Glory Days

Jerry (J.D.) Deal was recently inducted into Eastern Oregon University (EOU) Athletics Hall of Fame. On Oct. 7, Deal, of Thompson Falls, was one of five athletes who were recognized during halftime of the Homecoming EOU football game for remarkable athletic achievement.

Deal's hard work, leadership, determination and raw talent earned him many accolades in addition to becoming a member of the 2017 EOU Hall of Fame Inductees. These include four years starting varsity (1971-1974), Team Captain (1973, 1974), MVP Outstanding Defense (one year), Best Defensive Lineman (one year), Evergreen Conference Player of the Week (several times), All-Conference Defensive Player (1972, 1973, 1974), All-Northwest Defensive Player (1974), All-West Coast Defensive Player (1974) and NAIA District II Football All-star (1974).

To top that off, Deal still holds the school record with most sacks in one game. In 1973 Deal had a whopping six sacks in one showdown. No wonder he placed in the top five for tackles in years 1973 and 1974.

Football was not Deal's only sporting activity. He also supported Mountaineer athletics by participating in track and field for two years. Deal participated in throwing shot and javelin while at EOU.

Although no one could argue that these must have been pretty good days for Deal, it seems he is more proud of his family. His daughters Kerri Deal and Kelly Pavlik, and son Jay Deal, with a combined six grandchildren in tow, made the 375-mile jaunt to EOU in celebration of Deal's induction.

Since it was EOU's Homecoming, Deal said his three grandsons were able to ride in the parade with him on a classic Nova. He said, "The kids had a great time!" He also said his granddaughters were "cheerleading and having a hoot!"

Deal graduated from EOU in 1975. He lived in Washington for a short six to eight months before relocating to Thompson Falls. He worked for the Pack River sawmill before deciding to go into business for himself. Deal is the sole owner of JD Manufacturing.

Something about athletic competition stays in the blood. Deal found himself back in the game when he decided to coach football and throwing in Thompson Falls. He was the junior high assistant football coach for a few years, varsity football coach (with Kurt Kegel) in 2000, and javelin and shot-put coach for six years, while his son was growing up.

He said not a lot of people know the accomplishments he has achieved. When asked why, he modestly said, "I kept it hid pretty good."