Dale Van Sickel

Bio

There was a reckless freedom in Dale Vansickel's pass-catching style, a playful attitude which taunted Florida opponents in the late 1920s and set the tone for a professional career as a Hollywood stuntman. Dale was a swift and sure-handed receiver on offense and a gifted defensive player, as well. During his three seasons with the Gators, they won 23 of 29 games and Vansickel became Florida's first All-America and first Hall of Fame inductee. In 1928, Dale's junior year, Florida posted an 8-1 record, losing only to Tennessee - by a single point (13-12) in the final game of the season. Florida out-scored its competition, 336-44, during the 1928 campaign and coach Charley Bachman applauded Dale, "the greatest all-around end I've ever seen." Following graduation, Vansickel joined the staff at Florida, serving as an assistant in football and basketball for the 1930 and 1931 seasons. Handsome, curly-haired and blessed with an engaging smile, Dale was lured to the West Coast to pursue a movie career. The drama and danger of stunt work eventually captured his imagination and he pursued that phase of acting. He became the first president of the Motion Picture Stuntman's Association. He died of injuries in 1977.

Career Highlights

• 1928 First Team All-America