Our next inductee developed his love of sports by growing up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Louisville, Kentucky.  During his childhood, Dale Sterner and his dad would often attend the local professional teams’ home games.  Even as a youngster, Dale would dream of playing in college one day.  After a successful high school career, he traveled south to Maryville College.  In 4 years as a student-athlete, Mr. Sterner proceeded to earn eight letters – 4 in baseball and two each in football and basketball.

As a footballer, he began his collegiate career on the 1958 team.  He played linebacker on defense and fullback on offense.  Because of his hustle and spirited play, Coach Lombe Honaker rewarded Dale with a starting position after only his second game.  He remained a starter throughout the ’58 season and was looking forward to his sophomore year.  Early in the ’59 season, Dale suffered a serious neck injury and was forced to give up football.

Football was just a past time to Dale; however, baseball was his passion. During his freshman year, the ’59 baseball season, he established himself as a catcher and first baseman.  The Highland Echo replays his first collegiate start in a 10-2 win over Tennessee Wesleyan. “Besides gobbling up all the balls that came his way at first, Dale had a great day in the batter’s box going 2 for 3.”  In another win versus Tusculum, Dale provided the go-ahead run with a solo homer.  His first start as a catcher was against Alma College.  At the conclusion of his first year, Dale and his teammates were saddened by the retirement of the legendary Lombe Honaker.

Honaker was replaced by Coach Boydson Baird and a new era of MC athletics was under way. Dale Sterner was a big reason for the Scots’ success. 

As a catcher for his friend and pitching ace, Bill Ownby, Dale led his team in hitting with a batting average of .325. Going into his junior year and unable to play football, Dale elected to play basketball.  Once again, Sterner and his friend, Bill Ownby, led his teammates to many great victories on the hardwood.  For two basketball seasons, Dale would play guard along with Bill Crisp.  Crisp was expected to score. Dale gladly accepted his role as a defender and often guarded the opponent’s leading perimeter player.  Coach Baird referred to his talented guard as an old workhorse because of his work ethic and relentless determination on the defensive end of the floor.  Immediately after basketball season, Dale would trade his sneakers for cleats and don his equipment and glove to play as a utility fielder on the baseball diamond.  A quiet, consistent performer, Dale would let his bat do the talking as he batted over .300 for his last two seasons.  As a catcher for Dave Meneely, Dave West, and Benny Monroe, Dale was a force behind the plate. If that wasn’t enough, he often times would move out to first base or even finish a game or two as the relief pitcher.

After graduation in 1962, Dale proceeded to stay involved in sports as a teacher and coach. Dale began his coaching career in New Madison, Ohio. He moved on to Dayton and served as a teacher and coach for 13 years in the Dayton - Trotwood – Madison school district.  This was followed by 20 years as a tough, but fair principal in a high school of 1600 students. In 1994, Dale returned to East Tennessee and moved to Tellico Village.  He and his wife Betty Ann, enjoy living on the lake and golf course. The old workhorse was known as a fierce competitor.  His effort and spirited play on the field, court, or diamond will always be remembered.  Join me in congratulating Dale Sterner.