by Warren Kozireski
He spent 35 years coaching the Kendall wrestling team to 289 victories and 15 of those years as the school Athletic Director. Along the way he was inducted into the Section V Hall of Fame and now he is an inductee for Lifetime Achievement into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The ceremonies were held at the Double Tree Inn in East Syracuse this past Saturday.
“I was quite surprised, but it’s very exciting,” said the 1968 Brockport college alum. “I’ve heard back from former wrestlers and from a lot of other people from all over the country. Not everyone can come (to the ceremony), but my kids, grandkids, mother and two sisters will be there along with a few Eagles wrestlers so that will be nice.”
Sauberan retired as coach following the 2006-07 season with a 289-180-5 record. Several wrestlers won Section V titles, state titles and he served on the Section V wrestling committee for over two decades. Though retired as head coach, he remains active helping the program as a volunteer coach and has been seen driving a few team buses over the last few years.
“You show up one day and a kid says he wants help with a certain thing the next so you come back. My favorite memories are of kids who weren’t the state champ, but worked hard and got better. That’s all you can ask.
“This (recognition) isn’t about me but a nice award for the program and the community. This wasn’t a one-man show; I just happened to be the spokesperson for the group. A lot of kids and others put in a lot of time to make this all happen, and for that I’m forever grateful.”
But someone had to drive the bus – literally and figuratively.
