Cancer survivor inspires former Panther lineman
By Dan Truttschel/Sports Correspondent
During a stellar high school career at Wilmot, Zach Dodge made life miserable for opposing offenses and coaches alike.
And there’s no doubt he plans to continue on that path in the future, but for one week earlier this month, the powerful defensive lineman’s focus changed.
Instead of harassing linemen and quarterbacks, Dodge turned his attention to those in need – and one young man’s journey stuck with him.
Dodge recently competed in the annual Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Large School All-Star Game in Oshkosh, but it was a visit from a young fan that resonated with the Minnesota State recruit.
As part of the week’s preparation, Dodge and his teammates had a chance to meet a young boy who had successfully battled cancer.
On the first play of a team scrimmage, that child was handed the football and scored an emotional touchdown.
“We let him score, the whole team ran after him in the end zone, we all circled around him, and he danced in the middle for us,” Dodge said.
“We did a team breakdown for him. It just made the guys realize how lucky we are to be healthy and lucky to do the things we wish to do. It was awesome to play for those kids who are too sick to play or do what they want to do.”
Dodge, who competed for the victorious South team, which won 24-8, said the entire week was a tremendous learning experience.
Not that it didn’t take a little time for everyone to warm up to the temporary surroundings.
“At first, everyone was a little quiet, but by the end of the first day, everyone was having a blast,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to be selected to play in that game for a great cause, Children’s Hospital. It was a blast and (something) I would love to do again.”
Dodge, who leaves Aug. 8 for training camp in Mankato, Minn., said he will take with him some valuable knowledge he gained both from his all-star teammates and coaches.
With the chance to compete next to other all-stars, he wasn’t about to lose out on another chance to improve.
“Every guy there was a great football player, and when you play with the best in the state, it’s a little harder,” Dodge said. “It was really cool to have hard competition to play against.
“The coaches were all great. They were just like us, they loved to have fun, and when it was time to get to business, we did. My defensive line coach taught me a few new pass rush moves, so that was cool.”
Next chapter begins
Now that his high school career officially has come to an end, Dodge has completely focused on what’s next, and that’s his freshman year in Mankato.
Training for the moment he steps onto the field began long ago and hasn’t slowed down a bit, he said.
Dodge’s regimen includes twice-daily sessions, including afternoons at A3 Performance Center, Grayslake, Ill., where he trains with Jeremy Happel, a former Wilmot assistant coach who now runs his own business.
It’s almost go-time, and Dodge is determined to be ready.
“I feel I’m in the best shape of my life right now and want to come into camp as best as possible,” he said.
“I’m very excited to take on the next challenge at Mankato. I’m going to have to start from the bottom again and just prove that I deserve to play. I can’t wait for that. I’m just going to do my thing, try my hardest on everything I do and wait and see what happens.”
And while Dodge is optimistic about what his first collegiate season may hold, he’s also realistic.
Mankato is coming off an 11-1 record a year ago and a trip to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs, and the cupboard is far from empty.
“The main goal of every freshman is he wants to start right away because you want to play, but their d-line is very good and all coming back this year for their last year,” Dodge said.
“I’m just going to work (hard) and see what happens. Like I said, I have to start from the bottom again, but I love it.”