Westminster University Hall of Fame
INDUCTION BANQUET PHOTOS
Dale Thibault started for three consecutive seasons for Westminster College after sitting out the 1954 season with an injury. He was the team’s leading rusher in all three seasons and was named a NAIA Little All-American after his senior season in 1957. He was a co-captain of the team in 1956 and 1957.
Thibault was from Jerome, Idaho and earned the nickname “The Jerome Jet” early in his career. The Parsons compiled a record of 21 wins, four losses and one tie during the three seasons Thibault played for the team.
During his senior season, Thibault finished the season with nearly 800 yards rushing and averaged over eight yards per carry. He set a school record with 14 touchdowns, including four in a 62-0 win over the University of California at Riverside on homecoming.
Bill Schaefer from the Deseret News wrote of Thibault: “Thibault’s brilliance never has and never may be duplicated at Westminster. For three seasons now he has rubbed shoulders with the best running back in America. If any of you can name a football player who has averaged more than eight yards a carry for three successive years, please let us know … other than Thibault, that is.”
Thibault graduated in the spring of 1958 with a degree in Geology and entered active duty in the US Marine Corps. He remained in the Marine Corps for 23 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his service in the Marine Corps he earned and was awarded numerous personal awards including; The Legion of Merit (the nation’s second highest award for meritorious service) for his duties while engaged in combat with the enemy; he holds the Bronze Star; two Navy Commendation Medals; The Purple Heart; Combat Action Ribbon; Navy/Marine Corps Meritorious Medal and other lesser commendations.
After being released from active duty he was employed by a large law firm in Seattle, Washington as the Director of Administration.
Thibault and his wife Vivian now live in Bothell, Washington. They have been married 55 years and have four children, 15 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
