One of the most popular and successful coaches in the history of American rowing, Sulger was a major force in the sport for over 35 years. He was a six-time national champion as an oarsman, but gained his greatest distinction as a coach and official. He also coached the NYAC for nearly 30 years, and was manager of the U.S. rowing team at the 1960 Olympics and the 1959 and 1963 Pan American games.
 
A past president of the National Association of Amateur Oarsman, Sulger also served as a member of the board of directors of the US Olympic Committee from 1953 to 1972. He was inducted into the New York Sports Museum Hall of Fame 1989.