Dale Fisher was originally recruited by Howard Payne basketball coach Glen Whitis after the all-state basketball player graduated from Comanche High School in 1957. Fisher played basketball and football his first year at Howard Payne but concentrated on football for his last three seasons. . Fisher played running back and safety for the Yellow Jackets. In his sophomore season in 1959, he led Howard Payne in rushing yards, interceptions and punt return yardage. As a senior in 1961, he was named All-Lone Star Conference as a safety. After leaving Howard Payne in 1961, he worked in the oil field and became a successful businessman in oil field construction in Big Lake. Fisher was named HPU Distinguished Alumnus in 2023.