WELLMAN

When Mid-Prairie alumni Dan Dickel was first informed, he was being inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association football Hall of Fame he was taken aback. 

“It was a surprise at this stage of my life.” Dickel said about being selected for the IHSAA football Hall of Fame. “My first comment when the IHSAA called to tell me was, “That was over 50 years ago!” When the reality of the call hit me, I felt very honored and blessed.” 

Being chosen for the IHSAA football HOF is a well-deserved honor for Dickel and this accomplishment only adds to his already distinguished legacy. 

Dickel graduated from Mid-Prairie in 1970. Playing football for Mid-Prairie, he was an all-state defensive end who also saw time playing as a receiver. He was part of the 1969 team that went undefeated. 

After high school, Dickel was awarded the last of 26 scholarships to play football for the University of Iowa. 

“I did think my career really took off in college at the University of Iowa,” Dickel said. “Because in high school I just thought of myself as one of the guys. I’m not sure how they determine your college and professional careers play into this Hall of Fame award.”

At Iowa, Dickel played defensive end, becoming a starter in his sophomore year. His junior year is where he started to gain recognition for his play. He led the Big Ten in tackles for losses in 1972 and 1973, being named Iowa’s team MVP in 72’. 

After college, Dickel was drafted in the seventh round by the Baltimore Colts as a linebacker.

He played four and a half years for the Colts, playing all 56 games, and ended his fifth and final year of football with the Detroit Lions, playing in four games. Throughout his entire career he never missed a practice or game. 

Once Dickel retired from professional football, he became a teacher and started to coach high school football and track. He coached at numerous high schools in Iowa and Illinois. 

While he has accomplished much, Dickel hopes people realize at the end of the day he is just a regular person.

“My hope is that the people of Kalona and Mid-Prairie would recognize I was just a normal kid who happened to be blessed with some athletic skills and size,” Dickel said. “I had coaches who guided me how to work hard and develop my skill set. I had parents and family that loved me. Finally, God was overlooking me every step of the way.”

Now retired from teaching and coaching, Dickel enjoys gardening, watching the Hawkeyes, fishing, and spending time with his grandkids. 

“There are so many people to thank, I fear leaving someone out. Obviously, I had great support from my family (Don and Barbara Dickel, my parents, my relatives, Uncles, Aunts, and cousins),” Dickel said. 

“My classmates and teammates who were my friends.  My great coaches, starting with Jim Wheeler, Ole Warren Olson, Cal Hickman, John Orr, and especially Tim Grady our Head Football Coach. Mid-Prairie fans, and certainly the entire community for their support of the local school activities.”