Press box dedication for Rick Riehl set for Saturday

MEQUON, Wis. – Longtime coach and athletic administrator, Rick Riehl, will be honored with a press box dedication prior to Concordia University Wisconsin's football game on Saturday. The ceremony will begin prior to the noon kickoff.

Riehl was recently diagnosed with Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease, an extremely rare, degenerative and invariably fatal brain disorder. There are an estimated 300 diagnosed cases annually in the United States. Riehl was the forefather of the Department of Athletic Communications at CUW and a former teacher and coach at West Bend East for 32 years.

"We are pleased to be able to recognize Rick's valuable service to CUW through the naming of the press box for him," CUW President Patrick Ferry said. "Rick has been truly dedicated to Falcon athletics and his entire career has been devoted to helping to mentor kids through sports. As the first Sports Information Director at CUW, we hope this tribute is a reflection of our regard for Rick and a symbol of our appreciation for his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others."

As the first full-time SID at CUW, he founded what is now the Falcon Athletic Network, which broadcasts nearly every home event via an audio or video broadcast. Riehl also was instrumental in helping the athletic department move its athletic website to its own entity, resulting in CUWFalcons.com.

"It is great to recognize the service of Rick Riehl to CUW, and specifically his service to the athletic department," Director of Athletics Dr. Rob Barnhill said. "Rick joined our team as SID and Assistant Athletic Director and was the forefather of our modern Department of Athletic Communications. Rick has been a tremendous part of our combined athletic success and it's been an honor to work alongside him."

Prior to working at CUW, he was a championship-winning basketball coach at West Bend East. Riehl coached several sports over 27 years, but specifically amassed a 334-169 record coaching girls' basketball, where the team won five conference crowns, 10 regional titles and the 1984 WIAA State championship. He is also the founder of the WCSS (Wisconsin Coaching Scouting Services), which has instructed and taught basketball campers for more than three decades.

"Rick is the reason why I am coaching at CUW, and he has supported me throughout my coaching career," CUW women's basketball head coach and associate athletic director Stacey Brunner-Jones said. "He has always been there to listen to me when I needed him, give guidance on issues on and off the court, and helped shape me into the coach I am today. I will never be able to tell him how much I appreciate and love him."