Hall of Fame
Roger was the consummate professional, teacher, administrator and coach. Beginning his administrative career at Jefferson in the late 50’s he was promoted to Director of Physical Education & Athletics in 1962. There he immediately began promoting athletic opportunities for physically disabled students. His groundwork and tenacity led to having laws around handicap accessibility and special physical education classes changed. In 1964 Roger became the 1st Chairperson for Section V football and shortly after became the state chairperson, positions he held until his retirement from West Irondequoit in 1980. Roger was also one of the first directors to promote and start major girls’ sports programs beginning with girls’ basketball in West Irondequoit in 1972. Roger was a dreamer, an innovator, a role model and an all around outstanding person.
Roger was also very involved in physical education and adaptive education in NYS as well as nationally. He was president of NYSAHPERD COA 1970-71. He was the chairperson of the Section 5 Hockey league 1976-1980. Roger also officiated football for over 20 years; actually, officiating over 300 games in his career. After retiring from W. Irondequoit, Roger went to work at McQuaid Jesuit for 10 years and also coached football at St. John Fisher & U of R.
If he was to be asked, Roger might say that a few of his defining moments were his work in supporting students with disabilities being treated in a more positive way in our schools, his development of the Rochester Wheels in the early 70’s and developing Section V football into one of the most outstanding post season sports programs in NYS.
Roger was married to Pat for 58 years. There are 6 living adult ‘Bunce’ children.
Roger was honored as follows:
1962 – YMCA Youth Award
1972 – RCCFO – Outstanding Service Award
1976 – NYS AHPERD Outstanding Service Award
1978 – Outstanding Dedication and Leadership Award for NYSDHSAA
1980 – Central Western Zone Award
1980 – NYSAHPERD AD of the Year
1981 – National HS Athletic Coaches Assoc. AD of the Year for District 1
1990 – West Irondequoit Varsity Club Coaches Hall of Fame
1993 – St. John Fisher’s Roger Bunce Award was premiered
1995 – MC Stadium Award
1995 – Mark Vienna Football Service Award
1998 – Easter Seal Life Time Achievement Award
1998 – Section V Football Hall of Fame (Inaugural Class)