December Bear of the Month - Dale Estep

INTRODUCING OUR VERY FIRST BEAR OF THE MONTH HONOREE - COACH DALE ESTEP

Recently inducted to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for Lifetime Service to Wrestling, Coach Estep has touched many lives over his decades of service to the Noble community and schools.

Coach Estep moved to Noble in 1968 and although he officially retired from his coaching position in 2002, he is still helping out and “getting in the way” on a regular basis. In his 34 years as a beloved wrestling coach for Noble Schools, he led 15 young men to the titles of State Champion or All-State, with many of those years under his leadership seeing the Bears ranked in the Top 10 in Oklahoma.

When asked what his favorite thing about the Noble community is, Coach told us that he loves how the community and the school are always on the same page, backing each other in unity and loyalty.

His message to the current students of Noble? “Don’t just be satisfied being the best in Noble, but be satisfied with being the best anywhere you can imagine - shoot for your dreams.”

For fellow educators and coaches, he shared this tip: “Every kid you come across is good - it is our responsibility to get that good out of them. Don’t ever give up on a kid. Ever.”

He is glad that he was able to coach wrestling for all those years, because he “believes it has more impact on kids than any other sport out there today. It’s effects are an everlasting example of self discipline and a creating a ‘dadgum tough heart’ that allows kids to pull together and believe in themselves.”

WE ❤️ YOU, COWBOY!!!