John Zaepfel '58

John Zaepfel '58

John Zaepfel '58 talks about his father, John Zaepfel, during the ceremony dedicating the completion of the new track and field at Zaepfel Stadium in Yakima, Wash. Tuesday, March 24, 2015. (MASON TRINCA/Yakima Herald-Republic)

John Zaepfel honored several people in late March.  On March 22 he was a speaker at the memorial service for his college buddy and lifelong friend, Jerry Ryles '58 at the Overlake Golf Club gathering. 

Then a few days later he was back in his high school stomping grounds for the rededication of Zaepfel Stadium honoring his father.   As reported by the Yakima Herald, The stadium is named after Zaepfel, a former district athletic director and coach.

Zaepfel Jr., 79, made his way from Southern California to return to his hometown. He reminisced about bits of advice his father gave — his belief that character counts, the importance of equality, going all-in on something, to name a few — that left a lasting impact on him and others. Zaepfel Jr. said he hopes current and future students will adhere to his father’s words.

“Dad’s mission in life was to make a difference for young people,” he said. “It was always about the kids. His legacy is not about wins and losses or balls and strikes. It’s about what he taught and what he stood for.”

You will find the full article and a video interview of John at this link: http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestnews/3026452-14/zaepfel-stadium-enters-new-era-with-track-dedication