– Legendary Point Boro Football Coach Al Saner
– Point Boro Football Coach Al Saner Dies at 92.
Al Saner, Legendary Football Coach, Passes Away at 92
Al Saner, a legendary football coach at Point Boro, passed away at the age of 92 on Wednesday, according to Brick Superintendent of Schools Tom Farrell. Saner was the inaugural head football coach at Point Boro when the school opened in 1964 and led the Panthers for 27 seasons across two tenures. He is the program’s all-time winningest coach with a record of 154 wins, 81 losses, and 9 ties.
A Legacy of Success
During Saner’s tenure, Point Boro achieved great success on the field. The team won 11 Shore Conference division titles, the 1965 Central Jersey Group 1 title, and consecutive NJSIAA South Jersey Group 2 titles in 1978 and 1979. Point Boro also had an impressive undefeated streak from 1967 to 1969 and held a 34-game winning streak that extended into the 1970 season. This record stood as the Shore Conference record until the mid-2000s.
Saner’s coaching career spanned from 1964 to 1983 and again from 1986 to 1992, with a two-year hiatus to coach at Kean University. In recognition of his accomplishments, Saner was inducted into the Shore Football Coaches Foundation Hall of Fame in 2009.
A Life Dedicated to Football
Saner’s passion for football began as a player at Memorial High School in West New York, where he learned the game under the guidance of the late Warren Wolf, a Brick legend with the second-highest number of wins in New Jersey history. Saner’s love for the sport extended beyond coaching; he was actively involved in the All-Shore Gridiron Classic, New Jersey’s oldest high school football all-star game, as a coach, assistant coach, and supporter. His contributions to the game also included mentoring several Shore Conference head coaches throughout his career.
An Enduring Legacy
Saner’s impact on the football community extended beyond the field. He was known for his unwavering optimism and positivity, and his love for his family was deep and steadfast. His passing has left a void not only in the hearts of his loved ones but also in the football community.
Although he may be gone, Saner’s legacy lives on through the players he coached and the lessons he imparted. His influence can be seen in the continued success of the teams he worked with, including Manchester, where he supported players most recently. The Hawks are now coached by Tom Farrell’s son, Tommy, and they will undoubtedly carry on the spirit of Coach Saner.
A Fond Farewell
The news of Saner’s passing has brought forth an outpouring of tributes and condolences. Fellow coaches, former players, and friends have all shared their memories and expressed their gratitude for the impact Saner had on their lives.
Len Zdanowicz, former coach at Brick, wrote, “He was a man’s man and an honor to have coach in our program. The boys, staff, and myself loved him, and we will keep his memory alive every time we say ‘Let’s Go Baby!'”
Tom Farrell Jr., reflecting on the influence Saner had on his own father, wrote, “Thank you for being a second father to my own father. Thank you for coming to every game. Thank you for the lifelong lessons about the intricacies of football. I miss you and love you, Coach!”
The passing of Al Saner is a great loss to the football community. His dedication, passion, and positive spirit will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace, knowing that his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those he touched throughout his remarkable career.
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1. Legendary Point Boro Football Coach Al Saner Dies
2. Legendary Point Boro Football Coach Al Saner Passes Away.
