Remembering the legendary Dave Strain

Dave Strain

RAPID CITY – Dave Strain, aged 88, passed away in Rapid City on Thursday, January 2nd. Strain was long-time and successful head coach of the Central Cobbler’s boy’s basketball team, a South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame inductee, and, prominently, an advocate for Native American basketball and players.
Born in White River in 1931, Strain went on to play college ball at South Dakota State University. He coached in Deadwood briefly, and then made his move to Central to begin his 24 year long tenure (1963-1986). The Central Cobblers won the state title twice (1969 and 1980), placed second six times, and went to the state tournament 18 times under his leadership. His overall record was 398-231.
A heavily accolade team, the 1969 champions, featured Native American players that are easily remembered such as Rich Gerry, who went on to play for South Dakota State University, and Steve Withorne, who went on to be a multi-sport athlete at Dakota Wesleyan. Of the all-time greats that played under Strain was 1967 graduate Marty Waukazoo who was described by Strain as carrying his Lakota values onto the court and with him throughout his life.
Jim Strain, Dave Strain’s son, rembered his father by saying “Our family has felt very strongly that our dad stood for the reconciliation of the races, the reconciliation between Native American’s and whites here in South Dakota. He used basketball as the means to foster a better understanding between the two cultures. He loved the sport of basketball and he used it to find a common ground.”
A basketball orientated memorial service was held on Tuesday, January 7th, at Kirk Funeral Home and a general memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 8th, at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church of Rapid City.

(Contact Travis Dewes at travisldewes@gmail.com)

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