1 00:00:05,825 --> 00:00:07,125 - Hey everybody, I'm Doug. 2 00:00:07,145 --> 00:00:10,605 That's Connor. And this is a very special episode 3 00:00:10,605 --> 00:00:12,925 of the Bethel School District Presents podcast. 4 00:00:13,305 --> 00:00:17,365 We are celebrating 75 years of the Bethel School District 5 00:00:17,515 --> 00:00:20,245 with Bethel legend, ed Neil. 6 00:00:20,505 --> 00:00:21,725 You might recognize Mr. 7 00:00:21,825 --> 00:00:24,565 Neil's name from the Bethel High School gymnasium, 8 00:00:24,865 --> 00:00:28,525 and we are so proud to have him join us on the show, along 9 00:00:28,525 --> 00:00:30,245 with his son, Bob Neil. 10 00:00:30,355 --> 00:00:32,125 Gentlemen, thank you so much for being here. 11 00:00:32,475 --> 00:00:33,965 - Glad to have you. - So, Mr. 12 00:00:33,965 --> 00:00:36,685 Neil, you've lived in our area since 1951 13 00:00:36,785 --> 00:00:39,285 and worked at Bethel High School when it opened its doors. 14 00:00:39,675 --> 00:00:42,165 Talk to us a little bit about the changes you've seen in the 15 00:00:42,165 --> 00:00:44,005 school and around the district since then. 16 00:00:44,885 --> 00:00:47,885 - I just had the opportunity the other day with Bob 17 00:00:48,785 --> 00:00:53,605 to travel out to Graham, which I haven't seen for many, 18 00:00:53,605 --> 00:00:56,165 many years, and up the Graham Hill. 19 00:00:56,505 --> 00:01:00,405 And I couldn't believe the growth in the Bethel District 20 00:01:01,075 --> 00:01:05,805 when I was here started, we had six elementary schools. 21 00:01:06,505 --> 00:01:11,085 We had, uh, teams formed from the six schools for intramural 22 00:01:11,105 --> 00:01:13,845 and recreational basketball and baseball. 23 00:01:14,345 --> 00:01:18,285 And now I understand there's 18 elementary schools 24 00:01:19,265 --> 00:01:23,005 and maybe six or eight, uh, junior high schools. 25 00:01:23,705 --> 00:01:25,605 And I was fortunate to see the 26 00:01:26,185 --> 00:01:28,325 fourth high school groundbreaking 27 00:01:29,215 --> 00:01:31,005 since I've lived in the Bethel District. 28 00:01:31,865 --> 00:01:36,205 And that's amazing to see four high schools in a lifetime. 29 00:01:36,565 --> 00:01:37,685 - . It absolutely is. 30 00:01:37,915 --> 00:01:39,645 Your lifetime spans a lot 31 00:01:39,665 --> 00:01:42,605 of history across this district, across this country. 32 00:01:43,025 --> 00:01:45,125 You came to Bethel by way of Pittsburgh, 33 00:01:45,465 --> 00:01:48,485 the United States Army and Washington State University. 34 00:01:48,755 --> 00:01:51,085 It's a lot of ground to cover in your early years 35 00:01:51,085 --> 00:01:52,765 that I'm sure folks are gonna wanna know about. 36 00:01:52,865 --> 00:01:54,445 So let's start in the steel city 37 00:01:54,445 --> 00:01:56,005 where I am also from Pittsburgh. 38 00:01:56,085 --> 00:01:57,205 I lived there till I was 12. 39 00:01:57,785 --> 00:02:00,325 You lived there a little bit less time than that. 40 00:02:00,605 --> 00:02:02,845 I heard you left when you were about six months old. 41 00:02:03,105 --> 00:02:05,245 - We left there when I was six months old. 42 00:02:06,105 --> 00:02:08,205 My dad and mother and Aunt Mary 43 00:02:09,065 --> 00:02:12,085 and my older brother Ted headed west. 44 00:02:12,565 --> 00:02:14,525 I don't remember much about the trip, 45 00:02:15,065 --> 00:02:19,605 but I do have some stories that I was often told later. 46 00:02:20,465 --> 00:02:24,765 The main one was Aunt Mary who was coming out with us 47 00:02:24,765 --> 00:02:27,405 to help with my older brother, Ted and me. 48 00:02:28,665 --> 00:02:33,085 She always got scared coming over high road passes 49 00:02:33,585 --> 00:02:36,125 and, and different roads that we took. 50 00:02:36,145 --> 00:02:40,125 And dad and mom used to tell me Palm Mary always wanted the 51 00:02:40,145 --> 00:02:43,925 inside of the car to sit on when we came over some of those, 52 00:02:44,545 --> 00:02:46,605 uh, rugged passes in those days. 53 00:02:47,325 --> 00:02:49,765 I don't know if there were guardrails or not, 54 00:02:49,865 --> 00:02:52,085 but it kind of scared all 55 00:02:52,085 --> 00:02:55,245 of us when she started screaming about Look down there, 56 00:02:55,845 --> 00:02:57,485 way down there. Yeah. 57 00:02:58,305 --> 00:03:00,285 - And, and Ed. Ed, I understand you're 58 00:03:00,285 --> 00:03:01,365 a hundred years old, correct? 