At a glance
Dick Giedlin, one of the Pioneers of the Alfred State athletic program, passed away on October 2, 2012 in Virginia Beach, VA. Giedlin dedicated 30 years to Alfred State and the college
Dick Giedlin, one of the Pioneers of the Alfred State athletic program, passed away on October 2, 2012 in Virginia Beach, VA. Giedlin dedicated 30 years to Alfred State and the college.
Giedlin began his career at Alfred State in 1957 as the director of student housing and men's basketball coach. He became the college's athletic director in 1966 and served in that role for 21 years. He was also the chairman of the physical education department for 20 years from 1967 to 1987.
On the basketball court, Giedlin led the Tech basketball team for 13 seasons. He is still the winningest coach in program history with a 198-103 record (.658 winning percentage). His 1959 basketball team won the college's first Region III championship and three of his teams won 20 or more games in a season.
As an athletic administrator, Giedlin served as the assistant Region III director, the Region III director, and was chosen to be a member the executive committee of the NJCAA. During his time, Giedlin helped with the integration of women's athletics into the national level and helped form the Penn-York Athletic Conference.
Giedlin was part of the inaugural class of the Alfred State Athletics Hall of Fame that was inducted in 1992. On his hall of fame plaque he is noted as "truly being a Pioneer in junior college sports, his dedication, loyalty, and commitment established Alfred State athletics as a regional and national leader.
Giedlin is survived by his loving wife Mary Ellen Giedlin, sons; Dr. Martin Giedlin and his wife, Nancie Zimmerman of Moraga, CA, Christopher Giedlin and his wife, Lori of Carleton, MI, Thomas Giedlin and his wife, Mary of Cypress, CA, Michael Giedlin and his wife, Lynn of Flagstaff, AZ; daughter-in-law, Beth Gills, grandchildren; Andrew Giedlin of Virginia Beach, Liza Giedlin of Virgina Beach, Richard Giedlin of Cypress, CA, Melaine Giedlin of Moraga, CA, Sophie Giedlin of Cypress, CA, Max Giedlin of Moraga, CA, Brooke Giedlin of Carleton, MI, Mitchell Giedlin of Flagstaff, AZ, Kate Giedlin of Carleton, MI, great-grandson; Carson Dove of Virginia Beach.
A memorial mass will be held on Tue., Oct. 9 at 10 a.m. at St John the Apostle Catholic Church, 1968 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach. Please visit www.FamilyChoiceFunerals.com to sign the online guestbook.
The athletic department will honor Giedlin's legacy during the college's Homecoming activities this weekend.