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Inside the Dale England Rowing Center
The experiences of a leading education are not exclusive to a classroom. They can happen in a lab, an art studio…or on a lake.
Take Becky England Halasz, IU alumna and coxswain. For those not familiar with rowing, Becky was the “quarterback” of the boat, responsible for directing the crew through practices as well as implementing strategy on race day.
“As an athlete, Becky was a leader in and out of the boat,” says women’s rowing head coach Steve Peterson. “She motivated the other members of the team and helped them to be the best athletes they could be. Not only with words, but by example.”
Becky’s leadership and excellence earned her varsity letters and All-Big Ten and Academic All-Big Ten honors. In addition, she was awarded the Belfour/Hoosier Award for her accomplishments on the water and in the classroom.
Because this athletic experience shaped her, Becky’s parents Dale and Sharon England created the Dale England Rowing Center. Dedicated in March at Bloomington’s Lake Lemon, the center provides the team with a locker room, a team room, and restrooms. Plans include adding boat bays, a repair bay, coach’s office, and storage.
“This is just the latest of many things this family has done for the team,” says Peterson. “They have given oars. They have given boats. Dale and Sharon are very supportive—financially, yes—but even more important, spiritually.”
“I am so grateful and appreciative of what IU gave to my daughter,” says Dale England. “They have given her tremendous opportunities, a great education, and the chance to participate in an outstanding athletic program.”
Becky graduated in 2003. But the Englands remain involved with the team in one way or another. Becky stayed in Bloomington for a year to serve as an assistant coach. She received a high honor in rowing when IU named one of its shells “Becky.” She shares that tribute with IU’s legendary chancellor, Herman B Wells, and Assistant Athletic Director Chuck Crabb.
Today, Dale is a frequent attendee at rowing competitions, cheering on the team. That may be because he finds that each time he comes to IU, it is always a positive experience. “IU always welcomes my family each time we come back to campus,” he says. “What’s more, they make us feel a part of the IU family.”
Women’s rowing became a varsity sport in 1999, making Becky an IU athletic pioneer. With support from the Englands, the future of the sport looks brighter. That makes Dale happy.
“You may think I am only paying back IU for what they did for my daughter,” says Dale, “but I think we also are paying forward to help athletes yet to come.”
