series focuses on highlighting some of the most memorable boys and girls athletes from the Estelline and Estelline-Hendricks school districts over the past 42 years.
Why it matters
High school sports are a point of pride for many small communities, and this retrospective provides a unique look at the athletic talent that has emerged from the Estelline and Estelline-Hendricks school districts over the decades. The article celebrates the accomplishments of local student-athletes and the positive impact they've had on their communities.
The details
Merriam, who has been covering sports in the Watertown area since 1984, is highlighting the top high school athletes from Estelline and Estelline-Hendricks over the past 42 years. The series will feature both boys and girls athletes who stood out in their respective sports during their time in school.
- Merriam has been covering sports in the Watertown area since December 1984.
- This series on top athletes from Estelline and Estelline-Hendricks is being published in 2026.
The players
Roger Merriam
A veteran sportswriter who has been covering high school sports in the Watertown, South Dakota area since joining the Watertown Public Opinion in 1984.
Estelline
A school district located in Estelline, South Dakota that has produced many standout high school athletes over the past 42 years.
Estelline-Hendricks
A school district located in Estelline and Hendricks, South Dakota that has also produced many standout high school athletes over the past 42 years.
The takeaway
This retrospective on top high school athletes from the Estelline and Estelline-Hendricks school districts celebrates the rich athletic history and talent that has emerged from these small South Dakota communities over the past four decades.

