Joe Etzel

Joseph Etzel
Biographical details
Born(1938-06-20)June 20, 1938
Portland, Oregon, U.S.
DiedDecember 28, 2025(2025-12-28) (aged 87)
Portland, Oregon, U.S.
EducationUniversity of Portland
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1965–1985Portland Pilots (baseball)
1969–1970Portland Pilots (interim HC)
Administrative career (AD unless noted)
1970–2004Portland Pilots (athletic director)
SpouseJudy Kehoe (m. 1962; died 2023)
Children4

Joseph Etzel (June 20, 1938—December 28, 2025) was the athletic director of the University of Portland from 1970 to 2004, as well as the head coach of two different sports for that college.

Etzel was a native of Portland, Oregon who attended Central Catholic High School there, graduating in 1956. He went on to be a standout athlete at the University of Portland, graduating in 1960.

In 1965, Etzel returned to the University of Portland as its head baseball coach, a position he held for 21 seasons. The university's baseball field was re-named after him in 2004. After the tragic death of Ernie Smith in 1969, Etzel also served as the interim head coach of the University of Portland men's basketball team for its 1969–1970 season.

Etzel married the former Judy Kehoe (1940-2023) in 1962. They had four children. Etzel was a Roman Catholic.

References

  1. ↑ "Joseph Etzel Obituary (1938 - 2025) - Portland, OR". The Oregonian. Legacy.com. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
  2. ↑ Newhouse, Nora (February 13, 2026). "Beloved university baseball coach, athletic director Joe Etzel 'loved seeing people finding success in life'". The Oregonian. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
  3. ↑ "Etzel Named Pilot Coach", The Oregonian, 4 Nov 1969, pg. 33