BEREA, Ohio — Editor's note: a previous version of this article referred to Dave Tressel as the former superintendent for Berea City School District but has since been updated to reflect that he never held the position.
The Berea community is mourning the loss of Dave Tressel, an influential figure who impacted both the Berea City School District (BCSD) as well as Baldwin Wallace University students and athletes.
On Saturday, representatives for BCSD released a statement on social media sharing the news of the former teacher's passing, and sending their thoughts and condolences to his family during this time.
"The BCSD community is deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Dave Tressel's passing. We are grateful for his service to the district and will miss him greatly. The impact of his passion for public education, his leadership, and kindness will have a lasting legacy. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends."
Ana Chapman, one of Tressel's colleagues and BCSD Board of Education member, also released a statement following the announcement, calling the Baldwin Wallace alum "a true friend to all," and saying that you "couldn't find a kinder, gentler man."
"The entire Baldwin Wallace community is saddened by the news of Dave Tressel's passing," said Baldwin Wallace University Director of Athletics, Steve Thompson. "In Dave's passing, Baldwin Wallace and the Berea community lost a most faithful servant, friend and mentor. Dave had that unique ability to instantly connect with people of all ages. He did that throughout his life as a coach and educator of countless Berea area youth and BW students.
According to his bio on BW's website, Tressel was a 1973 alum of the Berea-university and was inducted into the school's hall of fame in 2012 for his four years of swimming and diving.
The former assistant swimming coach also worked as a teacher at the Roehm Middle School and at Berea High School and helped teach swimming lessons during the summer for 45 years.
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Editor's note: The video in the player above is from a previously published, unrelated story.
