Name: James Dodson
School: Claysburg-Kimmel
Age: 16
Grade: 11
Sport: Wrestling
Athlete of the week achievement: Dodson won his first District 6 Class AA wrestling title by beating then unbeaten Kie Brown of Huntingdon in the finals, 5-4. He went 4-0 with two wins coming by pins, and beat Bellwood-Antis' Jared Woomer in the semifinals, 3-1. Dodson was also runner-up for the Most Outstanding Wrestler award.
Season update: Dodson is 38-2 with 22 pins this season. The Bulldogs final regular season record was 23-4, a new school record.
Coach Dave Marko's quote: "James has taken a nice step up this year. He worked really hard this offseason with lifting weights and getting stronger. It was nice to see him get his first district title and getting his 100th win all in the same weekend. I'm looking forward to working with him and getting to Hershey."
Favorite teacher: Mr. Marko
Favorite subject: History
Favorite movie: "Boondock Saints"
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite song: "Train, Train" by Blackfoot
Outside interests: Hanging out with friends, hunting and fishing
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite college team: Iowa
Pro athlete most admired: Tom Brady
Best athlete I ever played with: North Star's Nick Roberts
Best athlete I ever competed against: Penn Cambria's Evan Link
Most influential person on my athletic career: "My dad, Mark, family and friends."
Proudest athletic achievement: Winning the District 6 Class AA championship
How I got my start in wrestling: "When I was 4 years old, my brothers started, so I just started with them."
Future goal: To go to college, and continue wrestling and to finish in the top eight at states
