Former wide receiver Dale Chipps, a member of Towson University's Hall of Fame who played a significant role in helping the Tigers earn two NCAA Division II post-season appearances in the mid-1980's, passed away suddenly last Thursday. He was 61-years-old.

Recruited as a defensive back out of Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine, Md., Dale impressed then head coach Phil Albert with his speed and catching abilities. "It didn't take us long to realize he would serve us better as a wide receiver than in the secondary," recalled Gordy Combs, the program's defensive coordinator at the time.

A three-year starter Dale paced the Tigers in receiving as a sophomore and junior. In 1985 he ranked ninth in Division II with 54 catches for 1,001 yards. The following year he established a then program record for receptions in a season with 63 that included 1,135 yards and six touchdowns. That performance earned him honorable mention All-America and first team All-Eastern College Athletic Conference honors. In addition, he became the only Division II Tiger to be named a conference player of the year when he was chosen the ECAC's POY.

Records continued to fall in his senior year. Against Northeastern in the opener, he set a new program mark for longest reception when he scored on an 82-yard TD catch. He also tied the single game mark for receptions with 12. Although Dale's final year was cut short by a season ending injury, he departed with a career then leading 157 receptions which is currently sixth on the all-time list. His 2,768 receiving yards rank third all-time.

After completing his college career, Dale, a 1989 graduate, signed as a free agent with the Washington Redskins but was released before the regular season began. He was inducted into the Tigers' Hall of Fame in 2003.

Dale is survived by his parents, Dale and Doris Chipps, and a son, Jack (Kim). A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 26 at 3:00 p.m. at the Colmount Farm located at 14685 Carrs Mill Road, Woodbine, Md. 21797, followed by a gathering at Walkers Tap & Table, 2465 MD-97, Glenwood, Md. 21738. For more information contact Dan Ricker, 443-463-4777.