Class of 1969.  Vern earned 6 varsity letters in football and wrestling. Selected team captain and 2nd Team All Conference in 1968. In wrestling, he placed 2nd in conference in 1968 and conference champion in 1969.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in secondary education from Southern Oregon State college (1969-73). He was a four year letterman at SOSC and Evergreen Conference Champion in 1972 and 1973. He wrestled in the NAIA National Championships 2 times finishing 5th. He was named to the NAIA All American Wrestling team in 1973.

Vern teaches at Eielson High School in Eielson, Alaska. His wrestling teams have won 7 state championships and finished 2nd and 3rd in other years. He was named Alaska Coach of the Year in 1988. He was President of Alaska Wrestling Coaches from 1987-1990. Vern was inducted into the Alaska Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1993.