Lowell “Pops” Dale LEGACY AWARD - INDIVIDUAL Accomplishments • Coached the Bulldogs for 28 years, during which he compiled a record of 500-247 (67% winning percentage) • Led nine different Streator teams to the state finals in a one-class system, won 13 of 15 district titles from 19201935, and five Big 12 Conference titles • Best season was in 1941-42 when the team went a 31-2 record and qualified for the state tournament • Served as president of Illinois Valley and Big 12 Coaches Associations; inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame in 1974 • The Streator High School gymnasium is named in his honor
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
By Brandon LaChance
D
id you ever wonder why the Streator High School gymnasium is named the Pops Dale Gym? If you were around in the mid-1900s there would be no reason to be curious or even have to investigate. What Lowell “Pops” Dale was able to do as the coach of the Bulldogs boys basketball team rang loudly across Illinois. Pops held the reins of the Streator program for 28 years from his inaugural season in 1918-19 until his last in 1945-46. Through his basketball empire he amassed a record of 500-247 (67%), led nine different Bulldog teams to the state finals in a one-class system, won 13 of 15 district titles from 1920-35, placed five Big 12 Conference titles in the Streator trophy case and won 20 or more games in 11 seasons. As a high school hoops coach he had 12 20-win seasons and 10 state tournament appearances as he coached DuQuoin in 1917-18 to a 21-7 mark and the state finals. At this point, Pops had already built a tradition and legacy worth being inducted into the NewsTribune’s Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame, but he didn’t stop there. The iconic coach had his best season in 1941-42 as the Bulldogs finished 31-2 and qualified for the state tournament. From 1946-2021 and as the class system expanded, Streator has won 20 games or more in eight seasons, earned eight regional titles, one sectional championship and has not been to the state tournament. After his coaching days were done, Pops served as president of the Illinois
WHERE are they NOW
48 September 29, 2021 | Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame | A NewsTribune Publication
