Retired Number 23 — Ricky Gales

RETIRED NUMBER

23 RICKY GALES

1988-89 • Running back

Deric “Ricky” Gales is arguably the finest running back ever to put on a Simpson uniform. After spending two years at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, the 6-1, 195-pound Des Moines native joined Simpson in time for the 1988 season. Gales led Simpson to its first Iowa Conference title in 19 years and was named first team All-Conference.

Entering the 1989 season, Gales’ star was on the rise. He was selected as a preseason All-American by three different publications, the Football Gazette, Sporting News, and the College Football Preview. By the time the season ended, Gales would rewrite the record book and was named the National Small College Player of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). He would later receive the AFCA’s Coaches Choice Award in January 1990.

Aided by his high rushing statistics, Gales averaged 14.4 points per game during his career. He led Division III as a senior in both rushing (2,035 yards) and points (166). With Gales leading the way, Simpson led the nation in total offense (5,140 yards).

Entering the 2017 season, Gales still holds the reocrd for most consecutive 200 yard games, rattling off eight to close the 1989 season. In what turned out to be his final collegiate game, Gales rushed for 389 yards in a 42-35 loss to St. John’s (Minn.) in the first round of the 1989 NCAA Division III playoffs. At the time, the yardage broke the record in all three NCAA Divisions, but did not count as an official NCAA record since it came during the playoffs.

Gales owns the school record for rushing yards in a season and is second in career rushing yards despite playing just two seasons. He was named first team All-Conference in 1989 and became the first Simpson player to be named Iowa Conference MVP. He led the Simpson offense to IIAC records for most yards per game (528.5) and total offense (788, set against William Penn Sept. 23, 1989).

Upon the conclusion of his career, Gales became the only football player in the history of the Simpson program to have his number retired. His jersey continues to hang in the hallway of the Cowles Athletic Complex, honoring his unparalleled accomplishments on the Simpson gridiron.

Gales was inducted into Simpson’s Hall of Fame in 2004.

GALES’ CAREER RUSHING STATISTICS

Year Games Rush Yards TDs Avg 1988 9 233 1,291 18 143.4 1989 10 297 2,035 26 203.5 Total 19 320 3,326 44 175.1

regular season statistics only

GALES IN THE NCAA DIVISION III RECORD BOOK

Most Games Gaining 200-plus yards — 1st, 8 (1989) Career Yards per Game — 3rd, 175.1 Season Yards per Game — 8th, 203.5 (1989) Season Yards — 21st, 2,035 (1989) Career Points per Game — 2nd, 14.4