Year Inducted: 2023
Nominated By: Patsy Cresswell (wife)
Sports Competed In: Basketball, Football
Athlete, Coach or Contributor: Athlete, Coach, Contributor
Dale Cresswell
High School:
Attended Artesia High School, in Artesia, NM (1978-81)...Played both football and basketball for the Bulldogs.
Achievements:
High School (Football):
● Three-year letterwinner.
● Two-time State Champions during sophomore and senior years (1978 and 1980).
● Was 13-1 in 1980-81 (senior year). Won 13 straight.
● All-Conference (1980-81).
● 1st team All-State (1981).
● Set School record for tackles in a singles season (1981).
High School (Basketball):
● Two-year letterwinner.
● Conference Champions (1981).
College:
Attended the University of Southern Colorado (now CSU Pueblo).
Achievements:
College:
● Three-year lettermen.
● Three year starter at outside linebacker (OLB).
● Three-time All-Conference selection.
● Starter on the first football team to reach the playoffs.
● Team leader in tackles (1984).
● Honorable-Mention All-American (1984).
Minor League Football:
● Played with the Pueblo Crusaders (1986-89) in Minor League Football System (MLFS).
● Career leader in interceptions and fumble recoveries.
● Key member of MLFS National Championship team (1989).
● MLFS "Player-of-the-Year" (1988).
Coaching Career:
Pueblo East H.S. (1990-97):
● Helped the team amass a 41-33 record.
● Defensive coordinator for first Eagle team to win a state playoff game.
● Member of staff that guided Pueblo East to three consecutive state playoff appearances (1994-1996).
CSU Pueblo (2008-19):
● Worked with the Thunderwolves football program as assistant Linebacker coach.
● Helped team to a 119-28 career record.
● Played key role in starting the national caliber program.
● Member of the NCAA II National Champions (2014).
● Coached All-Americans Lee Meisner, Kyle Rosenbrock, Ben Estica, Braydon Payer, Morgan Fox and Chase Vaughn (Fox and Vaughn are still playing in the NFL).
Contributions:
● Original member of Friends of Football (2007-present).
Honors:
● Elected team captain of state championship football team (1981).
● Selected team captain of the USC Indians (1984).
Affiliations/Achievements:
● Football coach for eight (8) years at Pueblo East HS.
● Division II football coach for eleven (11) years at CSU Pueblo.
Personal:
A life-long Pueblo resident (42 years), Dale was born in Couvron Aisen, France... Lives with his wife, Patsy in the county.
