Dorn Pulls the Way for the Titans
Dominion senior James Dorn can be an intimidating force. He's 6-foot-3, weighs 230 pounds, plays offensive guard and defensive tackle and serves as a captain.
But his friends know him as the gentle giant. And his face shows care and tenderness, comparable to that of a teddy bear. He draws in people because of his off-field demeanor.
"I want to be remembered as the kindest kid off the field, and the most aggressive kid on the field," says Dorn.
Either way, he'll definitely be remembered.
Dominion senior James Dorn can be an intimidating force. He's 6-foot-3, weighs 230 pounds, plays offensive guard and defensive tackle and serves as a captain.
But his friends know him as the gentle giant. And his face shows care and tenderness, comparable to that of a teddy bear. He draws in people because of his off-field demeanor.
"I want to be remembered as the kindest kid off the field, and the most aggressive kid on the field," says Dorn.
Either way, he'll definitely be remembered.
Throughout his years at Dominion, Dorn has been a pivotal player. In 2003, as team captain, he earned the MVP award. Unfortunately, last season, Dorn broke his ankle during the first drill of the opening practice sidelining him for most of the season.
"That memory will never leave me," says coach Mike Dougherty. "For the kid who worked so hard to get ready for the season, I hated to see it all slip away that fast."
Dorn is known for his work ethic.
"Coach Dougherty once told me that you win games Monday though Thursday," he says. "Not Friday. You practice like you play."
Whether he is on the field (practice and game time), or off the field (in the weight room), Dorn gives his best effort.
"To prepare for this season, I went to the weight room every day since last November, seven o'clock every morning until school ended," Dorn says, "Over the summer, I worked out in the weight room one to two times, five days a week, I also took part in a couple of football and speed camps."
"Dorn's been playing most of his life and definitely knows what he's doing," says senior Jamie Howell who works side by side with Dorn on the offensive line. One of Dorn's greatest strengths is his intelligence. He is a quick thinker, reacting to almost any situation.
Dorn said his most memorable moment on the field occurred during his sophomore year. They were playing the Hyde School on a rainy night and muddy field. And the game went into overtime.
"Everyone was tired. The team was breathing hard," says Dorn, "But we kicked a field goal, won the game, and everyone charged the field from the sideline. It was pretty exciting."
Dorn considers his teammates and friends as family. He recognizes his coaches as role models. "My coaches have been in my spot before, in my shoes, and I wish one day I can be in theirs," says Dorn. He enjoys volunteering for Little League camps, and playing football, sometimes soccer, with the neighborhood kids.
"He has a knack for working with younger kids in camp settings," says Dougherty, "He would make a great coach someday."
The teacher he'll remember most is Aimee Hill-Wagner, his psychology teacher.
"She always kept things real and always told you the truth," he says.
Dorn has a 3.4 GPA. For his last year, he is taking English, Physics, AP Stats, and of course, his favorite subject, AP Government. He is also taking Administration of Justice at Monroe Technology Center. Dorn would like to pursue a career in this field. He would like to become a Capitol Police Officer.
"Two of my uncles are capitol police and I look up to them a lot," says Dorn.
Dorn has two siblings, Michael (21), and Linda (14).
"My brother and I always play catch with each other," he says. "I look up to my brother because he is at Christopher Newport playing football and my little sister always comes to my games and I go to watch her stuff."
After graduating, Dorn would like to attend a small Division II or III school and play football. Frostburg and Christopher Newport University have sent him information. But Dorn has not made any final decisions.
"Dorn has become one of the strongest Titans in the school," says Dougherty, "Three years ago he was very weak. James Dorn is proof that hard work and determination pay off."
