Cathy Leibensperger
Cathy Leibensperger graduated in the class of 1975 and has been to more Hellertown/Saucon Valley matches than anyone. She dedicated 42 years of her life to working at Sure Fit Home Furnishing before retiring in 2017 but has missed only two regular season matches since becoming the full-time scorekeeper in 1980. She had to leave a match at Notre Dame-Green Pond because she was sick and missed another one after having knee surgery. The Hellertown resident also missed the first day of the District 11 AA tournament one year because of the flu, but she showed up the next day wearing a mask. Her pencil and score book may stay home, but Leibensperger treks to the Beast of the East at the University of Delaware, Williamsport's Tom Best Memorial Top Hat and any other in-season tournament each year to cheer on the Panthers. Leibensperger also stays in contact with many wrestlers after they leave Saucon Valley. She even walked out with Devan Van Vliet and his family for his Senior Day ceremony in 2020 at Thiel College. She talked with 2019 state champion Josh Jones the day before his wrestle-offs at George Mason. "It's like having another mom in the stands," said Jason Jones, Josh's older brother and Saucon Valley's career wins leader. "She cares about us as people, not just wrestlers on the mat. “Away from wrestling, we visit her. We'll got Iron Pigs games with her because we love baseball. She's just an overall great person."
Leibensperger's back and leg problems flared up last season, making it difficult for her to get around. She still managed to walk into Catasauqua's new high school gym for a match - with the unsolicited aid of former Saucon Valley coach Andy Koch. As she has shown for most of her life, it is going to take a lot to keep Leibensperger away from her Saucon Valley wrestling family. "Everything Cathy does is for the kids," Saucon Valley coach Chad Shirk said. "Her support is unwavering." Cathy and her husband, Walter, still live in Hellertown.
Awards:
Year
2024
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Award
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
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Chapter/Region
Pennsylvania
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