The Community Foundation of Randolph County continues to celebrate local heroes who have impacted the community or exceeded expectations to serve others. This effort is the result of a Community Foundation program that helps recognize such people, while also raising money to help others. The program started in 2015, and since that date, this nomination will make the 30th Randolph County Hero. For $1,000 anyone can nominate a person (living or deceased), business, or community organization for the designation of a Randolph County Hero. The money goes into an unrestricted fund, which the Community Foundation uses to do and support great things in Randolph County for years to come. Gifts made to endowed, unrestricted funds, such as the Randolph County Heroes Fund, will be matched $2 dollars for every $1 dollar donated through December 31, 2025, or while matching funds last.
Those designated as Randolph County Heroes will have their names on a plaque at the Foundation office and will be featured in media outlets. The Randolph County Heroes Fund is a great way to honor those currently working to make Randolph County a better place to live or to remember and recognize the impact of someone who has passed. Our newest hero, Dallas Osting, was nominated by Al and Missy Williams.
Perhaps the most loved “Little Giant” with a booming voice and such dedication to make each and every student he taught to be their best and work hard was Dallas Gene Osting.
Dallas was a teacher, coach, mentor, and friend to all. A father to J.W, Wendi, Shane, and Kyle and a dedicated husband to the love of his life Dixie, Dallas lived life to the fullest. Dallas said his greatest accomplishment was raising his four amazing children with Dixie by his side.
“Coach O” was the loving nickname given to Dallas by his students and athletes. He coached volleyball, basketball, and track and field at Winchester Community High School for over 35 years. His passion for coaching was unmatched. Dallas was an advocate for the underdog and would share all his knowledge to help his athletes be the best they could be.
His athletes loved him like a father and would go above and beyond to make him proud. Dallas holds the record for the most Randolph County track & field county championships and had athletes advance to the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) State Championship several times.
Being named a National TEACHER OF THE YEAR during his teaching career was just one of many honors bestowed on Dallas. He and Dixie were flown to San Diego, California to accept this prestigious award.
In addition to his time as teacher and coach, Dallas served as a Board Member for Randolph Central School Corporation, where he had an open-door policy for parents and students to come express themselves, with the understanding that he would listen and address all at the meetings. He was also the biggest supporter of his wife’s (and later his son Kyle’s) dance studio and all the Inspire families.
Dallas Osting was a 1964 graduate of Greensburg Community High School. He attended Ball State University from 1964-1968, where he received his bachelor’s degree and was recognized for being a volleyball superstar. Dallas received a master’s degree from Purdue University, graduating with honors in 1972.
A legendary father-figure to generations of students and athletes in this amazing community, Dallas Osting is a Randolph County Hero.
A special thanks to Al and Missy Williams for your nomination and to Missy for your significant contribution to this piece.