Hall of Famer Dale Lance girds for Parkinson’s surgery
In July 1995, Dale Lance of Oklahoma set a then M55 world record in the decathlon, scoring 8179 points at the WAVA world championships in Buffalo, New York. The previous record holder, Werner Schallau of Germany, bestowed on Dale the nickname “Superman.” In 2004, the last year he competed, Dale was inducted into the USATF Masters Hall of Fame. Today Superman is engaged in a battle with a terrible nemesis: Parkinson’s disease. Now 70, Dale will undergo what his wife, Ann, calls “deep brain surgery“ in late June and July. He’s welcoming notes of cheer.
I sent Dale and Ann a few questions for a Q&A, and she includes contact information.
Masterstrack.com: When was the last time Dale competed in masters track?
His last competition was July 17, 2004, at the Southwest Regionals where he competed in the shot, javelin and discus. At this time he had just recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
What did he consider his greatest achievements in masters track?
He has had so many wonderful memories, but is especially proud to have been recognized by his fellow athletes for induction into the Masters Hall of Fame in 2004, setting a new world record at the XI World Veterans Championships in Buffalo, New York; and especially being given the nickname Superman by the former record holder from Germany, Werner Schallau; being honored as the Oklahoma Senior Olympian of the Year; and, being named as the 1995 outstanding multi-event athlete of the year by Masters Track & Field.
What is Dale’s date of birth, and what line of work was he in?
He was born on October 29, 1937, and has owned and operated a vegetation control business for 40+ years.
Does Dale still take an interest in masters track results?
Absolutely.
Where do you and Dale live? Tell me about your family? Kids, cats, dogs?
Our blended family consists of two daughters (Stacy and Stacey), a son Craig, and Dale’s eldest son, Roger, who passed away in 1983, and their spouses; Along with our 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, it does make for a very full house at holiday times! Our home is outside of Tulsa, in the country, which is shared with our two horses, a miniature mule, a variety of ducks, geese and an occasional blue heron on our pond, and two faithful Labrador retrievers, Kate and Mac.
If folks wanted to contact Dale, where should they write (your email address is fine, too.)
Please contact Dale at alance1@peoplepc.com or 16309 East 580 Road, Inola, OK 74036
We join his many friends in wishing him well as he heads into surgery, and a swift recovery and possibly a shot at returning to competition. Feel free to post comments here, since he’s visiting this blog.
Have faith, Dale and Ann.
4 Responses
i pray that everything goes well with his surgery.it’s guys like him that keep me in awe about just what is possible in this sport.i hope everyone will join in prayer for his successful outcome… albert
Nothing but good wishes and prayers, Dale, from a long-time “multitasker”
and friend.
Christel (Miller)Donley
Dale Lance is what I call a “hard hitter” — he can run, he can vault, and he can throw. One of the benefits of announcing for so many years is that I have had the privilege of calling out so many of our stars. One of those would definitely be Dale Lance. All the best to you, Dale.
I remember Dale from several decathlon competitions in the 90’s and early 2000’s. Beside his being such an awesome athlete I was really impressed with his graciousness and humility and HOW HE MANAGED TO BE SO GOOD WHILE MAINTAINING SUCH A PHYSICAL FULL TIME JOB. (Seems Dale spent his workdays lugging around heavy pesticide and spraying equipment, amazing he could still train and compete at such a high level.)
Godspeed and have a good recovery, Dale! We hope to see you on the multi-event fields of glory again. ….grantl
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