Let us play a little game of ‘Guess Who?’ This person sports long, wavy brown hair, slouching tube socks, New Balance sneakers, glasses and plaid shorts, and students know him for his obsessive walking and European cars. Any guesses? Correct: Mike Riedle. Ask any LHS student or faculty member who these adjectives best describe, and the response more often than not includes “the legendary Riedle”.
“[Riedle] reminds me of a total hippie,” said Sandi Stocks, mathematics teacher and JV girls’ tennis coach. Stocks stated that her first year of teaching at LHS, she saw Riedle and Darrell May, accounting teacher and close friend of Riedle, at the teacher orientation.
“My first thought was ‘What is this? Are they janitors, or what?’” Stocks said jokingly. “They just don’t look like your typical teachers.”
Along with his casual dress, many students appreciated Riedle’s laid back, unconventional approach to teaching and coaching. Brittny Krauss, sophomore, and one of Riedle’s tennis players, stated that he never took situations seriously.
“I love Riedle. He’s crazy and fun and always tells it how it is,” said Krauss. “You can tell he really appreciates the little things [in life] and never takes anything for granted. He’s been great.”
Riedle displayed a passion for coaching not only tennis, but also basketball. His daughter, Megan Riedle stated that his passion for coaching proved to be truly inspirational.
“As his daughter, I was lucky enough to be able to coach with him for one season of tennis, and in turn he assisted me when I was coaching Asotin Varsity Basketball,” said Megan. “Both were truly one of a kind experiences. He is such an inspiration as a coach. He can instill self esteem into athletes that had none before.”
As the varsity tennis coach, many agreed that Riedle left one of the biggest impressions on the tennis program. “He’s the one who started the Lewiston Invite 33 years ago,” said Stocks. Stocks also continued to state that he worked to organize the first Capital Classic.
“He was one of the four coaches who started the Capital Classic 30 years ago, which hosts 28 teams,” said Stocks. “Coach Riedle hasn’t changed tennis just for Lewiston, but he’s changed it for all of Idaho.”
Many of Riedle’s players agreed that he played a huge role in the tennis program. Krauss stated that he always displayed enthusiasm for his team and coached them to undefeated seasons for three consecutive years.
“I’ve had Riedle for two years now as a coach, and he’s been motivational and amazing each year,” said Krauss. “I think that everyone who has ever worked with him appreciates the passion that he puts into everything that he does. He will be greatly missed.”
Teachers also commented on Riedle’s supportive nature. “Both Riedle and May have been very supportive of [The Bengal’s Purr],” said Patrick Shannon, Purr adviser and Global Studies instructor. “They come in after every issue and share their praise and input.”
Riedle’s educational support to faculty and students proves to be priceless. Jim Rogers, JV boys tennis coach and history instructor, stated that Riedle goes above and beyond his required duties.
“Mike exemplifies the meaning of the word ‘tireless’,” said Debbie Riedle, his wife. “When he is not in his classroom, he is coaching – when he’s not coaching, he’s teaching Drivers Ed – when he’s not teaching Drivers Ed, he’s stamping all of the rebinds and new textbooks for the school’s book depository.”
Debbie continued to state that he even helps other teachers with their classes. “When he’s not helping other teachers, he is walking with Mr. May,” said Debbie. He always finds the time to go above and beyond for anyone who asks.
Riedle’s work ethic allows for nothing less than one hundred percent effort, which he instills not only into his students and athletes, but he also uses as an excellent example for his family at home. “He leads by examples and actions, not by empty words,” his wife said.
Debbie stated that he truly loves working with students. “He truly cares about each and every one of his students and athletes, and that cannot be faked or contrived,” she said.
Riedle makes the extra effort to ensure success in his students and really cares that they continue to succeed, even after high school. “It’s contagious,” said Debbie, referring to his passion for students.
“He tells [students] the way it’s going to be,” said May. “His positive attitude and energy level tells students he cares about them.”
He also stated that Riedle’s “loose-cannon” personality adds to the excitement of working with him. “You never know what he is going to do or say next,” he said.
Despite some challenges and obstacles, Riedle continues to triumph – yet, some feel he receives little recognition. “His victories may be big or small, and may go unnoticed by most, but he has never done all that he does for the attention – he does it for the students of LHS,” said Debbie.
Many showed sadness in Riedle’s retirement. However, some expressed excitement for him.
“It’s sad that he’s leaving LHS, and we’ll all miss him, but it’s exciting that he gets to move on and get away from here,” said Stocks. “At least he’s not dying or anything.”
As Riedle approaches his last few weeks of teaching, plans for retirement already prove to be a hot topic of discussion with his long time friend, May. “It will be like a reenactment of Easy Rider, but without the drugs,” said May. May also stated that they plan on making a trip across the country.
“We are taking a cross-country, Harley Davidson motorcycle trip. When we come to a crossroad in the road, we will flip a coin for direction,” said May enthusiastically. “While traveling, if something exciting doesn’t happen, we’ll make it happen.”
Britt Nelson
-Feature Editor
