Roger B. Sanders

It is with profound sadness that the family of Roger B. Sanders announce his passing on December 18, 2024, at the age of 82. He was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy.

He will be remembered by his wife of 59 years, Nancy Sanders; daughters Julie McAllister (Todd) of Salisbury, MD, and Traci Sanders of Schnecksville, PA; and five grandchildren: Brenan McAllister, Morgan McAllister, Kayla Kinney, Reagan Kinney, and Keagan Kinney. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tracy and Doris Sanders, and his brother, Robert.

Roger was a graduate of Pennsbury High School (1960), earned a bachelor’s degree from West Chester State Teacher’s College (1964), and a master’s degree from Ball State University (1965). While in college, he won three Middle Atlantic University Wrestling Championships and an NCAA College Division Wrestling Championship.

He began teaching and coaching at Palmyra High School, New York University, and Bloomsburg University, where he was a professor in the Health and Physical Education Department and Head Wrestling Coach.

During his tenure, he led the Husky wrestling team to a level that commanded respect and gained stature nationally, leading them to several Eastern Wrestling League and Pennsylvania State Athletic Championships. His 1987 wrestling team finished fifth in the NCAA Division I Championships, the highest finish in school history. He coached numerous national champions and All-Americans, finishing his coaching career with a record of 300-122-8. Additionally, he served as Bloomsburg University’s athletic director for a five-year period. He was awarded several Hall of Fame and Coach of the Year honors, including the Lifetime Service Award by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He also served as the President of the National Wrestling Coaches Association. 

During his retirement, he continued to demonstrate leadership and expertise by working with the United States Association of Blind Athletes, locally, nationally, and internationally. He also assisted Bloomsburg University’s Swim Team as their strength and conditioning coach. 

Coach Sanders truly loved wrestling, and the sport allowed him to develop many friendships that lasted a lifetime; however, his greatest joy was time spent with his family. He and his family enjoyed many trips across the nation, and he was a staple on the sidelines, cheering on his grandchildren as they engaged in numerous academic and athletic pursuits.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday December 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. in St. Columba Catholic Church, 342 Iron St., Bloomsburg, with his pastor, Rev. Richard J. Mowery, officiating. Interment will follow in New Rosemont Cemetery, Espy. Viewing on Sunday from 4-6 p.m. at the Dean W. Kriner Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg and at 10 a.m. at the church on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Roger Sanders scholarship at the Bloomsburg University Foundation, 50 E. Main St., 4th Floor, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 or online at: giving.bloomu.edu/donate.