Coach Wendel is a 1990 graduate of Jackson where he participated in football and wrestling. In addition to being named All-Conference and All-District in football, Matt received the Benchwarmer’s Outstanding Male Athlete award. He has a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.A. in Elementary Administration from SEMO. Before coming to Jackson, Matt taught for 3 years in Coffee County, Georgia. He teaches at East Elementary, is a junior high football coach and is the Jackson Optimist Little League Wrestling Director.

Matt is married to the former Staci Franke. They have four children: Luke, Maci Jo, Hunter, and Chase.