UD to Induct Four into Athletic Hall of Fame
Oct 4, 2011 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
The University of Dubuque is pleased to induct four individuals into the Athletic Hall of Fame: Damon Rogers (C'91), Steve Nash (C'71), David Bacon (C'67), and Dana (Kester) Harrold (C'04). Awards will be presented during the Alumni/ae Dinner on Saturday, October 10, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center as a part of the 2011 Homecoming Celebration.
The University of Dubuque Alumni Association established the Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989 as a permanent place to honor those individuals who have promoted and served the University through its athletic programs. The Hall of Fame recognizes former student-athletes, coaches, and supporters who have contributed to the success of the University of Dubuque both on and off the athletic field. It further promotes the University intercollegiate athletic program and creates a focal point for alumni, family, friends, and current University students, faculty, and staff.
Damon Rogers (C'91)
For Damon Rogers, C'91, playing basketball is as necessary and essential as breathing. Well liked on and off the court, Damon lettered in basketball all four years. Damon was Co-Freshman of the Year in 1988, Defensive Player of the Year in 1989, took second team All-Iowa Conference during 1990, and was first team All-Iowa Conference during 1991. Along with basketball, Damon played tennis at UD from 1987-1989.
A record breaker at the time, Damon scored a total of seven three-point shots in one game. This achievement, along with other amazing games during his four years at UD, helped him become the all-time career leader in three-pointers, becoming the fourth leading scorer in UD's history. Not one to miss a game, Damon played in 108 consecutive games!
Two conference championships were won during his time at UD - a memory that Damon will cherish forever. Damon went on to play professionally in Czechoslovakia for some time after graduation. Damon is currently working with a dynamic group of young players as an assistant coach for Hempstead High School in Dubuque, where he also serves as a para-professional. He continues to catch as many games as possible, and is thrilled that our court is named after his coach, Jon Davison, C'61. Damon enjoys spending time with his four daughters - Kaylyn, Olivia, Sophia and Jordyn.
Steve Nash (C'71)
The football career of Steve Nash, C'71, is legendary - Honorary Captain, Most Valuable Player, Academic Athlete Award, and Freshman Athlete of the Year. At 5'7", 153 lbs., size did not stop Steve from establishing himself as a team leader and one of the most remarkable athletes ever to attend the University of Dubuque.
Steve followed his brother, Mike Nash, C'70, to UD. In the fall of 1969, they were joined by their twin brothers Craig and Curt, where they made college history. It was the first time that four brothers played on the same squad in national collegiate football. All four boys came to UD as West Branch High School standouts and were all-around athletes.
Steve distinguished himself off the field as well. He served as president and secretary of Phi Omicron Fraternity, D-Club Secretary, and was a participant with the Recreation and Intramural Committee Union
Board. With a major in physical education, Steve graduated from UD with a teaching and coaching position secured in rural Iowa. Over the last 40 years he's worked in education, farmed with his father, operated Nash Tree Service, and served in his current position as the Executive Director of Public Works for the City of Tipton, IA. Steve is dedicated to serving his community as a school board member for 16 years (five as president) and as a deacon and usher at his church.
Steve and his wife Debra enjoy spending time with their children: Matt, Andy, Amanda, and Abby; and their grandchildren Colin, Allison, Brooklyn, Sydney, and Charlie.
David Bacon (C'67)
As a University of Dubuque Spartan, David L. Bacon, C'67, has an impressive record. A football four-year varsity starter, David earned the distinguished recognition as the best pass receiver in the nation during his senior year, gained All-Conference and All-NAIA District 15 honors and was Honorable Mention on the NAIA All-American Team. David caught 68 passes for 647 yards his senior year, the second best effort in the country.
David ventured west to UD from Darien, Connecticut with fellow classmates Chuck DeFarkas, and Warren Reininger. Dubbed the "Three Ponies of Darien," all three made the varsity football team as freshman. In high school, Dave excelled in hockey, football, and was the Darien High School tumbling champ in '61-'62. Dave played quarterback as a freshman for UD, but was switched to offensive end his sophomore year. Playing end for the first time in his career, he became infamous in the conference and fought off as many as three and four defenders to catch the passes. Dave was picked to play in the first annual Iowa College All-Star game, where the best players from Iowa's 18 smaller colleges took on the best players from The University of Iowa and Iowa State University.
Over the years Dave has continued to be active in sports at a high level. He's competed in the Black Coal National Motorcycle Enduro, Pike's Peak Marathon, 450-mile Ride the Rockies Bicycle Ride, Colorado Springs to Aspen bike ride, and completed the Triple Bypass bicycle ride. More recently, Dave and his wife Bonnie enjoy bike riding, snowmobiling, motorcycle touring, and hiking.
Dave has enjoyed a successful business career and a wonderful family life. He and Bonnie have two children - Greg and Elizabeth - have six grandchildren. More and more, time is now committed to watching the budding interests of his six grandchildren grow.
Dana (Kester) Harrold (C'04)
Dana (Kester) Harrold, C'04, attended Jesup High School where she had a standout career in several sports. In her senior basketball season at Jesup, she led her team to the first-ever girls state tournament berth in the school's history. She holds records for most career/season assists, second most points, and third most steals in a career. Harrold was named All-Conference and All-State in both basketball and softball.
From 2000-2004 Harrold played point guard for the University of Dubuque, setting the second best record in school history of 14-12 her senior season. She finished her career as the school's second leading scorer and the all-time career assist and steals leader. Harrold was named All-IIAC three seasons and named team MVP and Papa John's Female Athlete of the Year during her junior and senior seasons.
Dana was a UD all star off the court as well. She served as a Student Ambassador, Spartan Recruiter, an active member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Teacher Education Student Organization (TESO), and Alpha Phi Omega.
After graduation from UD, Dana was offered a spot on a professional basketball team. She turned down the offer and made the decision to coach at UD instead. If you were to ask Dana what her biggest accomplishment has been since joining the UD coaching staff, she would answer with great enthusiasm, "helping the women's basketball team achieve the best record in 16 years." Coaching women's basketball is what she loves to do and she feels very fortunate to be able to coach at her alma mater.
Dana completed her master's degree in athletic administration through Loras College in 2006. She also holds a physical education and health degree from the University of Dubuque. She and her husband Clay, a UD graduate of 2003, reside in Cascade.
The University of Dubuque is a private, coeducational, professional university with a focus in the liberal arts. Our commitment to encouraging students to explore their fullest potential is part of a rich Christian heritage that dates back to the University's founding in 1852.
