TDR’s HS Wrestler of the Month for May- Florida’s Dillon Dennis

Posted on | June 2, 2009 | No Comments

TakeDown Radio’s ninth High School Wrestler of the Month award is comprised by a number of firsts. Dillon Dennis of Northside Christian School in St. Petersburg, FL is the first state high school champion from his school, the first TDR award recipient from a private school, and the first from the state of Florida.

Dillon, a member of the National Honor Society, completed his senior year with the state championship title, a 4.0 grade average, and the Pinelles County Wrestler of the Year Award. He’s currently preparing to enter the University of Tennessee Chattanooga this fall. Dillon, exhibiting the humility so apparent among many successful wrestlers, commented upon being informed of the award “I’m entirely honored, although why would they choose me?”. Given a perfect 39-0 season at 140 lbs. combined with his academic record, anyone else could hardly ask the same question.

Hailing from a strong wrestling family, three of Dillon’s four siblings are also tremendous wrestlers. Growing up, wrestling and competition began on the carpet and in the yard of their family home. Fast forward to the present, brothers Dalton (Sophomore) and Dryden (Freshman) both placed in this years state tournament, and on the same night. The brothers had set this goal for themselves at the beginning of the season. Given Dillon’s state title and today’s TDR award, his star may shine brightest, although all eyes should remain on the Dennis family for future awards.

Dillon serves as both Captain and Chaplain for the Northside Christian School team. Originally, coaches Chris Wilmington, Glenn Goodman, and Dave Butler offered Dillon the Captain position, although Dillon’s clear focus was to serve as Chaplain. Dillon may be understated, although he is clearly an over achiever.

Inherently quiet, and perhaps even shy as a child, Dillon’s sense of adventure is boundless. He communes with the great outdoors with every given opportunity. He presents a recent backpacking and camping trip in the California mountains, without tents, as one of the greatest experiences of his life.

University of Tennessee Chattanooga Head Coach Chris Bono announced the national letter of intent on May 14. Dillon accepted the offer based highly on the time and personal interaction Coach Bono and his staff provided to him during the entire season. While Dillon has not entirely committed himself to a specific course of studies, he’s very interested in sports medicine, and wants to continue working with youth, as he does as team Chaplain. Dilllon’s father, David, is President and CEO of Eckerd Youth Alternatives, a non-profit organization serving at-risk youth. Dillon is obviously surrounded by great family, friends, and coaches, and is really at the dawn of greater things in the future.

The TakeDown Radio High School Wrestler of the Month Award is presented by Resilite, and made possible by Brute adidias,Sunflower Wrestling Supply, W.I.N. Magazine, and intermatwrestle.com. You can look forward to interviews with Dillon on-air, in print, and on the web in the near future.