The news sent shockwaves through the Burlington community Monday.
Don Dalton, the winningest coach in Burlington High School football history, died at the age of 75.
With more than 200 career victories and only 57 losses, Dalton was about winning and dominating the opponent.
He wanted to get the best out of each and every one of his players in his coaching career, which spanned from 1968 to 1995, and he was always looking to help those kids who needed guidance the most.
Active off the field, Dalton helped start an initiative at BHS about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and helped educate about the athletic code of conduct.
On Monday, the Burlington Demons Football Facebook page shared the news of Dalton’s passing with an old photo of him on the sidelines hugging a player after a victory.
In less than two days, the post has generated 25 comments and more than 100 shares, with former players sharing their gratitude for Dalton’s approach.
“A compliment from Demon Don made you walk 3 inches taller, and you’d try so hard not to disappoint him,” said former player Don Jacobson. “A great man who taught us so much more than football. So much of who I am was built on the practice field between Wainwright and Market, so proud to have played for him. Rest in peace coach, and thank you.”
Comments like this make you realize why the BHS athletic field was named “Don Dalton Stadium” in August 2014.
The warm summer night honored the living legend in a beautiful way, with a halftime dedication and a speech from Dalton.
His six kids and 10 grandchildren all showed up for Don, the first time they were all in the same place in 20 years.
Around 100 players came out to honor Dalton, who gave football lessons but turned into a “life coach,” according to former player Todd Terry.
Dalton was humbled to see the outcry of support.
“I don’t get to see all of my kids very often,” he said in August 2014. “I have a lot of connections with former players. I was very proud to see everyone. You never know if you’re making a difference. That always makes you feel good.”
Putting others over self
Chris Weidert, 55, of Burlington, a 1980 BHS graduate and former player under Dalton, said Monday was a sad day for the community.
About six months ago, Dalton was in town doing some work at BHS and reached out to Weidert. The two caught up on old times with lunch at Lucky Star.
“The last time I saw him, I could tell he was slowing down, but he always was upbeat no matter what,” Weidert said Tuesday. “Our relationship grew closer as the years went on. He was always a great listener and always willing to help you through tough struggles.”
Weidert was a defensive back and running back on several conference championship teams, and Burlington’s dominance caused typical resentment from rival teams. But Dalton made sure his players never boasted about their success.
“He’d never allow us to disrespect other teams,” Weidert said. “We treated every team with respect.”
“In my opinion, Don cared more about others than himself. He challenged us to become the best football players and people.”
It’s OK to dominate
In the late 80s, Terry was an all-state and all-conference linebacker and guard.
“I’m going to try not to cry, I’m pretty emotional,” Terry said on the phone Tuesday.
The 44-year-old attorney remembers a coach that always believed in him. Terry would see Dalton at the annual BHS Athletic Association golf outing in the summer.
Like Weidert, Terry heard the news from another former Dalton player and one of Dalton’s coaching successors, Hans Block, on Monday.
“There was certainly sorrow when I found out,” Terry said. “There was a strong sense of appreciation talking with friends about Don. He had a keen memory of the good times and always asked about my family. He was so personable.”
“I loved what he stood for, what he instilled in generations of young men. He approached everything in a straightforward manner. There were no frills, he was all about winning and domination.”
With only two losing seasons, 22 SLC titles and 12 playoff appearances, Dalton did a lot of winning.
Terry went on to play college football at UW-Eau Claire, and he learned to work hard from Dalton. Dalton would rib him here or there for motivation, but he also knew when to raise his voice at someone.
“That’s what made him a great coach,” Terry said. “He knew it wasn’t just about football. He taught you how to grind and work. He figured out you can’t scream at or coddle everyone. That’s what made him a great coach.”
Terry said Dalton knew how to “turn the knife” when an opponent was down and finish the job. There was no ill intention, it was simply about getting the best out of yourself on every play.
Weidert said Dalton would reach out to help anyone in any way he could. Dalton was a true leader and made others want to be around and help achieve goals.
“He was a coach first, but after the season he always kept you in line,” Weidert said. “It was just the way he handled himself and respected others.”
“He just generally cared about me and sincerely cared about other people.”
Dalton’s legacy lives on
I remember hearing of Dalton’s football greatness as a kid growing up, and I wanted to be a part of that in high school.
Though I just missed him as a coach, I was fortunate to have him as athletic director during my high school years.
On that memorable night in August 2014, Dalton beamed when I interviewed him about the new Don Dalton Stadium. He loved his family dearly, and he treated his former players like they were his children.
I was a complete stranger to him, and he complimented my writing and said he still read the Burlington Standard Press to keep up with Demon athletics.
In the brief few minutes, I could see the charisma and magnetic personality shine through, as Don was genuinely one of the nicest guys I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing.
That night, Dalton gave a passionate speech about education and the importance of the student-athlete.
He was just as proud to help a kid stay on the right path and away from drugs as he was to win a conference championship.
“It’s not just me,” Dalton said. “It’s the program and all the kids that come back. It’s never one person. I have a soft spot in my heart for all the kids I’ve coached.”
“I put as much value on a backup as I do a starter. It didn’t matter where kids came from, we all had common goals. We always wanted to make the program a team-type atmosphere.”
Well, Don, you not only made Burlington a football staple, but you also impacted so many for decades and generations down the line.
Dalton instilled selflessness and work ethic along with discipline in his players, and his values are still embodied in Demon students.
So catch a football game this August, and please don’t hesitate to tell your kids about the legend of Demon Don.
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