59 00:03:01,585 --> 00:03:03,525 Yes. So you've seen a lot in your life. 60 00:03:03,525 --> 00:03:05,605 Your, your formative years stretched from the Great 61 00:03:05,605 --> 00:03:07,005 Depression to World War ii. 62 00:03:07,025 --> 00:03:08,965 That's an unparalleled experience. 63 00:03:09,305 --> 00:03:10,885 How did that shape you as a young man 64 00:03:10,985 --> 00:03:12,605 and what lessons did you learn 65 00:03:12,605 --> 00:03:13,765 that stayed with you all these years? 66 00:03:14,165 --> 00:03:17,365 - I think the big biggest thing that I learned 67 00:03:17,695 --> 00:03:22,365 after graduating, I quit high school in my senior year 68 00:03:22,375 --> 00:03:25,365 after the football season, and I joined the Army 69 00:03:25,395 --> 00:03:28,085 because I was afraid they would draft me into 70 00:03:28,085 --> 00:03:29,205 the Navy . 71 00:03:29,745 --> 00:03:31,485 And I didn't like water at that time, 72 00:03:31,625 --> 00:03:36,285 and I'm still not a favor of water, but I did join the army 73 00:03:36,625 --> 00:03:39,365 and, uh, I think the two 74 00:03:39,365 --> 00:03:42,925 and a half years that I was in did a lot for my life. 75 00:03:43,805 --> 00:03:46,125 I was kind of a character in high school. 76 00:03:46,325 --> 00:03:47,725 I understand . 77 00:03:48,005 --> 00:03:50,645 I didn't like school too well, but I liked sports. 78 00:03:51,465 --> 00:03:53,485 And the army took that out of me 79 00:03:53,505 --> 00:03:57,325 and, uh, gave me a lot of, of foresight 80 00:03:57,465 --> 00:03:59,045 to continue my life. 81 00:03:59,465 --> 00:04:01,245 - And I found an article about you online. 82 00:04:01,265 --> 00:04:02,965 It said you actually played football 83 00:04:03,185 --> 00:04:04,645 for the Army. Is that true 84 00:04:05,005 --> 00:04:06,005 - ? 85 00:04:06,005 --> 00:04:09,165 I did. I I was going to Fort Sill, Oklahoma 86 00:04:10,385 --> 00:04:15,085 and uh, we brought a artillery team from Camp Swift 87 00:04:15,705 --> 00:04:17,725 to Fort Sill to play football. 88 00:04:18,345 --> 00:04:20,645 And I think there was, uh, six 89 00:04:20,645 --> 00:04:24,965 or eight different teams that came there, a real remarkable, 90 00:04:25,345 --> 00:04:26,565 uh, place to go. 91 00:04:26,625 --> 00:04:29,805 And I don't know what I learned militarily, , 92 00:04:29,805 --> 00:04:33,805 but I, I did have a, a good time, uh, playing football 93 00:04:33,945 --> 00:04:36,605 for the artillery at Fort Sill . 94 00:04:36,685 --> 00:04:38,885 - I bet I was actually also in the Army. 95 00:04:39,165 --> 00:04:40,565 I was a broadcast journalist 96 00:04:40,665 --> 00:04:42,725 and served with a FN in Belgium. 97 00:04:42,885 --> 00:04:44,325 I don't know what I learned militarily 98 00:04:44,325 --> 00:04:45,565 either, but it brought me here. 99 00:04:45,845 --> 00:04:50,765 . Yeah. So you also played football at WSU, 100 00:04:50,825 --> 00:04:51,845 if I'm not mistaken. 101 00:04:52,205 --> 00:04:53,405 A any memories from that time? 102 00:04:54,185 --> 00:04:57,645 - Yes. I remember when a guy knocked on a coach, 103 00:04:57,645 --> 00:05:01,965 knocked on my door one day when I was living in Seattle 104 00:05:02,985 --> 00:05:04,285 and asked me if I wanted to go 105 00:05:04,285 --> 00:05:05,845 to school at Washington State. 106 00:05:07,035 --> 00:05:08,165 Kind of surprised me 107 00:05:08,165 --> 00:05:10,885 because I had no intentions of going to school. 108 00:05:11,605 --> 00:05:16,565 I was ready to go to work, uh, and I said yes, and mom 109 00:05:16,585 --> 00:05:19,045 and dad a few weeks later packed me in a car 110 00:05:19,045 --> 00:05:22,285 and took me over to Pullman and dumped me off . 111 00:05:22,665 --> 00:05:25,685 And there, from there on it was, uh, Washington State 112 00:05:26,465 --> 00:05:29,005 cooker football from, from that day on. 113 00:05:29,605 --> 00:05:32,285 I never was a real Husky fan , 114 00:05:32,905 --> 00:05:36,445 but I I, I do appreciate the program that they 115 00:05:37,035 --> 00:05:38,125 have had so far. 116 00:05:39,185 --> 00:05:42,085 I'm a cougar. My two sons are cougars. 117 00:05:42,745 --> 00:05:44,645 My grandson is a cougar. 118 00:05:45,825 --> 00:05:48,445 So we, we have respect for Washington, 119 00:05:48,625 --> 00:05:50,765 but not, not as a cougar 120 00:05:51,085 --> 00:05:53,445 - , but not too much, - Not too much respect. 