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Dale Gabor '66 Selected to the OHSAA Officials Hall of Fame

By Joe Ginley '12 , 03/04/19, 3:30PM EST

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Gabor shares a fun moment with Rory Fitzpatrick '88 after being inducted into the Saint Ignatius Athletic Hall of Fame

A staple of Saint Ignatius and Ohio high school athletics for the last 40 years will be enshrined in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame.

Dale Gabor '66 is one of 14 new members of the OHSAA's prestigious hall of fame.

The honor surprised Gabor, who had no idea it was coming. 

"When you're recognized in your field, in the state of Ohio, it says a lot. I'm very honored. I was very surprised it even happened, because you have to be nominated. For starters, I have no idea who nominated me or how it happened," Gabor said. "Knowing that somebody out there has paid that much attention is a great honor. I'm very humbled and moved by it. It means a great deal because when I look at the list of people who have been inducted, there are some really outstanding people in the state of Ohio. I have to admit, I'm looking forward to it and I'm very excited for it."

Gabor will be enshrined based on his excellent work in the sports of cross country and track & field, particularly the latter.

Gabor served as athletic director at Saint Ignatius for 25 years, overseeing a wide range of sports. In the process, Gabor developed a special love for track and field. Gabor once served on the track & field coaching staff as an assistant under Coach Chuck Kyle '69. In addition, Gabor's daughter, Trish, ran track & field and was a very good hurdler. 

Soon after Gabor stepped down as athletic director, Dr. Dan Ross, then the OHSAA executive director, asked the longtime Wildcats' administrator to take over cross country and track & field. 

"I was glad to do it. I've been doing that for the last 10 years," Gabor said. "Then I help out with some of the other sports with awards and that kind of thing. I enjoy working down there, I enjoy working with the people there. They're very good to me."

Gabor's role is important, but not easy.

At Saint Ignatius, Gabor serves as Director of Summer School and Eligibility and still teaches Latin, so his OHSAA role often bleeds into his free time. Even still, Gabor loves the gig. 

"As the administrator for track and field for the OHSAA, I will tell you that it's overwhelming at times. People don't understand the amount of time that goes into track and field," Gabor explains. "You have 17 events, so there's quite a bit involved with track and field. People probably don't realize this, but track and field is the #1 sport in the state as far as the state tournament. We have more individuals involved than any other sport. In the two days, we draw about 25,000 people. It's quite a job and there's quite a bit involved. I find myself constantly in my spare time doing things, between rule books and rules and administering the sport itself. There are constantly people showing up with questions. At times, it can be very overwhelming."

Gabor's successor at Saint Ignatius, Rory Fitzpatrick '88, witnesses the time commitment first-hand.

Fitzpatrick marvels at Gabor's reputation and work ethic. 

"What I have come to know over the years is how highly regarded he is in the track and field community. He's really the only person at the OHSAA who's not a commissioner, but he's in charge of a sport," Fitzpatrick said. "That tells you everything you need to know. He's got a great passion for the sport. The fact that the OHSAA trusts a non-OHSAA full-time administrator/employee is pretty remarkable. It's a pretty amazing thing that he runs the whole sport. When I first took over, I knew then how much he loved the sport. He loves officiating and he does a good job at it. He's very fair to the kids."

In fact, Fitzpatrick models himself after Gabor.

"The way I do that job is what I learned from Dale, working with him for 8+ years. He taught me what it means to do the job the right way," Fitzpatrick said. "That means trying to be upfront with people and trying to help people, including being there for other athletic directors. That also includes establishing a relationship with the OHSAA. He taught me that they're a great group of people. They're always trying to do the right thing. You establish relationships and you work off those relationships. It helps your school and student-athletes, and it keeps everything in perspective. When I look back on it, that's probably the most important thing I learned from Dale – how to do the job the right way, and not get caught up in the minutiae and look at the big picture."

Gabor's job is to look at the big picture, and it's something he does well.

From his wide-angle view, Gabor sees the OHSAA's excellent work.

"I have a lot of respect for the OHSAA, mainly because I know the inner workings where a lot of people don't," Gabor said. "They take a lot of heat and get a lot of criticism because most people don't understand that when you're dealing with 800 schools and you have 16-17 sports, it's overwhelming at times. People misunderstand what goes on at the OHSAA. I'm very excited to be able to work with them. I've been involved with them for 35-40 years in one way or another."

Track and field coaches and student-athletes certainly appreciate Gabor's dedication.

Just ask one of the most successful coaches in the state – Coach Chuck Kyle '69. The Wildcats' longtime football and track & field coach loves to work with Gabor. 

"If there's an issue or problem, Dale is good at figuring out, 'How are we going to get this done logistically?' I'm an English teacher, so I'm busy during the day. The beauty of it is that Dale would have everything organized. He brought Rory along, too. His stable, organizational leadership continues along.

"Dale's friendship and his leadership have been very rewarding for me throughout my career here."

Gabor will be honored for all of his excellent work in the sport on June 15 in Columbus. Gabor plans on being in attendance for the event.

The Saint Ignatius Hall of Famer can't wait for the banquet and to celebrate amongst friends and family. 

"I'm honored to be inducted into the hall of fame. It's not something I ever planned on," Gabor said. "It came as a complete surprise. I'm really excited about it, I have to confess that it's a big thrill for me."