UVA Wise Names Seating Section in Smith Stadium in Honor of Carroll Dale

On Saturday, during the final home football game of the season, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) had a special reason to celebrate. College athletes, fans, community members, staff and others in attendance were joined by National Football League (NFL) Hall of Famer Carroll Dale, in whose honor a new section of seating was designated. 

Dale, who served as assistant football coach, athletic director and fundraiser for then-Clinch Valley College (CVC), has long been a proponent of UVA Wise and the entire Southwest Virginia region. Now, a special seating section at Carl Smith Stadium in front of Ramseyer Press Box has been named in honor of the Super Bowl Ring holder. 

“Carroll has brought much positive attention to the southwest Virginia region and UVA Wise for decades,” says Chancellor Donna P. Henry.

Before becoming an athletic director and later a fundraiser for the College, Dale was already busy. A former wide receiver, Dale was known for his stellar college career at Virginia Tech and his successful tenure with the NFL Green Bay Packers, including winning Super Bowls I and II. 

After five years with the Los Angeles Rams, he was traded to the Packers in 1965, which he would say was one of the biggest blessings in his football career because he had the pleasure of being coached by the infamous Vince Lombard. He played for them until 1972. After a final season with the Minnesota Vikings in 1973, Dale retired with 438 career receptions for 8,277 yards and 52 touchdowns. He is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame (1987), the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame (1976) and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame (1979). 

After his playing career ended, Dale made a living in the mining industry until he saw an ad for an athletic director at CVC which immediately drew the attention of the Wise, Virginia, native.

At UVA Wise, Dale led the expansion of athletic teams for the College while also serving as a full-time athletic fundraising professional. At the time of his retirement, Dale was associate vice chancellor for athletic development. 

“We are so pleased to carry on Carroll’s legacy at UVA Wise through this effort,” said Valerie S. Lawson ’87, vice chancellor for advancement and alumni engagement at the College. “Carroll Dale’s name will forever be etched into the fabric that makes UVA Wise so special.”

Today, the College hosts an annual golf tournament, the Carroll Dale Invitational, at the Virginian in Dale’s honor.