121 00:05:53,765 --> 00:05:54,925 - uh, and, and sports, you were, 122 00:05:54,945 --> 00:05:56,285 you were also very involved with sports 123 00:05:56,285 --> 00:05:57,300 at Bethel High School. 124 00:05:57,345 --> 00:05:58,645 But before we get into that, 125 00:05:58,655 --> 00:06:00,965 let's talk a little bit about your time as a teacher there. 126 00:06:01,185 --> 00:06:02,605 If my sources are correct, 127 00:06:02,705 --> 00:06:04,925 you taught shop, what was that like? 128 00:06:04,985 --> 00:06:06,485 And what kind of projects did students 129 00:06:06,485 --> 00:06:07,605 work on back in the fifties? 130 00:06:08,845 --> 00:06:11,725 - I have to say that your sources were wrong. Oh, no, 131 00:06:12,125 --> 00:06:15,325 - , - I taught shop for one year. 132 00:06:16,145 --> 00:06:20,125 Uh, when I got the job at Bethel, uh, 133 00:06:20,445 --> 00:06:24,965 I was assigned to World History shop, metal shop, wood shop. 134 00:06:25,905 --> 00:06:29,085 Uh, I graduated from Washington State in physical 135 00:06:29,085 --> 00:06:30,165 education health. 136 00:06:30,745 --> 00:06:35,445 So the first year I was at Kason High School, which had a, 137 00:06:35,465 --> 00:06:39,525 uh, earthquake destruction in 1949. 138 00:06:40,065 --> 00:06:41,845 Uh, destroyed their swimming pool 139 00:06:41,985 --> 00:06:43,725 and part of their gymnasium. 140 00:06:43,905 --> 00:06:46,045 So I got these other 141 00:06:46,595 --> 00:06:50,165 different teaching positions than I would have normally 142 00:06:50,795 --> 00:06:52,045 than when Bethel opened. 143 00:06:52,285 --> 00:06:56,685 I did get, my position that I wanted was in the gymnasium 144 00:06:57,185 --> 00:07:01,645 to physical education for 15, 15 and a half years. 145 00:07:02,155 --> 00:07:03,565 - That tracks with the coaching thing. 146 00:07:03,565 --> 00:07:05,045 Um, we'll have to fire the intern 147 00:07:05,045 --> 00:07:06,285 that did our research on that. 148 00:07:06,605 --> 00:07:09,245 . So I have a follow up question. 149 00:07:09,515 --> 00:07:13,445 That date, 1949, when you taught at Kapaun High School, 150 00:07:13,635 --> 00:07:16,405 that is the year that Bethel School District was founded 151 00:07:16,435 --> 00:07:18,405 75 years ago. 152 00:07:18,545 --> 00:07:20,885 Do you remember anything about that consolidation 153 00:07:20,885 --> 00:07:23,765 of the 30 some school districts that were brought together 154 00:07:23,785 --> 00:07:28,405 to form this one big gigantic megalith that we now Connor 155 00:07:28,405 --> 00:07:29,405 and I now proudly serve? 156 00:07:29,945 --> 00:07:31,965 - No, I, I don't remember much about it. 157 00:07:32,045 --> 00:07:36,445 I do know that there was a lady, uh, Pierce County, uh, 158 00:07:37,045 --> 00:07:38,405 educator, Ruth Bethel. 159 00:07:38,985 --> 00:07:42,405 And uh, what I know is they named the name after her. 160 00:07:43,385 --> 00:07:46,085 But, uh, I do understand there were just many, many 161 00:07:46,605 --> 00:07:48,885 consolidations in the Bethel School District. 162 00:07:48,985 --> 00:07:51,925 Uh, the last one being high school, being Roy and, 163 00:07:52,145 --> 00:07:55,445 and Alun, which were, I don't know how far apart, 164 00:07:55,505 --> 00:07:56,725 but they're quite a ways apart. 165 00:07:57,035 --> 00:07:58,765 - Yeah. And, and you were a football 166 00:07:58,765 --> 00:08:00,045 and baseball coach at Bethel 167 00:08:00,105 --> 00:08:02,005 and as a new district with a new high school, 168 00:08:02,005 --> 00:08:04,805 it was your job to get the athletes from Kapaun High School 169 00:08:04,825 --> 00:08:06,245 and Roy High School, like you just mentioned, 170 00:08:06,505 --> 00:08:09,245 to come together as one team being so far away. 171 00:08:09,315 --> 00:08:10,845 I've read that you actually drove the bus 172 00:08:10,845 --> 00:08:13,285 that took the athletes from Kapa de Roy for practice. 173 00:08:13,675 --> 00:08:15,285 What was that time like for you? 174 00:08:16,125 --> 00:08:18,565 - Actually, the two schools, now I remember were 175 00:08:18,565 --> 00:08:19,805 16 miles apart. 176 00:08:20,185 --> 00:08:22,045 And when they consolidated, 177 00:08:22,475 --> 00:08:26,965 they played 1950 season was played as Roy 178 00:08:27,185 --> 00:08:28,445 and as Kaen. 179 00:08:29,105 --> 00:08:33,845 And in 1951, uh, we brought the two teams together. 