Dale Lehman became the Sensei of the famous Odessa Boys Club Judo Team or as it is well known across the nation as OBC Judo. During Dale's first year as our Sensei, he won the title of Texas State Judo Champion in the Open Division and also the Overall State Champion every year from 1964 through 1972. In 1968 Dale was the National YMCA Champion and the first Texan to place in the U.S. Senior National Judo Championships. In 1969 Dale was chosen to represent the United States in the Pan Am Games in San Juan, Puerto Rico and he placed 3rd in the Open Division.
Dale Lehman has directed 5 National Championships & has held several offices to promote Judo in Texas. Dale served as Co-Director of the 2000 Senior Nationals in Houston, Texas.
In 1970 Dale was chosen 1 of 15 to represent the United States in the World Judo Tournament in Mexico City, Mexico. Dale was also voted "All American in Judo" and chosen as "Judoka of the year" in 1969 and 1970. Dale has placed 5 times in the United States National Championships.
Dale Lehman's work with the youth through Judo was recognized in 1968 and 1972, when he was presented with the "Boy's Clubs of America Golden Boy Award " by the Odessa Boys Club. Dale was awarded the Volunteer Leader Award for 12 years straight from 1972 to 1985 by the Odessa Boys Club. Dale Lehman has made such an impression on citizens here in Odessa, that a special award was named after him in 1998. They call this award the "Dale Lehman Volunteer of the Year Award". This is awarded each year to an individual that stands out as a volunteer.
