Remembering football legend Dick Tighe

The coach won 432 games in 63 seasons

Dick Tighe’s Iowa high school football coaching career spanned more than six decades. His influence continues.

Tighe died at age 94 on April 29.

He loved history, Notre Dame and the game of football.

Tighe coached for 63 seasons and compiled a career record of 432-167-8, according to records kept by the Iowa High School Athletic Association.

Dick Tighe, who coached high school football for 63 seasons, inspired generations of athletes. (Photo courtesy Boman Funeral Home.)

That ranks second on the Association’s all-time victory list. Only Jerry Pezzetti, a co-head coach at Ankeny Centennial (and former Ankeny High coach) has won more (447-182-1 in 63 years).

Tighe’s coaching career started at Hamilton, Ontario, Catholic. He also coached at Carroll Kuemper, Webster City, Iowa Falls and Fort Dodge St. Edmond. He retired in 2016.

Most of Tighe’s time was spent at Webster City — 31 seasons — where he was known for his teams’ running ability. He even wrote a book about the offense, “The No Frills Belly Power Offense.” He co-wrote a second book about his career.

When I was at The Des Moines Register, I looked forward to conversations with him. I’d always compare notes about our mutual fascination with the Civil War.

“What battlefields have you visited lately?” I’d ask. If he said Gettysburg or Antietam, I’d mention Vicksburg or Shiloh.