The Prophesy

In 1968, Dan Newhard went undefeated at 22-0-1 to win a state title for Dieruff H.S.  at 180 Pounds.  Dan became Dieruff’s third state champion and Coach Dick King’s first.  Shortly after the tournament ended, Dieruff Principal, Henry Weidner, sent the following letter of congratulations to Coach King identifying Dan Howard as a potential state champ.

Dieruff Principal Henry J. Weidner (Photo Courtesy of Dieruff H.S. Yearbook)
Dieruff Principal Henry J. Weidner (Photo Courtesy of Dieruff H.S. Yearbook)
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(Photo Courtesy of Dick King)

When the Dieruff Ledannus was published in June, a full page was dedicated to Dan Newhard’s championship.  The caption in the picture of Dan with his trophy mistakenly identified him as Dan Howard.

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(Image Courtesy of Dieruff H.S. Yearbook)

Fast forward to March 1969.  Dan Newhard, Dan Howard and Gary Ward all won district titles leading Dieruff to a tie with Nazareth for second place in the team race.  A week later, Newhard’s 42 match unbeaten streak was broken as he was upset in the regional semi-finals.  Dan Howard won the regionals and the following week cruised to the state title at 133 pounds fulfilling with the prophesy of Henry Weidner!

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(Photo Courtesy of Dieruff H.S. Yearbook)
Coach Dick King with the “Two Dans” – Dan Howard and Dan Newhard. They Maintained a Close Relationship until Dan Howard and Dick King Passed Away (Photo Courtesy of Rita King)