When Bob Pieper used to be employed as Glenbrook North’s soccer trainer prior to the 1997 season, the primary name of congratulations he were given used to be from Harold “Sam” Samorian.
It used to be a ways from the closing.
Samorian, who died on Tuesday at 89, used to be partial to Glenbrook North soccer lengthy after he retired because the Spartans trainer. He additionally had probably the most eclectic resumes in Illinois prep sports activities historical past, achieving the state finals in 4 other sports activities as a participant, trainer and authentic.
“He was there from the day I got the job,” mentioned Pieper, who led Glenbrook North to a program-record 120 wins over 19 seasons. “He used to be the primary one who referred to as me and mentioned, ‘What do you need from me?’
Samorian, who persisted to wait Glenbrook North house video games and take a seat in the similar seat close to the clicking field for many years, remained engaged lengthy after stepping down as trainer in 1985.
“Every Friday, he called to say, ‘Good luck,’” Pieper mentioned. “He would call me on Monday, only if we lost, to see how I was doing.”
Samorian led the Spartans to the best season in program historical past, a 12-Zero run to the Class 5A identify in 1974, the primary 12 months of the IHSA playoffs.
In the championship, Glenbrook North beat an East St. Louis workforce led by way of long run Pro Football Hall of Fame tight finish Kellen Winslow, successful 19-13 in time beyond regulation.
Pieper mentioned Samorian remained energetic within the Illinois Football Coaches Association neatly after his retirement from training. He additionally used to be concerned with wrestling for many years, as an authentic and constitution member of the state coaches and officers affiliation.
“The first thing when you think of Sam is class,” mentioned Mike Bukovsky, who coached Montini to 8 state titles and is a previous president of the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association. “They don’t make them like Sam anymore.”
Besides training a soccer state champion and officiating the wrestling state finals, Samorian additionally used to be a member of Rockford East’s boys basketball state runner-up workforce in 1948, and used to be an assistant trainer for Glenbrook North’s baseball state champs in 1966.
“He just thought, ‘How could I give back?’” Pieper mentioned of Samorian’s wide-ranging and long-lasting athletic occupation.