Roman “Rom” Figler  - Citizen of the Year - 2009

Roman “Rom” Figler is a lifelong Grand Island resident.  He is well known in many circles on Grand Island, and he has a strong commitment to faith, family and community, and he has been happy to serve in many capacities.

He has been married to Karen (formerly Ludwig) Figler for 28 years and together, they support one another in their service to the Grand Island Community. His three sons, Jonathan, Jeremy and Justin have also been called into service over the years to help out with many of his projects and programs.

Rom is an active community member, and volunteer’s time as St. Stephen’s School as a youth sports coach and “famous fish fry cook”, and a Buffalo Evening News “Kids Day” volunteer.  He is best known for his involvement in the Grand Island Soccer Club, and has been active in the Club for over 13 years. Currently, he is the Club President, a travel soccer coach, goalkeeper clinic coordinator and U6 instructional soccer coordinator.

He will tell you that with over 1300 kids in the Club program every year, it takes an army of dedicated volunteers to make the Club successful, and that he has been blessed to have so many willing islanders step up for our kids. I will tell you that he is a dedicated volunteer who will do absolutely anything necessary to insure the success of the Club.  He continually goes above and beyond for the youth soccer players of Grand Island, and started a program to integrate travel players in the U6 instructional soccer program so they can give back to the soccer community and where they started. His son’s are following in his footsteps and giving back to soccer Club that got them started.

His rapport with the kids is of note – no matter whether it’s a 5-year old or a teenager.  “Coach Rom” or “Coach Big Guy” was a favorite of many young soccer players   and was well respected by the parents. 

His by line says it all, “Thanks for all you do for our kids”.