180 00:08:35,035 --> 00:08:36,685 When I got the job, my wife 181 00:08:36,685 --> 00:08:39,285 and I came early on Spring break 182 00:08:39,465 --> 00:08:42,525 to look at the two schools we were going to be involved in. 183 00:08:43,785 --> 00:08:46,325 And, uh, things didn't look good at that time, 184 00:08:46,865 --> 00:08:49,765 but I knew they were building a new Bethel High School, so 185 00:08:50,325 --> 00:08:51,925 I was really excited about that. 186 00:08:52,785 --> 00:08:57,205 But our facilities at Roy, uh, is where we chose 187 00:08:57,305 --> 00:08:59,085 to turn out for football. 188 00:08:59,665 --> 00:09:03,525 Uh, we rented a field in Breman Park, 189 00:09:03,615 --> 00:09:05,525 which is now Spanaway Golf Course, 190 00:09:06,425 --> 00:09:08,565 and that's where we turned out for baseball. 191 00:09:08,945 --> 00:09:12,005 But, uh, I had to take the kids from Kapaun, 192 00:09:12,305 --> 00:09:16,005 loaded them on a bus, take 'em over to Roy and turnout. 193 00:09:16,385 --> 00:09:19,165 And then after turnout I would take some 194 00:09:19,165 --> 00:09:23,645 of the Roy kids home and then backtrack over to Kasen 195 00:09:23,645 --> 00:09:25,565 and take the Kasen kids home. 196 00:09:26,385 --> 00:09:29,445 And fortunately the school district let me take the bus home 197 00:09:29,955 --> 00:09:31,445 when I lived in Parkland. 198 00:09:31,585 --> 00:09:35,205 But it was, it was, it was a long day, but it was a fun day. 199 00:09:35,865 --> 00:09:38,725 - Is it true you played games at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma? 200 00:09:39,065 --> 00:09:41,805 - Yes, we played our football games at Cheney Stadium, 201 00:09:41,855 --> 00:09:44,405 which was up on 11th Avenue there somewhere. 202 00:09:44,465 --> 00:09:49,125 Yes, we played there a couple years until we got our Bethel, 203 00:09:49,465 --> 00:09:50,885 uh, facilities going. 204 00:09:51,265 --> 00:09:53,125 - Dad, why don't you tell him the story about you 205 00:09:53,125 --> 00:09:54,525 and Art Crate and how the football 206 00:09:54,525 --> 00:09:55,765 field got in its location? 207 00:09:56,575 --> 00:09:58,405 - You'd have to know Art Crate first. 208 00:09:59,045 --> 00:10:02,085 Art Crate was a member of the Bethel District. 209 00:10:02,225 --> 00:10:04,045 He was a power 210 00:10:04,065 --> 00:10:07,445 and light manager for Elmhurst Light and Power. 211 00:10:08,185 --> 00:10:12,325 The district went from Parkland way out to Hart's Lake. 212 00:10:13,225 --> 00:10:17,005 And Art became very, uh, concerned about our high school 213 00:10:17,465 --> 00:10:18,725 and our athletic program. 214 00:10:19,645 --> 00:10:22,405 'cause he had two boys coming up knowing Art Crate. 215 00:10:22,505 --> 00:10:24,685 He used to come and ask me what I needed. 216 00:10:25,395 --> 00:10:26,925 Well, we needed a lot of things 217 00:10:27,145 --> 00:10:28,885 and Field was the main thing. 218 00:10:29,465 --> 00:10:33,445 And I can remember one day he came when I was out with my, 219 00:10:33,505 --> 00:10:38,165 uh, high school, uh, PE class and Art came over 220 00:10:38,225 --> 00:10:40,525 and he said, where you went to football field? 221 00:10:41,625 --> 00:10:44,165 And I said, art, I've, I've got a I class here. 222 00:10:44,205 --> 00:10:46,445 I can't leave you. I can't leave them. 223 00:10:47,075 --> 00:10:50,685 Well, knowing art, it was then, or now, or not at all. 224 00:10:51,125 --> 00:10:54,845 - . - So I, I told the my student leader 225 00:10:55,545 --> 00:10:58,605 to take over what I went over and helped Mr. 226 00:10:58,735 --> 00:11:02,165 Crate out. And I had looked at the areas 227 00:11:02,335 --> 00:11:07,245 where a field might be, but I had no idea it would be. 228 00:11:08,225 --> 00:11:10,405 But we walked over there, I was kind of upset 229 00:11:10,945 --> 00:11:14,605 and I walked over there and, and, uh, I put my foot down 230 00:11:14,605 --> 00:11:17,045 and I says, art, I want the corner right here. 231 00:11:17,665 --> 00:11:20,045 And I said, I wa I'd like to have it parallel 232 00:11:20,045 --> 00:11:21,085 with 38th Avenue. 233 00:11:22,065 --> 00:11:24,125 And, uh, that was it. 234 00:11:24,265 --> 00:11:27,565 He, he , he pounded a stake . 235 00:11:28,065 --> 00:11:30,405 And that's where the Bethel football field is 236 00:11:30,685 --> 00:11:31,765 nowadays at the same place. 237 00:11:32,155 --> 00:11:33,485 - That that is amazing though. 238 00:11:33,485 --> 00:11:35,725 That a, a kind of snap decision like that 239 00:11:35,945 --> 00:11:37,005 so many decades later. 