Brian Sanders
Brian Sanders, one of the top all-around athletes to graduate from Farrell High School, went on to become a successful karate instructor.
He was a standout in football, basketball and track before his Farrell graduation in 1977. In football, he helped lead the team to the 1976 WPIAL Class AA Championship. He rushed for 1,394 yards that season and was named All-MAC and MVP, All-WPIAL Dapper Dan MVP, First Team All-State. He was selected for the Big 33 game and was a Joe Namath Prep All-American. He was also a standout on the basketball court as well as track and field.
He went on to play college football at the University of Arizona, then transferred to Kent State. Brian played for the Shenango Valley Blasters semi-pro football team. He had a tryout with the Baltimore Colts, Pittsburgh Maulers, Denver Gold and Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. In 1982, he played for the Pennsylvania State Flag Football runners-up "Gents."
A 5th degree black belt in karate, he was the 1997-98 heavyweight PKA Men's Over 35 Champion. He is a member of the F.H. Buhl Club martial arts hall of fame and the USKA Law Enforcement International Hall of Fame.
He is the owner of a karate school for 15 years. He coached Farrell football for 25 years and basketball for 2 years.