Lowell “Pops” Dale

from NewsTribune_IV Hall of Fame_092921

Art Kimball

LEGACY AWARD - INDIVIDUAL

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

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

By Brandon LaChance

Did 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 NOW WHERE are they 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

Valley Coaches Association and the Big 12 Coaches Association. The basketball man was involved for many decades in any aspect he could.

His dedication and success led him to an induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1974. Pops passed away in March 1974, but he already knew about his induction and was thrilled to be part of the Illinois basketball family. Streator alumnus Doug Dieken (right) is congratulated by host Lanny Slevin during the 2019 NewsTribune’s Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony.