Janis “Sam” Cordell was a letter winner in every varsity sport available to women during her undergraduate career at McPherson College, lettering in volleyball, tennis, basketball, and track and field. Janis was part of two KCAC tennis championships (1976, 1977), one KCAC basketball championship (1975), and one KCAC track and field team championship (1977). One of her greatest accomplishments as a Bulldog was in 1978 when she was selected McPherson College “Female Athlete of the Year.”

Mertes’ success began her freshman season when she finished second on the team in scoring, averaging 13.8 points per game on the 1975 KCAC Champion women’s basketball team. That same year she took second in the javelin at the Tabor College Blue Jay Invite and third at the Wichita State University Relays, prior to the women’s track team winning the ACCK championship.

An All-KCAC basketball selection in 1977 and 1978, Cordell averaged 15 points per game during each of those two seasons.

Along with basketball, Mertes was successful on the tennis court. Her most successful season came in 1977, as she finished second in the KCAC meet in doubles and third in singles to help the Bulldogs win their second KCAC title in as many years.

Not only successful on the playing field, Janis graduated magna cum laude from McPherson College in 1978 with a bachelor of arts in physical education. After graduation, she accepted a job with the Neodesha School District as a physical education teacher and coach. After spending two years at Neodesha, she moved onto the Maize School District where she has spent the last 26 years as a coach and physical education teacher.

Community involvement has always been important to Janis, devoting her time to coaching, organizing events and serving the greater good of the Colwich community. From 2006 to 2008 she helped deliver hot meals to needy homes and every winter helps to organize meals for the homeless.

Mertes currently resides in Colwich, Kan., with her husband, Mark.