Oliver C. Dawson

Oliver Cromwell Dawson (September 7, 1910 – February 9, 1989) was an American athlete and sports coach. After playing several sports at John Carroll University, he served as a coach and athletic director for the South Carolina State Bulldogs from 1935 to 1976. The Bulldogs' Oliver C. Dawson Stadium is named in his honor.

Early life and education Dawson was born on September 7, 1910. He grew up in Ohio and attended Collinwood High School in Cleveland, where he played several sports. He played at fullback in football for three seasons, at guard in basketball as a starter for three years, and participated in several track and field events. and three years of basketball.

In basketball, Dawson played guard for the 1931–32, 1932–33, and 1933–34 teams, Dawson served as head coach for the men's basketball team, football team, golf team, track team, and tennis team, and for 16 years was director of athletics.

In football, Dawson served as the backfield coach from 1935 until his graduation. He was promoted to head football coach in 1937, and served in the position through 1950. The 1943 through 1945 seasons were cancelled due to World War II. Dawson also served as the head basketball coach from 1936 to 1947, winning the school's first ever SIAC title in 1943 in any sport. He was inducted into the South Carolina State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1983, as a charter member. Dawson died on February 9, 1989, at the age of 78.

Head coaching record Football