Dick Nalley attended the University of Indianapolis, graduating in 1977 after a career there in both football and track. He was a four-year letter winner on the football field, and was a three-time All-Heartland Collegiate Conference selection. As a sprinter, Nalley was conference champion in the 100 and 200 in 1974-76, and was the Little State champion in the 100 in 1975-76 and in the 200 in 1976. Combining strength with speed, Nalley was an eight-time state bench-press champion. Nalley was on US bobsledding teams from 1980-84. He was the manager of his own gym in Indianapolis, the Ardizzone and Nalley Gym, for 23 years, and served 16 years as a firefighter. In 1992 he was inducted into the University of Indianapolis Sports Hall of Fame.