Oliver Cromwell Dawson (September 7, 1910 – February 9, 1989) was an American athlete and sports coach. After playing several sports at John Carroll University, he served as a coach and athletic director for the South Carolina State Bulldogs from 1935 to 1976. The Bulldogs' Oliver C. Dawson Stadium is named in his honor. Early life and education Dawson was born on September 7, 1910. He grew up in Ohio and attended Collinwood High School, where he played several sports. He played at fullback in football for three seasons, at guard in basketball as a starter for three years, and participated in several track and field events. He led his basketball teams to undefeated records in all three seasons and in track and field set a state record in the 440-yard dash. Dawson also participated in 100-yard dash events as well as the 220. He also was a boxer during this time, and once held the heavyweight champion of Cleveland. Dawson later attended John Carroll University, where he played three years of football, two or three years of tennis, and three years of basketball. He has been called "perhaps John Carroll's most versatile star athlete of all time." Playing fullback in football, he finished with an career average of 5.5 yards-per-carry, and led the team in scoring as a junior and senior. Dawson played his last football game in November 1933. In basketball, Dawson played guard for the 1931–32, 1932–33, and 1933–34 teams, serving as their team captain in the last. As a tennis player, he began with singles before moving on to doubles; while playing singles he ranked number one at the school. Dawson was inducted into the John Carroll University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984, the first African-American ever to earn the honor. Coaching career Dawson transferred to South Carolina State College following his time at John Carroll and graduated in 1936. It was here where he coached five different sports and served as athletic director across a period that spanned from 1935 to 1976, winning championships in all but one of those sports. Dawson served as head coach for the men's basketball team, football team, golf team, track team, and tennis team, and for 16 years was director of athletics. In football, Dawson served as the backfield coach in football from 1935 until his graduation. He was promoted to head football coach in 1937, and went