Hall of Fame

Anthony Sabella

  • Class
    2005
  • Induction
    2005
  • Sport(s)
    Administrator
Mr. Anthony Sabella served as the President of the NYSPHSAA from 1980-82 following his service as an Officer of the Association from 1976-80.

He broke into education as a teacher in 1946 at Riverdale High School in California before moving back to New York State in 1948 to assume teaching and football coaching positions at Griffith Institute and Central School in Springville until 1954. Before making his move to the Bedford Central District, Mr. Sabella relinquished his coaching responsibilities to teach history and serve as the Assistant Principal at Pleasantville High School in Section I. A longtime Bedford resident, Mr. Sabella made a significant impact at Bedford where he served as Superintendent from 1966-81 and School Business Administrator in 1965-66. Just three years into his tenure at Bedford, Sabella was appointed President of Section I in 1969 and was also asked to serve on the NYSPHSAA Executive Committee as a Section I representative. In 1980 he was appointed President of the NYSPHSAA after serving as an officer since 1976. Serving both organizations, Sabella immediately made an impact in high school athletics. He helped rejuvenate several State tournaments as well as develop more equity and visibility for girls high school sports.

Outside of his commitment to his administrative duties, Sabella was an official in basketball and football starting in 1946. He spent over 30 years as a basketball rules interpreter and 10 years as a football rules interpreter for Westchester and Putnam Counties.

Sabella’s commitment has not gone unnoticed as he’s already been inducted into the Westchester Sports Hall of Fame and recognized with numerous awards including a service award from the Westchester County Basketball Officials Association, a merit award from the New York State Association of Certified Football Officials and a recognition award from the New York State Athletic Administrators Association.

Born in Niagara Falls, Mr. Sabella earned a Bachelors degree in history at Canisius College and a Masters in Educational Administration at the University of Buffalo.