Remembering Ron Niedzwiecki ‘65

8/22/2024 11:25:00 AM | By: Joe Ginley '16, SID

Ron Niedzwiecki ‘65 and his son, Scott '92, are the only father-son captain duo in JCU Football history.

BROOKLYN, Mich. – A Blue Streak legend has passed away.

Ron Niedzwiecki '65 passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, under the loving care of his family in his home on Lake Columbia.

Niedzwiecki starred on the gridiron for John Carroll. Ron and his son, Scott '92, became the first and only father and son to be captains in the history of John Carroll Football.

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1943, Niedzwiecki graduated from St. Clement High School in Center Line, Michigan, in 1961. He would later return to his alma mater to serve as a teacher, coach, athletic director and principal from 1967-1972.

Niedzwiecki soon became a star for the Blue Streaks. A 6'1, 210-pound force, Niedzwiecki played a role in one of the most successful two-season stretches in program history. During his sophomore year in 1962, the Blue Streaks roared to a 7-0 record and a Presidents Athletic Conference Championship. A season later, the Blue Streaks repeated as PAC Champs with a 7-0 record.

The success was not limited to conference titles. John Ray's "Wolfpack" defense set four NCAA records in 1963.

Niedzwiecki served as team captain during his senior season in 1964. While the team's record dipped to 4-4, the veteran did excellent work. He earned First Team All-PAC honors from his spot at defensive end during his final campaign.

Niedzwiecki also wrestled during his time at JCU. He tallied a win during the first-ever victory for the JCU Wrestling program on December 4, 1964 as part of the inaugural team under the late, legendary Tony DeCarlo '66G.

As his obituary says, Niedzwiecki "coached and taught history at Adams High School in Rochester until 1979. In 1979-1986 Ron moved his family to Jackson, Michigan, where he worked as assistant principal/athletic director, eventually becoming the principal. From 1986-1999 Ron was the superintendent of Manchester Community Schools. Ron had a hard time staying retired and headed right back into his role as principal of Jackson Catholic Middle School from 1999-2006 and continued his mission as an educational leader in the Jackson Catholic Schools until 2015. Ron finally ended his remarkable career in 2019 at St. Francis De Sales in Toledo, Ohio, where he served as Vice President /Director of Operations."

Niedzwiecki was a lifelong supporter of the Blue Streaks long after his time on the team ended, and will be missed by the John Carroll community.

To read the full obituary and for information on the services in his memory, click here.

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