Lynn Saternow
Lynn Saternow was one of the top freestyle wrestlers produced in Pennsylvania during the development of the current system of Olympic-style wrestlers in the late 1960's and early '70s.
He began his mat career at Hickory High where he was a 4-year letterman and section champion. He went on to earn a scholarship at Kent State University where he was unbeaten on the freshman team, earned three varsity letters and was undefeated in the regular season his senior year. He went on to excel in freestyle wrestling and was a 2-time Pennsylvania State freestyle champion. He won the 1972 Eastern United State Olympic Trials qualifier (beating two NCAA All-Americans) at 163 pounds to earn a spot in the U.S. final team trials. However, a knee injury a week before the trials prevented his bid for a spot on the Olympic team.
He won or placed in numerous other independent tournaments. He was Tri-State YMCA champion at 171.5 pounds and ranked No. 1 in the nation in the "Y" rankings for nationals.
He was a volunteer wrestling assistant coach at Sharon High two years and coached 17 years in the Kennedy Christian High junior program, producing numerous state champions or place-winners. He served as Mercer County coaches representative to Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Area VI for a dozen years, and was awarded the Area VI Adult Recognition Award in 2000.
Lynn was also an outstanding softball player. As a modified fast-pitch pitcher, he helped Notre Dame to 10 Shenango Valley Church League championships. He helped DSM Construction to the state Class A modified championship in 2001 and played on several other slow-pitch championship teams during his 40-plus years of competition.
He coached Little League for 12 years. He has been a member of the F.H. Buhl Club board of directors since 1981, serving as president, and has served the Mercer County Hall of Fame board since 1981, several years as recording secretary.
As sports editor of The Herald newspaper for many years, he speaks or emcees various community functions.