Dale-Teacher, Role Model, Mentor, Friend

From eighth grade when my task was to walk on my hands to the foul line to make it into gym leaders club and get my own big locker, Mr. Meddock became one of the handful of people that has helped form my beliefs, attitudes,values and work ethic.

Things like dropping in at my house unexpectedly (which petrified me) to talk with my parents about my potential ( which relieved me because it wasn't because he found out about something I did wrong) were things ordinary teachers just didn't do. Mr. Meddock though, was anything but ordinary.

Even the times when the white jacketed flash would streak out of the gym doors and pin you up against the wood shop wall (by your throat) because he heard you did something wrong, showed that he did care about you. Scared the hell out of you, but kept you line and did show that he cared. I think Mr. Meddock originated 'tough love". I can still hear that nasal twang "yovanovic what did you do on the school bus this morning". Like hanging a baby doll out the window by a rope was a bad thing. Go figure.

For a kid with a stuttering problem, sports was a way that I could still shine and become popular and accepted. Mr. Meddock inspired me to do my best in everthing I did and help me believe I could do it. From being on the tramp in gym shows to the ninth grade track team, Mr. Meddock was there to teach, motivator and help me. I gained much confidence and a belief in myself from all of this. For this , I will be forever grateful.

Because he impressed me so much, I decided I wanted also to be a physical education teacher and try to change lives of kids like he was able to do. So I went to the "Rock" and when student teaching rolled around, of course their was no way any one else was going to be my cooperating teacher except Mr. Meddock. During this year, I probably learned my teaching style and modeled myself after Mr. Meddock. Why not try to be like the best. Where I work, we still do the Top Ten and the famed "Silver People". I say people because I sort of added girls, multiple people and themes, colored spot lights etc. John Edmondson alone in a football pose just didn't do it for me. Had to jazz it up a little. But the people still love it.

During and after my student teaching year, I had the opportunity to be Coach's assitant coach during some of the heyday of his gymnastic's teams succuesses. I leaned to love gymnastics and how to coach then. I was lucky enough to go state championships and was there at the meet where Butler was the only team to beat Dale. Dale never changed. I learned from Dale what it takes to be a great coach. I learned its not coaching the gymnastics that is the most important thing, its coaching the athlete to be quality person. If you can do this, the gymnastics will take care of itself. I saw how coaching can change lives. I knew then that coaching was one of the things that I wanted to do. Because of Dale, I have been able to change many kids lives for the better. Because of Dale, I have experienced this satisfaction and joy. Because of Dale I have people who feel about me the way we all feel about you Dale. I can't thank you enough for this Dale.

Instead of just being my teacher and mentor, Dale was now my friend and I finally was able call him by his first name. As you can see by my changing from calling him Mr. Meddock to Dale in this tribute. This is something , as you all know, is very hard to do. Dale is acutually a pretty funny guy, I found out. Unique for sure, but funny. I'm not quite sure if he has ever changed an opinion though. I guess this is what makes him such a great person, his absolute belief in himself and what he wants to give to his athletes, students and friends.

Unlike many of you, I have know Mr. Meddock, Dale, Coach ,whatever, in many different roles through the different phases of my life. In all the ways I have known Dale, he has always helped me be a better person and helped enable me to enhance the lives of my athletes, the members of the Boys & Girls Club where I work and my family. Dale has not only helped all of us through the way he touched our lives, but through us, he has touch the thousands of young people we have touched and the thousands more that they will touch. This is the mark of a truly great person and a legacy that will live forever.

It has been my honor and privilege to know you through all these years Dale. Happy Birthday and thanks for everything.
Dave Yovanovic