Carlton 'Pepe' Dill
FOOTBALL
Achievements:
Pan American Games Silver Medalist: 1967 (Leading goal scorer)
North American Soccer League (NASL) Player: Houston Stars, Dallas Tornado
Coach: Bermuda National Team, Quadrangular Tournament winners
Honors: Sports Citations (1987, 1989), Honorary Vice President of the Bermuda Football Association (2001)
Biography:
Carlton 'Pepe' Dill, affectionately known as the original Energizer bunny, was renowned for his boundless energy and passion for football. Growing up in the shadows of Devonshire Recreation Club, Dill's love for the game was evident from a young age. His uncle nicknamed him 'Pepe' because of his seemingly endless energy.
Dill's competitive soccer journey began at the age of 16 with Devonshire Lions, where he quickly made an impact by scoring a goal in his first match against Dock Hill Rangers. After several seasons with the Lions, he moved on to Young Men's Social Club, where he became a key player, helping the team secure the double for three consecutive years.
In 1966, Dill earned his first selection to the Bermuda National Squad under Graham Adams. He played a crucial role in Bermuda's success at the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, scoring twice in a win against the US and two more goals in a draw with Canada. Going into the gold medal game against Mexico, Dill was the tournament's leading goal scorer with five goals. Although Bermuda lost the final and ended with a silver medal, Dill's performance was outstanding.
His Pan Am Games success led to an opportunity to play for the Houston Stars in the North American Soccer League (NASL). During his first season, Dill scored six goals in 14 games, showcasing his skills on the international stage. He later joined the Dallas Tornado, but injuries hindered his performance, prompting his return to Bermuda after two seasons.
Back in Bermuda, Dill continued to build his legacy by coaching the National Team to victory in a quadrangular tournament on home soil against Mexico, the US, and Canada. The team beat the US and Canada while drawing with Mexico, further cementing Dill's reputation as a remarkable coach.
Dill's contributions to football were recognized with a Sports Citation at the 1987 Sports Awards for being part of the silver medal-winning Pan Am team. He received another Sports Citation in 1989 for his significant contributions to soccer at national, international, and professional levels, as well as his voluntary coaching efforts. In November 2001, Dill was honored as one of the only nine honorary vice presidents of the Bermuda Football Association for his outstanding contributions to the sport.
Legacy:
Carlton 'Pepe' Dill's dynamic career as both a player and a coach has left an indelible mark on Bermuda's football history. His achievements on the field, coupled with his dedication to nurturing and leading future generations, exemplify his enduring impact on the sport. Dill's legacy continues to inspire and influence Bermudian football, embodying the spirit of excellence and passion for the game.
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