Bernie Saggau

Our inductee into the Hall of Fame was born and raised in Denison, Iowa. He graduated from Denison High School in 1946. During his high school career, he participated in Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Track. After graduation, Bernie attended Buena Vista College receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1950. Bernie participated in Football and Track in College. He ran 9.9 for 100 yards in college. After receiving his degree, he began his career at Cherokee Washington High School as a teacher and coach. Later he also served as a principal before leaving to enter private business. He joined the staff of the Iowa High School Athletic Association in 1963 as the Assistant Executive Secretary. The last 32 years he has served as the Executive Director. Some of Bernie’s accomplishments include serving as the Chairperson for the National Basketball Rules Committee for eight years and the Football Rules Committee for 25 years. Bernie has also served on the United States Olympic House of Delegates Committee. He is a renown motivational speaker. Honors Bernie has received include being the recipient of the National High School Coaches Distinguishes Service Award and an Award of Merit from the National High School Athletic Directors Association, which is the highest honor given by that organization. In 1996, he was selected as one of the top 20 individuals in last 20 years to have done the most for improving officiating by Referee Magazine. Bernie was inducted into the National Federation of State High Schools Hall of Fame in 1993. The Board of Control established an award in his name in 1989. This award honors an outstanding citizen athlete (boy or girl) in every one of the 400 high schools in the State of Iowa. Bernie spent over 30 years as a referee for high school and college basketball and football. Bernie has also served as the meet manager for the State Boys Track and Field meet. He has seen the sports of track and field and cross country increase in participation during his time as the Executive Director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association. He is currently raising funds to build the Hall of Pride to recognize student achievements in Iowa high schools in all facets of the school, not just athletics. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Buena Vista University. Bernie and his wife Lois had three children. Today Bernie is the proud grandfather of three granddaughters and one grandson. It is an honor to introduce Bernie Saggau as a 1999 inductee to the Iowa Association Track & Field Hall of Fame.