Suhr Takes State Title
By LEO ROTH, Times Union

(Sunday, March 4,1984) - Nice guys do finish first.

Spencerport wrestler John Suhr proved it on Saturday, March 3, by winning the New York State High School 145 lb. championship title, fulfilling a long-held dream.

Suhr's 3-2 victory over fellow finalist John Barrett (Peru- Section VII) was more decisive that the score indicates. Combining aggression with caution, he was in control for the duration of the six minute session. Gifted with natural ability and a quick cat-like grace, Suhr demonstrated the mature, intelligent style - rare in a high school wrestler - which has been his hallmark during his distinguished scholastic career.

Coach Bill Jacoutot, echoing the reaction of more that a score of Spencerport fans who traveled to Syracuse specifically to support Suhr in his second bid for the title. Had activity on the sidelines been included in the competition, the colorful coach would have surely earned a medal of his own; he delighted spectators with his body English and exultant leap when the buzzer signaled the end of his athlete's championship match.

Well know n to serious students of wrestling everywhere, Suhr is respected as much for the fine personal qualities he brings to the sport as for his skill and technique. The latter were finely honed in special practice sessions with Assistant Coach Woody VanDenburg, an NCAA Division III National Champion and three-time NCAA All-American.

The determination and extra effort paid off. In addition to earning the state title, Suhr (119-15-1) broke his school's record for career victories with the first of his four wins in the two day Syracuse tourney. His solid performance contributed measurably to Section V's state team title, its second in four years.

A senior and National Honor Society member, Suhr served as CoCaptian for the Varsity Rangers this season. One of his young teammates paid him the ultimate accolade while waiting in line to congratulate him Saturday night. "Johnny doesn't act like a champion," he said. "He acts like a nice, normal kid."

Significantly the outstanding athlete and scholar earned his title the same evening Spencerport Director of Physical Education and Athletics Walt Teike was recognized by NYS Wrestling Coach's Association for his outstanding contributions to the sport. Spencerport's program does not emphasize achievement in athletics at the expense of academic excellence, and the honors earned by Suhr and Teike stand as eloquent testimony to that philosophy.