The September 1, 1983 issue of “The Sutherland Courier” shared predictions of a dominating year for the Sutherland Tigers football team. High School athletic experts of the time predicted the Tigers to win the Sioux Valley Conference championship and State Class A, although Coach Dave Clayberg declined to make any predictions.
The Tigers went into the playoff season for the second year in a row undefeated in the regular season. They were a favorite for the Class A title.
In the November 17 “Courier” issue, the Tigers brought home the state’s biggest trophy and an undefeated 11-0 season record, even with injuries that prevented key players from taking the field.
Coach Clayberg consolidated the journey of the senior class members of this state title winning team. Going back through the season records of this class since their 7th grade year he announced an overall W/L record for their entire football career at 37-4.
On Sunday Septembe 3, 2023 the coaches and most of its membership attended a 40-year championship reunion at the Sutherland Museum. Coaches, players, managers and cheerleaders were in attendance for the reunion event during annual Labor Day festivities. A good crowd came to reminisce.
1983 was a big year for Sutherland, Iowa. In addition to the football championship, a State Jazz band title was celebrated as well as a sub-state basketball appearance and conference titles in track. Not a bad year to also recognize 100 years. It was the centennial year.