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Mr. Billy Dalton
Graduated 1974

Home:
17419 Shoal Lake Lane
Houston, Texas 77095

Work:
Aspen Land Services

Home Phone: 713-553-8297
Work Phone: --
Fax: --
Email: catapole@aol.com

Robert “Bob” Cole’s Living Memorial for Billy Dalton – Track & Field 1970-73, Football 1970 – was submitted July 25, 2017. Below the Living Memorial for Coach Cole’s Tribute is updated and unique athletic information on Billy. Posted by Dr. Ed Dugas on Sept. 3, 2017.

I wanted to thank Coach Cole for allowing me to continue to train after my eligibility was over. He gave me full run of the vaulting pit and weight room and even allowed me to compete in home meets. In 1974-76, facilities were limited (especially the pole vault) and people were concerned about liability. He may not have allowed me to have my picture taken in my freshmen and sophomore years because of long hair, but we gradually gained a mutual respect. There is no way I could have continued my track career and qualified for the 1976 and 1980 Olympic Trials without the kind help from Coach Cole. I will always be grateful to him for that. RIP.

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In April, 1974 the record for the Pole Vault for McNaspy Stadium was established by Billy Dalton. Billy had been a member of the track team 190-73.
Yes, he continued to compete. Coach Cole, which I really appreciated, let me train and compete in local meets using the Cajun TC logo. That is how I made it to the Olympic Trials in 76 and 80, because facilities back then were rare.

Height/Grip – McNaspy Stadium Pole Vault Record 16’10”, grip was 14’10”
Type Pole Used – Black Catapole
Date – April, 1974
Meet – triangular meet with Lamar Tech, McNeese and USL.

Updated June 29, 2017

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Former Track & Field and Football: Billy Dalton Inducted Into Holy Cross High School Hall of Fame

March 15, 2017 – New Orleans

Dalton Inducted Into Holy Cross Hall of Fame
Mr. Dalton was a three-year letterman in track and field and captain his senior year. He also was a letterman on the Holy Cross football team. Mr. Dalton went undefeated in pole vault competitions his senior year, and won district as a senior in both the pole vault and high jump. At the conclusion of the 1969 track season, he was selected as the Times-Picayune Field Athlete of the Year. In addition, he was the first-ever state high school pole vaulter to clear 14 feet.

He would compete on the college level at USL (currently UL-Lafayette) breaking the USL school pole vault record. As a leader on the Ragin’ Cajuns team, he became the Southland Conference Champion (1972), and was named an All-American (1972 and 1973). He competed in the 1976 and 1980 Olympic Trials in the pole vault, and qualified for the Olympic trials in the decathlon, but could not compete in this event due to injury. Mr. Dalton was invited to the New Orleans Breakers USFL camp after hitting the gondola with a punt in the Superdome during kicking tryouts.

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Currently Singer/Guitarist for Blackwolf, a folk/rock band. 2 daughters, Shannon Reid, Shayne Dalton and 1 granddaughter, Ruari Reid. Married to Marian.
Updated Feb. 14, 2017

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Competed in the 1976 & 1980 U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials in the pole vault. Qualified for the 1984 Trials in the decathlon, but was injured and could not compete. Punted for L.A. Rams & N.O. Saints in the 1974 pre-season. Invited to the N.O. Breakers USFL camp after hitting the gondola in the superdome during a try out. Currently living in Houston, married (Marian) with two daughters (Shannon – Baylor graduate) and Shayne (A year to go at UT in architechure).
Updated March 8, 2012