240 00:11:37,185 --> 00:11:39,085 And here we are still playing there. 241 00:11:39,215 --> 00:11:41,645 - Still there. And to look at the timeline of 242 00:11:41,745 --> 00:11:44,885 how long it went from, okay, where are we gonna put it 243 00:11:45,105 --> 00:11:47,045 to it being there was amazing. 244 00:11:47,285 --> 00:11:49,485 H how how quickly did the machinery show up 245 00:11:49,485 --> 00:11:51,125 after that meeting that you had with Art? 246 00:11:51,845 --> 00:11:53,485 - Probably the next weekend , 247 00:11:53,595 --> 00:11:56,525 because art, art was a, he was a go-getter 248 00:11:56,525 --> 00:11:58,805 and he had lots of help in the Bethel District. 249 00:11:59,105 --> 00:12:00,965 He got the senders and the whole thing 250 00:12:00,965 --> 00:12:03,325 and put the ribbon around for the track and, 251 00:12:03,985 --> 00:12:05,325 and put up goal posts. 252 00:12:05,865 --> 00:12:08,685 He did, he did a lot. And I can't say enough for Art Crate. 253 00:12:08,885 --> 00:12:10,685 I appreciate everything he did. 254 00:12:10,785 --> 00:12:12,445 - Things move a little slower these days. 255 00:12:12,465 --> 00:12:14,285 - Things do move a little slower these 256 00:12:14,285 --> 00:12:15,285 - Days. 257 00:12:15,285 --> 00:12:16,605 We, we just attended the groundbreaking 258 00:12:16,705 --> 00:12:17,925 for the new Bethel High School 259 00:12:18,225 --> 00:12:21,605 and they talked how that started 17 years ago. It 260 00:12:21,605 --> 00:12:24,045 - Did - A little bit different than what they were able 261 00:12:24,045 --> 00:12:26,645 to do to the football field and the grandstand both, they 262 00:12:26,645 --> 00:12:29,245 - Should have just had Ed come over and put a stake down and 263 00:12:29,595 --> 00:12:31,525 - Good to go art net out there with a stake 264 00:12:31,625 --> 00:12:32,805 and put the school in. 265 00:12:32,835 --> 00:12:34,765 - Yeah. Something tells me the permitting process 266 00:12:34,865 --> 00:12:36,085 wasn't as rigorous back 267 00:12:36,085 --> 00:12:37,005 - Then. it was. 268 00:12:37,005 --> 00:12:40,125 - Yeah. So at Bethel High Ed, you spent 15 years 269 00:12:40,265 --> 00:12:42,725 as a football coach, five years as a baseball coach, 270 00:12:42,825 --> 00:12:45,165 and seven years as a basketball assistant. 271 00:12:45,515 --> 00:12:48,645 When it came to athletics, what did Bethel do? 272 00:12:48,645 --> 00:12:49,885 Right, and what were some 273 00:12:49,885 --> 00:12:50,925 of the things that you had to work on? 274 00:12:51,805 --> 00:12:54,165 - I think we worked on things as they came. 275 00:12:54,175 --> 00:12:58,725 There were problems that came up daily, turnout wise, 276 00:12:59,425 --> 00:13:03,165 fields, transportation, getting the kids home 277 00:13:03,185 --> 00:13:04,685 and, and back. 278 00:13:05,065 --> 00:13:08,005 We had to work on everything as it came along. 279 00:13:08,005 --> 00:13:10,925 There was no, no planning ahead. We had no money. 280 00:13:11,805 --> 00:13:14,165 I did go to Del House in Tacoma 281 00:13:14,265 --> 00:13:16,885 and Scott said athletic supply 282 00:13:17,745 --> 00:13:19,845 and, uh, ran up a credit bill there. 283 00:13:20,085 --> 00:13:22,245 , they gave us uniforms at first. 284 00:13:22,305 --> 00:13:26,525 We had uniforms from both ALS and, and Roy. 285 00:13:27,465 --> 00:13:31,525 Uh, not enough for a full team at a consolidated school. 286 00:13:32,305 --> 00:13:34,365 So we did have to go in debt a little bit. 287 00:13:34,465 --> 00:13:37,325 And we borrowed and begged from different people 288 00:13:37,355 --> 00:13:39,485 that we knew that that had something. 289 00:13:39,505 --> 00:13:42,125 And the district, Bethel district was super, 290 00:13:43,155 --> 00:13:46,045 they were like the old timing days when somebody needed 291 00:13:46,045 --> 00:13:48,405 help, there was people there to help them. 292 00:13:49,145 --> 00:13:50,845 Uh, so it was a great district 293 00:13:50,905 --> 00:13:54,525 and just went from grassroots up to where they are now. 294 00:13:54,805 --> 00:13:56,085 - , I I've heard that once, once 295 00:13:56,085 --> 00:13:57,285 you're a coach, you're always a coach. 296 00:13:57,295 --> 00:13:59,325 Let's put that coaching hat back on for a minute. 297 00:13:59,705 --> 00:14:01,125 If you could step into the locker room 298 00:14:01,125 --> 00:14:03,485 and give a pep talk, what would you say 299 00:14:03,485 --> 00:14:04,845 to today's student athletes? 