Upper Iowa University Athletics Hall of Fame
Rick Dillinger, class of 1976, was a four-year football letter winner as a Peacock and a co-captain in 1975. As a student, he served as a coach and assistant coach for UIU women’s intercollegiate teams.
Following graduation, Dillinger became a teacher and coach at Danville High School in Danville, Iowa from 1976 to 1982. After his time in Danville, Dillinger left for North Polk High School, where he currently coaches and teaches.
His coaching accomplishments include a softball career record of 522-278, eight conference championships, four regional championships, and five state softball tournament appearances (with a second place finish in 1987). He was named District Coach of the Year in 1986 and 1987; State Softball Coach of the Year in 1987; and National High School Coaching Gold Award recipient in 1988. He coached the 1992 All-Star game and has lectured three years at the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Coaching School.
Hi coaching record in girls basketball includes a career record of 206-194; sectional, district, and regional championships, and a state tournament appearance. He was named Class 2A District Coach of the Year in 1995, coached the Iowa Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Game in 1993, and was presented with the National High School Coaching Bronze Award.
He and his wife, Jetra, a 1975 Upper Iowa graduate, and their two sons, Tosh and Travis, live in Alleman, Iowa.
