John Suren, Contributor - Athletic Director/Coach
John came to Prince William County in 1950 as Athletic Director, Coach and Physical Education teacher at Occoquan District High School. He remained at ODHS until 1954, when he became the First Athletic Director and P.E. teacher at the newly opened Gar-Field High School, where he would continue to shape the lives of young men and women by not only giving them lessons on taking care of their bodies, but equally teaching them leadership skills and how to be successful in life. Coach Suren created the Gar-Field Varsity “Letterman’s Club” in 1955, with the purpose to create interest in athletics, stimulate excellence thru sports, and serve as an inspiration to students entering athletics and to encourage a high regard for academic achievement and wholesome character traits. Coach Suren was the driving force that became the foundation stone that made the Prince William County athletic programs what they are today. Coach Suren was honored by the Prince William County School Board in 2010 when they voted to name the Gar-Field High School baseball field the “John A. Suren Field”. Coach Suren passed away in December 2015, but his legacy lives on. |