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By Kent Larsen
LDS Coach, English Instructor Killed in Traffic Accident
MERCED, CALIFORNIA -- Sheryl Brink Wiens, a coach and English teacher at
Merced College, was killed early Monday morning when the truck her husband
was driving ran of the road and overturned. Wiens, who was not wearing a
seat belt, was ejected from the truck and died later at Mercy Hospital. Her
husband, Randy Wiens, has been charged with driving under the influence and
manslaughter because of the accident.
Wiens death came as a shock to Merced College's faculty and students. Wiens,
56, had taught English at the college for 27 years and coached the college's
women's tennis, basketball and softball teams. "It's a horrible loss not
only for the college but the community of Merced," said Chris Pedretti, the
college's baseball coach. Wiens also coached youth sports teams in the city.
A Merced native, Wiens was an athlete herself, and a member of the US Tennis
Association. "I'm told she was probably the best female athlete to come out
of this area, and it showed in her coaching," Pedretti said. "Not only
could she do it, she could coach it."
Both the Church and the community are supporting the family, which includes
two children still at home. "She was a strong Mormon, and she has lots of
brothers and sisters," Pedretti said. "I know her family has rallied around
the children, and the Mormon community (has), as well as the people here at
the college."
Source:
Longtime Merced College coach killed in truck crash
Modesto CA Bee 22Feb01 P2
By Michael Mello: Bee Staff Writer
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