Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame
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Degree: Geography
Kim Niedbala was without question one of the best defensive football players ever to don the blue and gold. A free and strong safety, Kim played for Gene Sobolewski in 1993 and Malen Luke from 1994-96 and put together prolific career numbers that included 407 career tackles, 34 pass breakups, 12 interceptions and 11 tackles for a loss. In 1996, his senior year, Kim was a Consensus First Team All-American (AP, Football Gazette, etc.) and was selected to play in the NCAA D-II Snow Bowl All-Star game. In 1996 he totaled 166 tackles, 20 break-ups, recovered five fumbles, caused four fumbles, had four tfl's and two interceptions. He also helped lead the 1996 team to an 11-3 overall record and an NCAA D-II Final Four season. Clarion won the PSAC West and NCAA D-II East Region titles and lost to eventual national champion Northern Colorado 19-18 in the NCAA semifinals. Also a first team All-American in 1995, Kim had 117 tackles, nine breakups, five int's, four fumbles caused and two recoveries. A third team All-American in 1994, Kim collected 98 tackles, four int's and four breakups. Niedbala went on to coach at Clarion from 1999-2005 and was the defensive coordinator from 2002-2005.
A native of Beaver Falls and a 1992 graduate of Blackhawk High, at the time of his induction he was the defensive backs coach at Edinboro and resided in Meadville with his wife Melissa Gring (2002), who played softball for the Golden Eagles, their daughter Isabel and son Isaac.
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