Todd W. Sobrilsky

Todd Sobrilsky - A life built on passion, purpose, and presence

If you knew Todd Sobrilsky, you knew a man who lived with conviction, whose life was built around service to others, and who never once let his passion for coaching, teaching, and leading get in the way of what mattered most—being there for his people.

Born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to Kitty and Tom Sobrilsky, Todd grew up with dirt on his cleats, sweat on his brow, and fire in his heart. He was the kind of kid who ran fast, hit hard, and picked you up after the play. A three-sport athlete, Todd captained the 1979 Beaver Dam State Championship Football Team—a highlight that hinted at the leadership and tenacity he’d carry into every chapter of his life.

It was also in high school that he met his match in more ways than one—Ann Aaroen. She would become his teammate in the most meaningful game of all, building a life together that spanned over four decades, three kids, countless games, and endless love.

After high school, Todd continued his athletic and academic career at Carroll College in Waukesha, where he wrestled, played football, and began to realize that his greatest calling might not be found under the Friday night lights, but in helping others shine beneath them. He started coaching track and field at Waukesha South, unknowingly planting the seeds of a career that would influence thousands.

Todd and Ann eventually returned “home” to Beaver Dam with their first-born, AJ (Lisa), soon followed by Nick (Nicole) and Carly (Brandon). It was here where Todd’s career blossomed—but more importantly, where he became Dad. And for all the ways he showed up professionally, it was his consistency and dedication at home that left the deepest mark. The sidelines of softball fields, the bleachers of wrestling gyms, and the stands of baseball diamonds all have stories of Todd’s voice—cheering, announcing, coaching, or simply being present. His work never overshadowed his role as a father. If anything, it informed it. He knew the value of showing up, and he showed up—every single time.

As a teacher and coach, Todd built the Beaver Dam wrestling program into a powerhouse, eventually earning the title of Wisconsin State Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1997. But Todd wasn’t just building athletes—he was shaping young men. Teaching them discipline. Believing in them. Giving them the tools to stand on their own.

His journey evolved from the mat to the meeting room as he stepped into athletic administration, leading programs in multiple Wisconsin schools with an unmistakable combination of grit, compassion, and vision. From Beaver Dam to Mount Horeb, Green Bay, Brookfield, and ultimately back to Waukesha South—Todd left his mark as a leader’s leader. His accolades speak volumes: twice named WADA State Athletic Director of the Year, a recipient of the Andy Anderson Award, the NFHS Citation Award, the NIAAA Bruce Whitehead Distinguished Service Award, and an inductee to the WADA Hall of Fame among others. But if you asked him, the real reward was always the people—students, athletes, teachers, and coaches. His phone never stopped ringing with someone needing advice, direction, or just a sounding board. And he never stopped answering.

And through it all, Todd championed a phrase that came to define his ethos and live on as his lasting call to action: G.O.Y.A.—Give Only Your All. It wasn’t just a motto. It was a mindset. A standard. A challenge he issued to everyone he worked with—to show up fully, give their best, and never coast. Whether on the field, in the classroom, in a boardroom, or at home, G.O.Y.A. wasn’t about perfection—it was about effort, commitment, and doing the right thing when no one was watching. For the countless people who carry that phrase with them today, it will remain a powerful reminder of the man who lived it every day.

Todd believed in building strong programs—but more importantly, he believed in building strong people and communities. He was a mentor to coaches, a lifeline to teachers, and a force behind the scenes that made others believe they were capable of more. The impact he left stretches across Wisconsin, into the Midwest, and throughout high school athletics nationwide.

Yet, with all the impact and recognition, Todd’s proudest role came in his later years: becoming “Tpop” to his grandchildren Riley and Jack. He soaked up every minute he could with them—traveling with Ann, embracing the slow mornings and silly moments that come with grandparenthood. He became the soft place to land, the belly laugh, the steady presence—just as he had always been to his own children.

Todd Sobrilsky wasn’t just a husband, father, Tpop, coach, or administrator. He was a cornerstone. He was the guy you called when things needed to get done—or when you needed someone to believe in you a little more than you believed in yourself. He lived his values. He loved hard. He gave his time freely. And he showed up—always, without fail, for the people he loved and the communities he served.

He will be missed beyond measure but remembered with deep gratitude, powerful stories, and an enduring legacy that lives in the lives he touched—on and off the field. G.O.Y.A. forever.

Service will be Saturday May 24th at:

Norway Lutheran Church. 6321 Heg Park Road. Wind Lake, WI 53185

Visitation will be 9-11am

Service will begin at 11am

Lunch to follow

(All taking place at Norway Lutheran Church)

In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to:

- Norway Lutheran Church. 6321 Heg Park Rd. Wind Lake, WI 53185

- WIAA Foundation. 5516 Vern Holmes Drive. Stevens Point, WI 54482