Convention Update: Mark Strawderman Honored With George Dales Award

ORLANDO, Fla. – Mark Strawderman is this year’s recipient of the George Dales Award.

Strawderman was feted on Tuesday during General Session of the 2024 USTFCCCA Convention at the Grande Lakes Resort in Orlando, Florida.

The George Dales Award is named in honor of longtime Western Michigan coach George Dales for his relentless pursuit in the growth and development of cross country and track & field over more than half of a century. This award is presented annually to an individual who, like Dales, enhanced the profession of coaching cross country and track & field.

Strawderman has long championed coaching education, dating back to the mid-1980s when he was hired at M-F Athletic by his former coach Bill Falk.

His advocacy has led to financial backing from M-F Athletic to put on camps, clinics and events for athletes and coaches throughout the year.

State high school coaches associations have been a major benefactor of Strawderman’s support, allowing members to learn how to expertly instruct the collegiate stars of tomorrow.

Strawderman was equally as accomplished as an athlete. He was a two-time All-America pole vaulter at the University of Rhode Island with top-eight finishes in 1981 and 1982. Strawderman still holds school records in both the indoor and outdoor pole vault at 5.43m (17-9¾) and 5.34m (17-6¼).