Richard F. "Dick" Dallmer

DALLMER

Richard F. “Dick,” beloved husband of Colleen (nee Gilmore), passed away Feb. 9        at 92. Father of Deb (Ken Hover), Denise, Dan, Doug (Shauna). Papa to Lisa (and her Joshua and David), Laura, Lily, Alden, Ainsley, and Luke. A Hamilton, OH, native who served in the European Theater in WWII, Dick enrolled at UC and became the first All-American basketball player there. Playing from 1946-50, he was MVP for 3 years and scored 1098 points. With a BS and MEd, he coached and taught at Lockland and Norwood before becoming Supt. at Lockland and then Deputy Supt. of Hamilton Co. Dev Disability Services. Inducted into UC and Ohio BB Hall of Fame. Avid sports fan and family supporter, he and his family are thankful for his amazing life. Memorial contributions to Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust or UC Foundation Scholarships or charity of your choice.

Career Highlights that Dick Dallmer was most proud of

• University of Cincinnati’s first All-American basketball player


• Named Most Valuable Player from 1948-50; only other player besides Oscar Robertson named MVP for 3 years


• Set UC scoring record in 1950 with 1098 points


• Received UC ”C” ring for Class of 1950 outstanding student-athlete


• Taught biology and coached Lockland and Norwood High School basketball for 8 years, winning 2 Hamilton County League Championships at Norwood


• Went into school administration as principal of Norwood View and then Supt. of Lockland


• As Supt. of Lockland 1961-75, he
  
  
  
  • Initiated the first district-wide Head Start program in Ohio; named it pre-kindergarten
  
  
  • Employed the first full-time elementary school counselor
  
  
  • Started an elementary school library as one of the first districts in Ohio
  
  
  • Served on the first Executive Committee of the Ohio School Superintendents Assoc. when it was formed in 1970
  
  
  
  

• Named Deputy Supt. of Hamilton County Developmental Disability Services in charge of building program (schools and workshops)

Speech given by Dick Dallmer at induction to Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame

May 2012

I am extremely grateful to the committee and Doc Daugherty for this outstanding recognition. I also wish to thank Tay Baker, a teammate of mine, for nominating me. I want to recognize my wife, Colleen, and my family, as well as former players I coached and friends from Norwood at the next table. Thank you for your fine support.

In 1946, a very, very long time ago, among thousands of veterans of WWII enrolling at the University of Cincinnati were six fellows who could play basketball. Most were from southwestern Ohio, namely Cincinnati, Hamilton, and Portsmouth.   During June 1946, UC hired attorney John “Socko” Wiethe as basketball coach. He was better known as an All Pro tackle for the Detroit Lions. When at Xavier University, he took pride in being a rugged rebounder. He was one tough hardnose.

As an example: When playing on the road if we won, we enjoyed our post game meal at the best steakhouse in that city. If we lost, he would hand the student manager a five dollar bill to get change for ten half dollars. One for each team member. We would look for a White Castle or another hamburger place. Hamburgers for a hamburger team.

But among our achievements, in the 67-year history of the Mid-American Conference, we were the first of only two teams to ever go undefeated in league play. Expectations for University of Cincinnati basketball were forever changed.

If there is one accomplishment I am most pleased about, it is being UC’s first All-American.

During my four years at UC, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in School Administration, which enabled me to enjoy a very rewarding career as coach, teacher, and superintendent.

I never played high school basketball. I was cut twice trying out for the team. This perhaps helps to explain how much this prestigious award means to me. Thank you very, very much.