Remembering Ed Niehl

We are sad to announce the passing of Bethel legend Ed Niehl.

Ed poured his heart into our students as a physical education teacher, athletic director, and coach. It is hard to imagine a Friday night without the bright lights of Art Crate Field, but the area was little more than a cow pasture when Ed started way back in 1949. He literally put his foot down to choose the exact spot where the historic stadium stands today.

That field quickly became a place of triumph. Under Ed’s leadership, the 1950s football teams dominated the state, capturing four league championships and an undefeated State Championship season where they didn't allow a single point.

While Ed retired decades ago, his presence is still felt every time our students step onto the hardwood in the Ed Niehl Gymnasium.

When he celebrated his landmark 100th birthday in 2024, Ed shared his simple, heartfelt recipe for a long, meaningful life.

“Keep going, just keep active, eat the right things, stay away from drugs, and do the best you can with what you got,” Ed said.

We are deeply grateful for everything Ed gave to our schools. His spirit lives on in the generations of students who carry his lessons forward.

In 2024, Ed and his son Bob were guests on our district podcast. Listen to the episode here: https://www.bethelsd.org/about-our-district/podcast