Richard Mieth is a retired Math teacher that taught at Bennett from 1968 -1998. He was an outstanding Cross Country coach from 1985 – 1994, winning three City Championships and the Section VI title in 1989.
Accepting the advisorship of the yearbook, The Bennett Beacon, changed his life. What had been a luke- warm attempt to use his photography skills to capture and display Bennett’s activities, now blossomed into a serious passion. One could find Dick at any and ALL sporting events and loving every minute of it.
It did not hurt his cause that in the first couple of years Bennett experienced the madness and excitement of two All-Americans coached by Larry Veronica: Lamar Smith and Curtis Aiken. Winning consecutive State titles in basketball put Bennett on the map. This much excitement turned Dick into a “ got to be there fan”.This passion lasted for the next 19 years.
In addition to sports, Dick photographed the taping of “ It’s Academic” on Channel 4 and the Saturday mornings at Downtown Court with Mr, Shapiro’s Mock Trial Team. And of course he is well remembered for his slide shows at Ben-Ken assemblies and Class Day programs.
This avid enthusiasm for all-things Bennett over a 30 year period was supported by his wife Geri, who tolerated numerous late dinners and incomplete home projects. Dick and Geri just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They are the proud parents of two successful sons, Jeff and Brian. Now the joys of their lives are their four grandchildren, Justin, Connor, Brandon and Erin.
At this time Dick volunteers his time at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy on Buffalo’s East Side.