Last week the Recorder introduced former Indiana state boxing champion William Dale, formerly known as William “The Teacher” Telfair.
In the previous edition, Dale’s struggle with childhood abuse, delinquency and psychological disorders were highlighted.
This week, the Recorder shares how Dale overcame his unique challenges and transformed his life with the desire to offer hope to youth, and to improve the relationship between police and area residents.
Upon his release from Central State Hospital, following treatment for disorders sparked by childhood abuse, William Dale, 14, seemed destined for a life of crime and out-of-control behavior.
However, faith and fate intervened.
Dale received mentoring by local police officers who worked with the Indianapolis Police Athletic League, also known as the PAL Club. Among them were the late patrolman and community activist Willie Larkins, and Colion “Champ” Chaney, who trained many successful fighters, including three-time world light heavyweight champion Marvin Johnson and 1985 light heavyweight champion J.B. Williamson.
With Chaney’s guidance, Dale, fighting under the name William “The Teacher” Telfair, became a popular amateur boxer, and soon went professional. As a welterweight, he won the Indiana state boxing championship in 1972 and 1973, and the Illinois championship in 1977.
However, the officers taught Dale more than boxing. They also served as mentors who imparted the wisdom of traits such as conducting oneself in a professional manner, courtesy, hard work and responsibility. All of those traits opened the door to professional opportunities for Dale, who some thought would never make it, given his past challenges.
Dale credits the intervention of those police officers, Black and white, as well as his Christian faith, for transforming his life.
“They did that for a lot of young guys,” Dale said. “Policemen are in a position to help you, and not all of them are corrupt or nasty.”
Dale noted that historically, a strained relationship has existed between police in Indianapolis and some residents, especially young men in the African-American community. Due to isolated cases of police brutality, officers are viewed by some with disdain, although the majority of them genuinely want to serve the community.
“You can’t let a few bad apples spoil the bunch,” Dale said. “The police have a very tough job to do, and they don’t always get help from the community. We need our police officers and we need to get more young people interested in becoming police officers. Now is the time to get them interested.”
During the early 1980s, Dale lived in Gainesville, Fla. Wanting to give back what the Indianapolis officers had given to him, Dale became a boxing coach himself, working with youth in the Gainseville Police PAL Club and at the University of Florida, operating a local boxing gym that nurtured the talents of young boxers who won Florida state championships.
Dale believes that athletics, and boxing in particular, can be used to not just achieve fame and fortune, but to keep young people away from the streets by giving them a sense of belonging, self confidence, fitness and mentors who help build positive character.
He continued boxing himself, being part of the lineup of matches leading up to the 1981 Drama in the Bahamas fight between Muhammad Ali (in his last match) and Trevor Berbick.
Empowering youth, community and police
Dale retired from professional boxing in 1985, but upon his return to Indianapolis, continued to be active in coaching and mentoring youth, working as a volunteer with community organizations such as the Christamore House and schools in Lawrence and Pike townships.
Jean Lampert, athletic director for New Augusta Public Academy in Pike Township, said that as a volunteer football coach, Dale understood the importance of not only physical conditioning, but also of academics and good character in the lives of the young men in the program.
“Not all who coach truly ‘get’ that, but Mr. Dale does,” Lampert stated. “He has a sincere and very deep dedication to working with and helping young people.”
In appreciation for Dale’s service to the community and his efforts to prevent child abuse, Mayor William Hudnut, in 1990, recognized Dale with a proclamation and his own day.
For over 14 years, Dale has worked as a technician with Indiana University Health Hospital, one of the fastest growing hospital networks in the country.
He is well respected among his co-workers and supervisors, who hail him as an example of what can be achieved if one maintains hope.
“William is definitely a star member of our team,” said Pete Fernandez, an operations manager at IU Health. “We appreciate the hard work that he puts into our operations each and every day.”
Dale’ story is one of overcoming seemingly impossible odds.
In addition to surviving abuse and mental disorders as a child, he has also survived a gunshot wound to the chest he endured following a misunderstanding with a former wife; being hit by a car and thrown 30 feet into a telephone pole; and being run over by a three-ton dumpster.
Those who hear Dale’s story for the first time often remark at how amazing it is that he is still living – and in his right mind.
Dale has chosen to remain positive about his tough experiences, and use them to inspire youth who, like him, are growing up in lives and places where the odds are stacked against them.
“When you looked at what happened to me, I should never have been boxing, been working at IU Health, none of that,” Dale said. “But I had Christ, I had police officers and mentors who stepped in and I never gave up. I’m trying to let these kids know that if I could make it with what I went through, then they can too.”
Dale has served as a volunteer athletic coach at several local middle and high schools, and has been asked to appear for speaking engagements at places such as Christamore House, Watkins Park, New Life Worship Center, the Indiana War Memorial and, more recently, Arlington High School.
Even Gov. Mike Pence has been made aware of Dale’s dedication to inspiring youth to not give up. In July, he wrote a letter encouraging Dale, describing his work as “vital” and thanking him for the “benefit of the advice” that comes from his experiences.
Johannon Tate, deputy director of Christamore House, believes the community should rally behind Dale in his efforts to assist at-risk children and improve the relationship between police and residents.
“When he spoke to a group of our kids, they were captivated and inspired by his story,” Tate said. “William is inspiring because despite everything he went through, he refused to become bitter or give up. Instead, he has taken everything he learned and is using it to make life better for these children in our community.”
What others are saying about William Dale –
“William Dale has counseled many students during troubled times in their lives and encouraged them to find a positive use for their energy. He is an excellent example of taking hold of what life has given you, and reorganize it to the benefit of yourself and society.” – James Perkins Jr., district athletic and wellness director, Metropolitan School District of Pike Township.
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“I’ve known William for years as a sparring partner and friend. He is dedicated to uplifting this community, and has an awesome story that needs to be told to our kids. It can also build a better relationship between the community and police.”
– Marvin Johnson, three-time light heavyweight world champion and Marion County Sheriff’s Department deputy.
For more information about William Dale or to request him for speaking engagements, call (317) 315-0527 or (317) 944-5042.
