Indiana University Athletics
Dale England: Back Home Again at Indiana University.
7/25/2005 12:00:00 AM | Varsity Club
July 25, 2005
Dale and Sharon England are proof that you don't have to be graduates of Indiana University to fall in love with this place. From the moment they dropped their daughter and standout rower, Becky England Halasz, off at IU in the fall of 1999, their generosity, enthusiasm and support for IU has never wavered.
Becky England's first endeavor as a Hoosier was to become one of Bob Knight's student managers. She was the only female out of 25 applicants for the coveted positions. Although she made it to the final cuts, Becky was not selected, but her father, Dale, considers that to be one of the most beneficial experiences Becky had at Indiana. "That experience along with the lasting friendships she made with his staff, the other managers, and with the players was the greatest thing she could have done when she entered IU." Dale England said.
Becky went on to join the rowing team as the coxswain where she earned numerous varsity letters and All-Big Ten and Academic All-Big Ten honors. For her achievements as both an athlete and in the classroom, Becky was awarded the prestigious Belfour/Hoosier Award. After Becky's time as a student-athlete ended, she remained with the Hoosiers as an assistant rowing coach.
"There are things about IU that we will never forget," said England. "My philosophy for giving comes from Ohio State coaching legend, Woody Hayes and that is you can't pay back for all that this school has done for my family and I, but you can pay forward and that is what I am doing. By paying forward, other student-athletes can come to IU and have the opportunities that Becky had. I feel like it's my obligation to give to Indiana University a fraction of what it gave her."
Since 1999 the Englands have given to Indiana University Athletics unselfishly. It was through Becky's many positive experiences as a student-athlete at the University that Dale and Sharon became some of the Hoosiers' most generous and enthusiastic supporters.
"I'm so grateful and appreciative of what IU gave to my daughter. They have given her tremendous opportunities, a great education, and the chance to participate and be a part of an outstanding athletic program," England said. "Above all, the opportunities she has had because of her time at IU to grow and mature as a remarkable individual in our community is what I credit Indiana for doing."
It's not just athletics that Dale and Sharon England are passionate about. "By and large, I am most proud of the people at Indiana," England said. "You win with people. Indiana wins with people, character, and class and I'm proud to associate myself with this. They really are like a family there. I can't imagine that any place in the country can be closer than the people at IU."
"IU always welcomes my family each time we come back to campus, more importantly, they make you feel apart of the IU family," England said. From the staff, to coaches, to even the clerks in the stores and restaurants, they all make you feel welcome and a part of their family."
Evidence of the England's generosity can be seen in many facets of IU Athletics. Dale and Sharon's appreciation and support of the rowing program stirred them to make a significant contribution to the new boathouse on Lake Lemon. In honor of that gift and Becky's dedication to the program as both a student-athlete and coach, the rowing team has named its newest shell the Becky England in April of 2005.
The England's support of the rowing program is only a fraction of their bigheartedness. Dale and Sharon have blessed IU Athletics with years of generous gifts to the Athletic Annual Giving Fund. To further display support for the entire athletic department, the Englands have recently become members of the Stadium Club for IU home football games.
Dale England loves being a Hoosier and has come to love the entire University. "IU is what a college campus should be like," England said. "You can't forget about all of the great educational opportunities the school has to offer. Indiana has tremendous leadership in the administration of the school. Dr. Herbert is one of the finest people I know. He is taking the school in the right direction as well. There are so many inspiring things and people involved with IU that you can't help but love this place."
"When I cross the state line coming from Ohio, I hear the song "Back Home Again in Indiana" playing in my head. The song seems true to me. I always feel like I'm coming home when I'm headed to Indiana University."
Dale and Sharon England currently reside in Pickerington, Ohio where Dale has been practicing law for nearly 35 years and Sharon is a fourth grade learning disabilities specialist at a local elementary school. The England's have another daughter, Sarah, who is a graduate of Ohio State and works as a high school speech therapist. Becky was married on July 10, 2005 to Hoosier swimmer, Murph Halasz.
