IADA Hall of Fame

For one quarter of a century Dale Doehring served as athletic director at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. Dale was known for his leadership and commitment to SJO. Prior to becoming the AD, Dale spent eight years as the head football coach and seven years as the head boys’ basketball coach at SJO. Dale transitioned into the role of athletic director in 1979 where he then spent the next 25 years turning SJO into a powerhouse athletic program. His leadership helped provide and develop outstanding extra-curricular programs that ensured a quality experience for the student-athletes and coaches at SJO.
During the Dale Doehring era SJO’s teams won 61 regionals, 36 sectionals, 1 super-sectional and six state titles. SJO also had 43 state qualifying teams and five state placing teams, not to mention multiple individual state champions. In addition to his career as AD, Dale was also a very well respected basketball official. He officiated the IHSA Girls’ State Tournament in 1994, 1995 and 1996.
Jeff Millis, athletic director at Westville said, “He was instrumental in forming a new conference, which helped many football programs survive and thrive in our area. He was an excellent mentor to the athletic directors in Champaign and Vermillion counties. He convinced most of us to join the IADA and attend the state conference. As with many athletic directors, Dale simply got the job done with little recognition. He did so many things that benefited coaches and athletes that many people will never even know about.”
Jim Acklin, current SJO superintendent and former cross country and track coach said, “Dale Doehring could be described as ‘old school.’ He didn’t like white shoes, headbands, or flashy uniforms. He was also strongly opinionated, but as coaches, we always knew where we stood with Dale. Dale wanted what was best for the students at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. The school and community are indebted to Dale Doehring; he made a lasting impression on SJO’s athletic programs.”
Dale served the IADA as a Division Representative and as a presider at the state conference for many years. He was a member of the IHSA Legislative Commission from 1992 – 2002 and earned the IADA Division in 2003. Dale was named the IADA Class A Division AD of the Year in 1991 and again in 1995 and was honored as the IADA Class A State AD of the Year in 1996. Dale spent a professional lifetime serving his student-athletes and coaches – a career that earned him induction into the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.