The 88th annual NFL Draft, which was held on Thursday, April 27 at the plaza outside of Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, has seen its share of Cheltenham High School community members over the years.

Since the inaugural draft in 1936, the Cheltenham High School community has had four of its members selected: two graduates and two former teachers.

Wally Triplett (left), a 1945 CHS grad, was chosen 182nd by the Detroit Lions in the 1949 NFL Draft out of Penn State, and 1993 graduate Chad Levitt (center) was the 123rd pick by the Oakland Raiders in 1997 out of Cornell University.

Former driver’s education teacher Charles “Chuck” Mehelich (right) was selected in the fifth round, 33rd overall pick, out of Duquesne University by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1945. Mr. Mehelich played six seasons in the NFL with the Steelers from 1946-1951.

Unlike today’s NFL players who play either offense or defense. Mr. Mehelich was a two-way end, rarely coming out of the game.

Finally, former Cheltenham High science teacher Mr. Ted Gehlmann was chosen in Round 17, 201st overall pick, by the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the College of William & Mary in the 1951 draft.

Information/photos courtesy of Chuck Langerman, high school sports historian