Indiana University Athletics
Former IU Swim Coach Dennis Dale Selected for CSCAA Lifetime Achievement Award
2/14/2024 2:42:00 PM | Men's Swimming and Diving, Women's Swimming and Diving
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Former Indiana swimming and diving assistant coach Dennis Dale has been named the recipient of the 2024 CSCAA Lifetime Achievement Award, the coaches association announced this week.
The award, selected by the CSCAA's Board of Directors, recognizes individuals whose efforts best exemplify the integrity and ideals of collegiate swimming and who has achieved significant success in the sport while imparting the educational and character-building qualities of the collegiate swimming experience. Dale will be recognized at the 63rd Annual CSCAA College Swimming & Diving Awards on May 6, in Indianapolis.
"I credit Dennis Dale for establishing our sprint group culture and success over the last 10 years," IU head swimming coach Ray Looze said. "Additionally, he mentored our swimmers on how to win relays at a high level from a tactical standpoint."
After serving as head coach of the Minnesota swimming and diving program from 1985-2014 and winning six Big Ten Coach of the Year awards in Minneapolis, Dale became the associate head coach at Indiana in 2014 and concluded his coaching career in 2017. Dale was an expert sprint coach and contributed to success of Olympian Blake Pieroni, among others.
"I have the utmost respect for Dennis Dale as a coach, and I know that is true amongst the entire swim community," Pieroni said. "I loved showing up to practices because I knew Dennis would have jokes for us, and he would always give me his extremely candid feedback.
"My favorite quote from Dennis is 'Let's go out there and have fun … I have the most fun when we're winning, so let's win.' I love Dennis' passion and knowledge for the sport of swimming, and I can't think of anyone more qualified for this award."
@IndianaSwimDive
Be sure to keep up with all the latest news on the Indiana men's and women's swimming and diving teams on social media – Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
#GoIU
The award, selected by the CSCAA's Board of Directors, recognizes individuals whose efforts best exemplify the integrity and ideals of collegiate swimming and who has achieved significant success in the sport while imparting the educational and character-building qualities of the collegiate swimming experience. Dale will be recognized at the 63rd Annual CSCAA College Swimming & Diving Awards on May 6, in Indianapolis.
"I credit Dennis Dale for establishing our sprint group culture and success over the last 10 years," IU head swimming coach Ray Looze said. "Additionally, he mentored our swimmers on how to win relays at a high level from a tactical standpoint."
After serving as head coach of the Minnesota swimming and diving program from 1985-2014 and winning six Big Ten Coach of the Year awards in Minneapolis, Dale became the associate head coach at Indiana in 2014 and concluded his coaching career in 2017. Dale was an expert sprint coach and contributed to success of Olympian Blake Pieroni, among others.
"I have the utmost respect for Dennis Dale as a coach, and I know that is true amongst the entire swim community," Pieroni said. "I loved showing up to practices because I knew Dennis would have jokes for us, and he would always give me his extremely candid feedback.
"My favorite quote from Dennis is 'Let's go out there and have fun … I have the most fun when we're winning, so let's win.' I love Dennis' passion and knowledge for the sport of swimming, and I can't think of anyone more qualified for this award."
@IndianaSwimDive
Be sure to keep up with all the latest news on the Indiana men's and women's swimming and diving teams on social media – Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
#GoIU
IUBB Pregame Press Conference
Friday, October 24
FB: Under the Hood with Indiana Football - Week 9 (UCLA)
Wednesday, October 22
FB: Carter Smith Media Availability (10/21/25)
Tuesday, October 21
FB: Stephen Daley Media Availability (10/21/25)
Tuesday, October 21