Inducted into Hall of Fame was an honor

Dear Editor,

I’m writing this note in regards to the recent 2023 Dodgeville H.S. Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony that I had the privilege and honor of being a part of.  Returning home I found myself reflecting on what a tremendous honor this was which in turn compelled me to write some thoughts and feelings down on paper that I would like to share before they fade into history. I would first like to thank the members of the H.O.F. Committee for their consideration and ultimately their final decision to include the 1977 State Golf Team in this years group of inductee’s. What an honor! Thinking back when we were young, which is a long time ago, we were just a bunch of neighborhood kids having fun playing golf and trying to beat each other.  Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought it would have culminated in us being inducted into this special group.  After revisiting numerous articles written in the Chronicle  years ago and talking with teammates it reminded me that we had accomplished some unique and special things that we as a team can be very proud of.  Thank you again, H.O.F. Committee!  

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the individual 2023 inductees: Aaron Ayers, Alli (Tank) Klein, Ann (Tank) Alleman, and Ryan Reilly.  One word comes to my mind immediately, impressive! Being a coach and teacher for 30 years, I realize what’s needed to go that extra mile, so to speak. Talent is an ingredient, but work ethic, commitment, dedication, and sacrifice makes the difference as evident that each and every one of you have demonstrated. Job well done!  Congratulations!

I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to thank a few people before I end this note, so please, indulge me.  Thanks to all my teammates, Coach Hugill, Coach Larry Berg (awesome video presentation), Rosanne Rogers and Randy Borne for representing their siblings, Paul Rogers and Brian Borne, who are unfortunately no longer with us.  Thank you Jeff Bradley for all the “behind the scenes” work that needs to be done to pull off a ceremony like this, and his professionalism in introducing all the inductees at the ceremony and assembly earlier in the day. A special shout-out to my dear friend and teammate, John Dalton, for all the leg work done in finding articles and photos and making the effort to find long lost teammates.  When he contacted me, I thought he was joking but I found out he was very serious! I cannot end without recognizing our parents. They unselfishly, as parents do, drove us to Dodge-Point C.C. countless times and to youth golf tournaments across the state as young boys so we could play and compete. I would not be writing this note if it was not for them!  Thank you all!

Lastly, as I mentioned before, I taught and coached for 30 years and was lucky enough to do so at Central High School in La Crosse, WI. Life has some interesting connections because La Crosse Central happened to be one of the teams we faced at State in 1977.  I would walk by their team picture multiple times a day while teaching in that building. Along with that connection, my wife and I lived in Onalaska, WI, and our children attended the Onalaska School District, which was also another school we competed against. As they say, coincidence, I think not. 

With much appreciation,

Dave Cayler

Holmen, WI