300 00:14:05,685 --> 00:14:07,285 - I don't know what I would say today. 301 00:14:07,485 --> 00:14:10,565 I, I hear too much restriction on what , 302 00:14:10,675 --> 00:14:12,485 what a coach can do and can't do. 303 00:14:13,425 --> 00:14:17,365 But I would impress on the kids that we're playing this game 304 00:14:17,385 --> 00:14:20,205 as a team and as a team. 305 00:14:20,345 --> 00:14:24,845 We, we don't want anyone to embarrass our team or yourself. 306 00:14:25,625 --> 00:14:26,965 Uh, we want, don't want 307 00:14:26,965 --> 00:14:28,925 to embarrass the Bethel School District. 308 00:14:29,025 --> 00:14:32,245 So adhere to the laws and the rules of the game. 309 00:14:33,015 --> 00:14:36,725 Carry out your assignments and do the best you can. 310 00:14:37,345 --> 00:14:39,325 And above all have some fun doing it. 311 00:14:39,765 --> 00:14:40,885 - I love that Connor gave me 312 00:14:40,885 --> 00:14:42,405 that same pep talk before he came in here. 313 00:14:42,495 --> 00:14:43,805 Don't embarrass me and don't 314 00:14:43,805 --> 00:14:45,045 embarrass the district. . 315 00:14:45,285 --> 00:14:46,725 - I say that before every interview. Again, 316 00:14:47,165 --> 00:14:48,165 - . 317 00:14:48,165 --> 00:14:48,725 It's very wise advice. 318 00:14:49,265 --> 00:14:51,325 Uh, ed, today you serve as a key member 319 00:14:51,345 --> 00:14:54,725 of the Bethel School District Athletic Hall of Fame. 320 00:14:55,195 --> 00:14:56,965 Tell us a little bit about that organization 321 00:14:57,185 --> 00:14:58,885 and why it's so important for our community. 322 00:14:59,825 --> 00:15:02,605 - It gives us a chance in the Bethel School District 323 00:15:02,745 --> 00:15:06,045 to bring kids back together as a 324 00:15:06,655 --> 00:15:08,285 group receiving awards. 325 00:15:09,205 --> 00:15:11,965 I think Bob could answer this better than I do. 326 00:15:12,065 --> 00:15:16,285 Bob is the president of the Bethel Hall of Fame, 327 00:15:16,745 --> 00:15:20,285 and he does a good job of it, better than I, I know 328 00:15:20,285 --> 00:15:22,165 that it's been just a great thing 329 00:15:22,165 --> 00:15:26,165 because a lot of my former athletes have come by 330 00:15:26,625 --> 00:15:30,525 and congratulated us on the job that, uh, 331 00:15:30,955 --> 00:15:32,205 this group has done. 332 00:15:32,685 --> 00:15:37,245 - I think one of our main goals is to preserve history, uh, 333 00:15:37,385 --> 00:15:40,845 to learn from what past athletes have done, 334 00:15:40,945 --> 00:15:42,365 to learn who those people were. 335 00:15:42,595 --> 00:15:44,805 Just the abilities of people 336 00:15:44,805 --> 00:15:46,125 that have come out of Bethel High School. 337 00:15:46,965 --> 00:15:48,845 I, all of us have kind of a timeframe 338 00:15:48,845 --> 00:15:50,005 that we know the school. 339 00:15:50,265 --> 00:15:52,885 And my timeframe was probably from birth 340 00:15:52,935 --> 00:15:55,565 until I graduated from high school, you know, and the day 341 00:15:55,565 --> 00:15:57,925 after I graduated from high school, I was a cougar. 342 00:15:58,465 --> 00:16:00,365 But I look back now on the, 343 00:16:00,425 --> 00:16:03,565 and get to see people that I sat in the stands 344 00:16:03,825 --> 00:16:06,925 and saw as heroes be recognized for 345 00:16:06,925 --> 00:16:08,765 what they had done back in those days, 346 00:16:08,785 --> 00:16:10,525 the high school games were so important 347 00:16:10,525 --> 00:16:12,085 because you did couldn't see 348 00:16:12,935 --> 00:16:16,245 every protein play every night on TV like you can today. 349 00:16:16,305 --> 00:16:18,845 So that was a lot more of the community focus. 350 00:16:19,505 --> 00:16:21,205 And the thing that I have learned 351 00:16:22,455 --> 00:16:27,365 about 1970 on is we have produced a huge number 352 00:16:27,385 --> 00:16:28,885 of great athletes, people 353 00:16:28,885 --> 00:16:32,085 that have been on the pro golf tour, uh, people that have, 354 00:16:32,115 --> 00:16:33,925 have played some pro football, people 355 00:16:33,925 --> 00:16:35,485 that have done all sorts of things 356 00:16:35,545 --> 00:16:36,965 and gone out and be successful. 357 00:16:37,325 --> 00:16:38,045 - Absolutely. We didn't have a former 358 00:16:38,045 --> 00:16:39,365 Mariner come out of Bethel High 359 00:16:39,365 --> 00:16:40,365 - School. 