Coach Vibber inducted into AZ High School Hall of Fame

Former long-time Corona del Sol coach Dave Vibber has been named to the Arizona High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame. He will be inducted along with retired Corona football coach Gary Venturo at a May 1 induction ceremony and luncheon at Phoenix Elks Lodge.

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“I was very proud to be selected,” said Vibber. “There are a lot of people in the Hall of Fame that I remember as a young coach in Arizona. It will be a great honor to be in their company.”

Vibber coached three sport—football, track and wrestling—for 30 years at Corona before retiring in 2009. Although his athletic teams at Corona won the 1980 state football championship and the 1982 state track and field championship, Vibber will most likely be remembered for his accomplishments with Corona’s wrestling program. He ranks eighth in Arizona history with 403 career wins in the sport.

While Corona’s wrestling coach, the Aztecs won six Central Region championships, the individual and dual state meets in 1999, and the 2008 and 2009 individual 5A-I state meets. After winning the 2009 individual state meet, the Aztecs went on to defeat defending state champion Mesa 26-25 for Corona’s first state team wresting title.

Vibber is currently teaching P.E. full time at Madison Meadows Middle School in Phoenix, where he is also athletic director.

“I enjoy the change-up in my life as well as the different dynamics of the relationship I have with the students and my new fellow faculty members,” said Vibber. “I have no regrets about retiring from coaching, and I definitely treasure all the friendships I built with the staff and other coaches while at Corona.

“I feel so blessed to have been associated with such a great school as Corona. I marvel to this day at the hundreds of little connections I made while coming into contact with tons of great kids in wrestling, football and track,” said Vibber.

“The last couple of years at Corona, though, were a gift. They were the best in terms of records and accomplishments, and a good note to go out on.”

Comments

  1. Well deserved for Coach Vibber, and I’m sure I speak on behalf of the hundreds of wrestlers who went through his program over the years, me included. Never a better wrestling coach in the east valley.

  2. Well done Coach!! So glad to be part of your 1982 State Track Champions. It was a magical year. Good luck and as we say in the Navy.. Fair Winds And Following Seas.

  3. Congratulations Coach Vibber! I have many fond memories, and you were a great support and influence to me during my years at Corona.

    I have to disagree with you about the best years though, ’86 was better.

  4. Congrats Dave! You’re a great guy and much deserving of recognition. I’m sure that I speak for many: thanks for the positive role that you have (and had) in our children’s lives…you are appreciated. GO MEADOWS & GO ALMA!!!

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