DALTON, Ga. — With 132 career victories after Saturday's 84-79 win over Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), Dalton State College men's basketball head coach Alex Ireland has become the all-time winningest head coach since Dalton State became a four-year college.
 
"I am extremely proud of Coach Ireland," Dalton State Athletic Director Ben Rickett, said. "This milestone reflects so many of the qualities that he instills such as character, team building, and accountability. Reaching this point is a tremendous achievement, but I truly believe he's just getting started. The progress we've seen over the past couple of seasons makes me excited to continue watching Coach Ireland grow and lead this program."
 
The previous record of 131 career wins was held by the late Tony Ingle who served as the men's head basketball coach from 2013-2018. Ireland served as the assistant coach during the 2017-18 season and took over as interim head coach in 2018 following Ingle's retirement.
 
"From the minute I took the reins of this program, living up to the legacy that Coach Ingle built at Dalton State and in our community has been a constant pressure I put on myself. It drives me every season in the work that I do with our student athletes on and off the court," Ireland said. "To be mentioned in the same breath as him is, and always will be, a tremendous honor."
 
Ingle, a Dalton native, played for Coach Melvyn Ottinger at Dalton Junior College before launching a successful coaching career that included an NCAA Division II National Championship at Kennesaw State. He returned to Dalton State in 2013 as head men's basketball coach, leading the Roadrunners to a National Championship in 2014–15—their first season eligible for postseason play after athletics were relaunched. That victory made him the only basketball coach in Georgia to win two National Championships. After retiring, Ingle received the National Association of Basketball Coaches' Guardian of the Game Award. He passed away in 2021 from complications related to COVID-19.
 
"Tony Ingle's impact on Dalton State cannot be overstated. He built upon the foundation laid by Coach Melvyn Ottinger, carrying on a tradition of leadership that has inspired student-athletes, colleagues and countless others. Today, we celebrate Coach Ireland for continuing that tradition of excellence," Dalton State President John Fuchko said. "Reaching this career milestone speaks to the dedication he brings to our program. We are proud of the success he has achieved and excited for what the future holds under his leadership."
 
Ireland's tenure includes two NAIA Men's Basketball Championship appearances, one in 2020 as the No. 1 seed in their bracket – No. 4 overall – and again in 2025. He secured the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) regular-season title in 2025 and a SSAC tournament championship in 2020. Ireland's teams have recorded 67 home wins, eight victories over Top 25 opponents, and two wins against Top 10 teams.
 
"While individual milestones are nice, the success of our program is and always will be most important." Ireland added. "While I will certainly enjoy this accomplishment, I intend to get right back to work pursuing the ultimate goal, bringing a National Championship home to our community."
 
Under Ireland's leadership, Dalton State has produced four NAIA All-Americans, 13 All-Conference selections, and three SSAC Players of the Year. The Roadrunners have also excelled academically, with four Daktronics Scholar-Athletes and nine SSAC All-Academic honorees.
 
His accomplishments and coaching acumen have resulted in conference and national honors, including SSAC Coach of the Year and NAIA Coach of Character in 2025. In addition to his on-court success, Ireland has served the sport in key leadership roles as a member of the NAIA Basketball Selection Committee in 2023 and 2025, SSAC Coaches Chair in 2021, and SSAC Rater since 2022.