360 00:16:40,365 --> 00:16:40,885 Yes, we did Mike Laus, 361 00:16:40,885 --> 00:16:44,285 and he was, uh, I think it was the first ceremony we had. 362 00:16:44,305 --> 00:16:46,725 He was our guest speaker or, or was he induct? 363 00:16:46,725 --> 00:16:48,165 Maybe he was inducted the first one 364 00:16:48,165 --> 00:16:49,205 and spoke at the second one. 365 00:16:49,205 --> 00:16:50,645 Yeah, I think is what he probably did. That was 366 00:16:50,645 --> 00:16:51,005 - It. Yeah. 367 00:16:51,185 --> 00:16:54,005 - Dad, why don't you tell us a little bit about your 1955 368 00:16:54,025 --> 00:16:56,325 and 56 football teams, the 369 00:16:56,565 --> 00:16:58,005 - 1955 team? 370 00:16:59,125 --> 00:17:01,485 I wish I could list some of the players, 371 00:17:02,625 --> 00:17:04,645 but I would miss something, so I better not. 372 00:17:05,105 --> 00:17:06,805 But it was went undefeated 373 00:17:07,505 --> 00:17:09,885 and we won the state championship. 374 00:17:09,995 --> 00:17:12,805 This was a mythical championship at that time. 375 00:17:13,625 --> 00:17:15,285 We voted in by sports writers 376 00:17:15,385 --> 00:17:17,165 and peoples throughout the state. 377 00:17:17,985 --> 00:17:21,925 And then in 56, most of the same kids came back 378 00:17:22,625 --> 00:17:24,765 and we went undefeated that year. 379 00:17:25,385 --> 00:17:29,045 And if I recall right, we, we were unscored on 380 00:17:29,105 --> 00:17:30,485 for 16 ball games. 381 00:17:31,265 --> 00:17:32,525 - Wow. Which is truly incredible. 382 00:17:32,765 --> 00:17:34,485 I, I would love to get back in the record books 383 00:17:34,485 --> 00:17:35,765 and see if that's ever happened again. 384 00:17:35,835 --> 00:17:38,205 That I, I can't imagine it has. 385 00:17:38,205 --> 00:17:42,725 - That's quite a defense. Yeah. Ed, you were born in 1924. 386 00:17:42,985 --> 00:17:46,045 I'm gonna go through a little list I made here of some 387 00:17:46,045 --> 00:17:48,605 of the things that were invented after you were born. 388 00:17:48,745 --> 00:17:52,045 And that includes bubblegum, penicillin, scotch, 389 00:17:52,045 --> 00:17:53,565 tape, jet engines. 390 00:17:54,425 --> 00:17:56,005 So many different things that Connor 391 00:17:56,005 --> 00:17:58,125 and I take for granted were invented. 392 00:17:58,455 --> 00:18:01,045 After you entered the world for you, 393 00:18:01,465 --> 00:18:03,245 is there a single greatest invention 394 00:18:03,475 --> 00:18:04,685 that America's produced? 395 00:18:05,245 --> 00:18:07,325 - I think probably the television. 396 00:18:08,245 --> 00:18:11,685 I know I, at, at my age now, I enjoy television 397 00:18:11,825 --> 00:18:14,725 as it's a good pastime and I do enjoy it. 398 00:18:15,165 --> 00:18:18,045 I know that, uh, when I was going to high school, 399 00:18:18,815 --> 00:18:21,125 there was no Sea Tac airport. 400 00:18:21,665 --> 00:18:24,205 Wow. There was no interstate five. 401 00:18:24,975 --> 00:18:27,165 There was no Spanaway golf course. 402 00:18:27,635 --> 00:18:31,165 Pacific Avenue was very bare of 403 00:18:31,965 --> 00:18:33,525 businesses like it is today. 404 00:18:33,945 --> 00:18:37,765 Mainly construction has taken over, I think, which is good. 405 00:18:38,245 --> 00:18:39,605 - A lot of new infrastructure around. 406 00:18:39,605 --> 00:18:41,125 That's, that's a good answer. I think television 407 00:18:41,125 --> 00:18:42,245 is a, that strong answer. 408 00:18:42,485 --> 00:18:43,965 Connor and I have chosen podcasting 409 00:18:43,965 --> 00:18:45,925 because we have faces for radio, we're told. 410 00:18:46,345 --> 00:18:49,765 So we're happy to sit behind the microphones here. Yeah. 411 00:18:50,585 --> 00:18:52,205 Bob, with your father turning a hundred, 412 00:18:52,425 --> 00:18:54,645 I'm sure over the years he's probably told you a couple 413 00:18:55,055 --> 00:18:56,365 solid pieces of advice. 414 00:18:56,785 --> 00:18:59,165 Is there any that you could share with the listeners 415 00:18:59,165 --> 00:19:01,845 that really stuck with you, made a big impact in your life, 416 00:19:01,865 --> 00:19:04,045 you've been a pretty successful man yourself? 