Coach Gene Dales grew up in Tacoma, Washington and graduated from Bellarmine Prep High School.  Soon after, he was a starting linebacker at Oregon State for three years.  This experience and education at OSU allowed him to establish a career teaching high school and coaching football that has spanned the last 31 years.  Coach Dales has had the honor of coaching three Arizona All State teams, two All Star teams which played in Australia, as well as the 2005 Washington All State team.
He married his wife, Jackie, in 1990 while living in Portland, Oregon, after which they moved to Phoenix, Arizona where they lived for 11 years.  During this time he received a Masters of Education at Arizona State.  Along with Jackie and their two daughters Danielle 17, and Taylor 15, Coach Dales returned to the Northwest nine years ago to be closer to family and coach with former Oregon State teammate and friend, Steve Gervais.  In roles as the head coach or defensive coordinator, Coach Dales has lead teams to the state playoffs 21 of the past 25 years, three of those teams having played in the state championship game.
 Coach Dales teaches physical education, weight training and wellness classes here at Eastlake.  In his spare time he enjoys being with his family, golfing, traveling, cooking and napping.  The week-long preparation which culminates in Friday Night’s execution is the thrill and challenge which continues to spark Coach Dales’ love for the game.