Dick Dotson (2002) - Hall of Fame

Dick Dotson

Induction:
2002
Class:
1962

Dick Dotson is no stranger to the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area, having graduated from East Waterloo High School in 1957 and having been a teacher and coach at West Waterloo High School for 34 years.

In 1957, Dotson was named East's Most Valuable Athlete, and he earned recognition as a first team all-state basketball player. He also captured the state pole vault title.

He brought his talent with him to Iowa State Teacher's College where he became a three-year outdoor and two-year indoor conference champ in the pole vault and co-captain of the track team. Dotson set the school's pole vault record of 13-10 in 1961. He played basketball two years under James Witham and football for one year.

After graduation, he became a teacher at West Waterloo and remained there for 34 years. He was the assistant varsity football coach for six years and the assistant basketball coach for five years. He served as the head cross country coach for 12 years and his team claimed the state championship in 1978. In addition to his notable cross country coaching achievements, he was the head track coach for 21 years. Dotson's athletes earned 11 state titles and finished in the top 10 for 10 consecutive years, including three fourth-place finishes. Dotson was a positive asset in Waterloo sports at the high school and collegiate levels through his teaching and coaching.

He also officiated basketball for 17 years – 11 at the prep level and eight years in the Big Eight Conference. Throughout Dotson's career, he met up with some legendary athletes. He played football against Dallas Cowboys star Dan Perkins, basketball against PGA pro golfer Jack Rule Jr., and taught wrestler Dan Gable. He also owned and operated his own pool business for more than 25 years.