Evanston athletic director Chris Livatino is planning on holding a pre-game tribute to former coach John Riehle (pictured right), who died in December after a long battle with cancer. Any former players and coaches are welcome to join the team on the field before the game Sept. 16 against Glenbrook North. Riehle was an assistant football coach at GBN after retiring from Evanston.
Here are Livatino’s details on the tribute:
The Tribute to Coach Riehle will take place on the field just before the end of the 20-minute pre-game clock (at approximately 7:30pm). All former players, coaches, family and friends of Coach Riehle will form a tunnel at the 50-yard line from our sideline to centerfield. John’s family will walk through the tunnel on their way to do the coin toss while Coach Riehle’s list of accomplishments is read over the PA and shown on the message board. After the coin toss, the family will return through the tunnel where they will be presented with the memorial plaque that will be mounted just outside the home team room. The tunnel will fill in behind them so we can take one picture of the entire group. A hospitality tent will also be set up just south of the field for all former players, coaches, family and friends of Coach Riehle. Feel free to visit with the Riehle Family at the tent before the tribute anytime between 6:30-7:15pm.
If you are planning to attend, please send the following information to Ann Carra (carraa@eths.k12.il.us; (847) 424-7299):
- 1) Your Name and names of any other guests attending
- 2) Your mailing address including zip code, email address and cell phone
- 3) Year you graduated or years you coached with him
- 4) Any stories you want to share about Coach Riehle. These will be assembled in our Coach Riehle-styled memory book (you remember those weekly game plan books, don’t you?).
- 5) Any favorite quotes you remember from Coach Riehle. These will be shown on the message board throughout the game.
Finally, ETHS Athletics has started the John Riehle Memorial Scholarship Award which annually recognizes the male and female senior student-athlete with the best ability to motivate and inspire his/her teammates and with the intent of pursuing a life in education and coaching. Each student receives a $500 scholarship. If you would like to make a contribution to this fund, please contact Ann Carra. All supporters will be recognized in the Riehle Memory Book and will receive a free copy at the game.
