Richard “Dick” Atha was born on September 21, 1931, and grew up in Otterbein, Indiana where he graduated from Otterbein High School. Atha then attended Indiana State University to play basketball for the Sycamores, and he eventually played in the NBA for both the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knickerbockers. Atha was drafted into the league in 1953 but did not play his first two seasons because he was serving in the U.S. Army. By 1955 he had played his first season as a professional basketball player. Unfortunately, an injury prevented him from playing the following season, but in 1957 he was back for one more year. He was eventually inducted into the Indiana State University Athletics and the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame for his outstanding play.

Playing a professional sport is extremely impressive, but Atha’s true passion was Bison sports. He stepped away from playing the game of basketball to become a teacher at Oxford High School. Atha taught there for several years until Benton Central opened. At BC, he eventually became a counselor, assistant principal, principal, and athletic director. He was very involved with the sports department and would always take time to talk with students about their seasons. Atha was the person who started the girls’ basketball program. He coached the team for a couple of years until he handed the job over to Jan Conner.

I asked Michael Jessie, a former Benton Central baseball player, what he remembered about Dick Atha at BC, “I’ll always remember Mr. Atha standing in front of a packed crowd at Loeb stadium during semi-state, leading the ‘Give me a B’ cheer. He had more school spirit than anyone I’ve ever known. He could get everyone fired up and into the game.” It seems apparent that Dick Atha had a profound impact on athletes at Benton Central.

In 1997, Dick Atha stepped down from being an athletic director and entered retirement. Although he was retired, he was more involved than ever. He became known as “Mr. Bison” and the ultimate Benton Central supporter. Atha’s legacy will carry on forever with his “Give me a B” chant. The chant is still used today and is a staple at BC sporting events. So next time you’re in the crowd at a basketball game and that chant breaks out, remember the story of Dick Atha and the impact he had on Benton Central.

PHOTO: John Terhune/Journal & Courier