Height High senior to play in Army All-American football game

Kyle Dodson, Heights High offensive lineman, was selected to play in the Army All-American game in San Antonio.

Some teachers say that they learn as much from their some of their students as the students learn from them. Kyle Dodson, senior at Cleveland Heights High School is one of those students.

An offensive lineman for the Tigers, Dodson will play in the U.S. Army All-American Football Bowl game on Jan. 7, in the Alamodome, in San Antonio, Texas. He is one of 90 high school seniors who were chosen to play in this prestigious game.

It sometimes takes a lifetime to learn the skills Kyle Dodson possesses. “Kyle is a gift from God,” said Jeff Rotsky, head coach for the Heights Tigers football team. “He is a kid who has battled so much adversity and never gave up. He’s one of the finest young men I’ve ever had the privilege to coach. If he continues to progress, and I believe he will, we will be proud to watch him on Sundays.”

In 2005, Dodson’s mother was killed when a driver, high on crack cocaine and fleeing from the police, slammed into her car as she drove home from a shopping trip with a friend. Kyle was 11 years old. Since that day, his memories of his mother, and the crash, have motivated him to do his best—on and off the field.

Dodson has also experienced frustration from injuries that threatened to keep him from the sport he loves. At the beginning of his junior year, a back injury kept Dodson benched for seven games. His doctors told him he might never play football again.

Later in the season, however, the pain disappeared and Dodson received clearance to play. He came back more determined than ever, running extra drills with teammates and scaling the school stairs on Sundays.

Dodson’s determination and leadership skills helped the Tigers achieve an undefeated season and advance to the playoffs. To his teammates, he is an inspiration.

Kyle Dodson will be attending the University of Wisconsin in the fall, where he will  play freshman football. Meanwhile, CH-UH will be watching on Jan. 7 and cheering for this local football star.