417 00:19:04,755 --> 00:19:07,325 - Well, I don't know if they were direct things 418 00:19:07,355 --> 00:19:11,205 that he said, here's the advice, but to follow his lead. 419 00:19:11,945 --> 00:19:13,845 He spent his life in coaching 420 00:19:14,465 --> 00:19:17,765 and so many times I've seen articles about him 421 00:19:17,765 --> 00:19:20,085 and it has the quote, do it for the kids. 422 00:19:20,985 --> 00:19:24,645 And he was, his whole career, he was about the betterment 423 00:19:24,745 --> 00:19:27,485 of student athletes, both in the classroom 424 00:19:27,545 --> 00:19:29,885 and on the, the football field or basketball court 425 00:19:29,905 --> 00:19:31,005 or baseball field. 426 00:19:31,625 --> 00:19:35,165 But it was always about what's best for the students and, 427 00:19:35,165 --> 00:19:37,965 and what's good for their life and what can they learn 428 00:19:38,785 --> 00:19:41,005 and take with them as they go on. 429 00:19:41,345 --> 00:19:43,845 And, and I followed his footsteps, as I say, 430 00:19:44,085 --> 00:19:46,485 a physical education degree at, at, uh, 431 00:19:46,605 --> 00:19:49,205 WSU played basketball. 432 00:19:49,325 --> 00:19:52,365 I was never a football player, but I did play basketball 433 00:19:52,545 --> 00:19:55,485 and, and sports were really important in our household 434 00:19:55,985 --> 00:19:57,405 as just kind of a centerpiece. 435 00:19:57,545 --> 00:20:00,245 We still watched the Mariners almost every night. 436 00:20:00,305 --> 00:20:01,765 We watch all the Seahawk games. 437 00:20:02,145 --> 00:20:03,885 We just loved watching the Cougars this 438 00:20:03,885 --> 00:20:05,125 last year in basketball. 439 00:20:05,625 --> 00:20:08,405 And I think just the guidance that he gave me towards 440 00:20:08,825 --> 00:20:09,885 how he lived his life. 441 00:20:10,605 --> 00:20:13,845 I look back and, and so many times now you see parents 442 00:20:14,075 --> 00:20:18,565 that are, uh, the helicopter parents that are always there 443 00:20:18,665 --> 00:20:21,085 and right involved with the kids in everything they do. 444 00:20:21,545 --> 00:20:24,205 He never once said, let, let's go out and do this. 445 00:20:24,455 --> 00:20:25,965 Let's go do that, play a sport. 446 00:20:26,065 --> 00:20:29,205 But if I said, Hey dad, I'd like to go play catch. 447 00:20:29,465 --> 00:20:30,805 He had the ball in a couple gloves. 448 00:20:31,345 --> 00:20:33,565 Hey, will you rebound for me? Yep. He's out there. 449 00:20:33,715 --> 00:20:36,325 Love that. And, and was always there, but never pushed. 450 00:20:36,865 --> 00:20:41,085 But I, I think like any young person, you're going to ex 451 00:20:41,795 --> 00:20:44,685 look at what the important people in your life are doing 452 00:20:45,225 --> 00:20:46,365 and you emulate that. 453 00:20:47,185 --> 00:20:49,325 And I, I think that I did that and I'm glad that I 454 00:20:49,325 --> 00:20:50,325 - Did. 455 00:20:50,325 --> 00:20:51,285 I think that's fantastic. Great, 456 00:20:51,285 --> 00:20:52,565 great answer and great advice. 457 00:20:52,625 --> 00:20:54,445 Do it for the kids. I love that quote. 458 00:20:54,965 --> 00:20:57,245 - Absolutely. And, and one last question for you, ed. 459 00:20:57,245 --> 00:20:58,965 And we all aspire to live a long, 460 00:20:58,965 --> 00:21:00,245 meaningful life like yours. 461 00:21:00,345 --> 00:21:02,685 Do you have any good advice for the people listening on how 462 00:21:02,685 --> 00:21:05,605 to stay active and engaged in their retirement years? 463 00:21:06,355 --> 00:21:08,645 - I've been asked that many times, , 464 00:21:08,925 --> 00:21:09,925 - . 465 00:21:09,925 --> 00:21:13,045 - And since I got a hundred anyway, I never had any problem 466 00:21:13,345 --> 00:21:14,965 as far as eating, 467 00:21:16,785 --> 00:21:19,105 sleeping, keeping active. 468 00:21:19,445 --> 00:21:22,185 And that's all I can say is that keep going, 469 00:21:22,615 --> 00:21:25,685 just keep active, eat the right things, 470 00:21:26,315 --> 00:21:27,365 stay away from drugs, 471 00:21:28,425 --> 00:21:31,405 and do the best you can with what you got. 472 00:21:31,795 --> 00:21:33,645 - It's just that simple. - Just love it. Fan. 473 00:21:33,715 --> 00:21:36,605 Fantastic advice. Bethel Institution. 474 00:21:36,925 --> 00:21:38,605 Ed Neal and Bob Neal, thank you 475 00:21:38,605 --> 00:21:39,725 so much for joining us today. 476 00:21:39,775 --> 00:21:41,125 We're really excited to have you here 477 00:21:41,125 --> 00:21:44,725 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of our great district. 478 00:21:44,835 --> 00:21:46,245 Gentlemen, thank you very much. 479 00:21:46,535 --> 00:21:48,205 - Thank you. Thank you. I enjoyed.