Faces of Sunriver

greg Farfaglia

Drawn to Sunriver 11 years ago by the close proximity to the mountains and the plentiful opportunities for hunting and fishing, Greg Farfaglia also appreciated the smaller size of the community.

“I moved out here because Bend was getting too big,” said Farfaglia, 43. “The Sunriver area is filled with a close-knit group of people who value the community, the school and the people who live here. I certainly enjoy the beauty of the area and the outdoor recreation.”

Farfaglia owns The Wallow Bar & Grill in Sunriver. He and his wife, Summer, are familiar faces in the area. Summer teaches first grade at La Pine Elementary School and Farfaglia coaches wrestling at the Oregon Wrestling Academy and Three Rivers Middle School. Farfaglia began volunteering as a wrestling coach when his son, who is now 12, first showed interest in the sport.

“My dad was my coach and the mat club coach when I was a kid, so I guess it is in my blood like a lot of wrestling families,” said Farfaglia.

Farfaglia started wrestling himself in the second grade, was on three New York State Championship teams, and as a high school senior his team was ranked third in the nation. As a coach, Farfaglia said he loves watching the kids grow and gain self-confidence.

“Wrestling teaches all of the things it takes to be successful in life like discipline, commitment, dedication, hard work and sacrifice,” said Farfaglia.

When the Farfaglia family has spare time, they spend it outdoors.

“I spend my limited free time hunting, fishing, hiking and mushroom picking. We also try and go to Seattle a couple of times a year to see the Yankees, Go Yankees!”

Did You Know?

A “wallow” is an area of mud or shallow water where animals gather to get drinks and roll about in mud or water — and the inspiration for the name of Farfaglia’s The Wallow Bar & Grill.