Northwest Local Schools is mourning the loss of a longtime coach, teacher and administrator.
Gary Dial, who served two terms as Northwest’s head football coach, died Sunday at age 62. Dial worked in the district for more than 30 years. He taught social studies and was assistant principal at the high school.
Future Northwest football players knew Dial long after his head coaching career was over. He spent several years on current head coach Vic Whiting’s staff as offensive line coach.
“Gary Dial was a players’ coach,” Whiting said. “He was loved by all his players.
“He was a motivator. He knew the difference between a pat on the back and a kick in the butt, and that difference is only six inches. He was able to do both at the same time, and that’s why he was a good coach. He was able to correct kids, but make them feel like they were a million dollars.”
Dial compiled a 48-21-1 record in seven seasons as Northwest’s head coach from 1981-83 and 1986-89. The Indians finished 9-1 under Dial in 1982, their final year in the Senate League. They moved to the All-Ohio League the following season and went 9-0-1.
It appeared that Dial’s coaching career at Northwest was over after he became assistant principal. Administrators were not permitted to coach.
A few years after he came to Northwest, Whiting asked if Dial could be on his staff. An exception was made. In addition to working as an administrator, Dial coached the powerful offensive lines which gained notoriety when the Indians made a Stark County-record nine consecutive playoff appearances.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity occurred in 2010, when Dial joined former head coach Keith Boedicker’s staff at Perry. He was able to work alongside his son Broc, who coached the Panthers’ offensive line and tight ends.
“It was a great opportunity,” Broc Dial said. “... It’s something he and I both really looked forward to doing. I’m grateful we had that year to do that together.”
Dial graduated from Columbus Brookhaven High School, received his bachelor’s degree from Ashland University and earned his master’s from the University of Akron. He also taught at McKinley, Fairless and Akron Hoban.
Northwest will hold a celebration of life service for Dial on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Puffenberger Hall in the high school. Friends may call at Puffenberger Hall that day from 4-7 p.m.
