In a crowded field of talented senior athletes at Powell High School one male athlete rose to the top. Jimmy Dees was named the Male Athlete of the Year in May during the senior recognition ceremony.

“Being named athlete of the year was very validating for me,” Dees said. “I know there’s countless guys that could’ve also won the award and it truly could’ve come down to a coin flip on who won. That being said, I’m very grateful to have received it and know that my hard work in high school sports over the years has paid off.”

STRONG CAREER

Throughout his high school career, Dees has participated in two sports all four years, while also adding track his freshman year.

For a majority of his career, Dees has starred on the mat for the Panther wrestling team, wracking up over 100 wins in his career while also claiming several important titles.

He claimed 3A West Regional crowns at 195 his junior year and 215 pounds his senior year, adding a Ron Thon win and a state title in a dominant 31-1 season this past season.

That domination on the mat didn’t come without hardships, as Dees dislocated his shoulder during the 2023 state semifinals, causing him to fall to fourth in the tournament and cast doubt over his senior year in athletics.

Dees also served as a strong option along the line for the Panther football team, but missed part of his senior season due to that injury before returning strong to the mat in the winter.

While on the defensive line for the Panthers, Dees caused havoc and recorded more than 60 tackles and three sacks over the course of his career.

Despite the injury, Dees was thankful for the memories he created with his teammates through overnight trips and long bus rides throughout the region.

“Some of my favorite memories definitely have to do with sports trips,” Dees said. “Having the opportunity to stay in hotels during wrestling trips or take long bus rides for football games always allowed me to grow closer to my teammates and develop stronger relationships with my friends.”

LESSONS AND ADVICE

After his career at Powell, Dees has learned several lessons throughout sports, including that you can always take it to another level and continue to improve, while also staying humble throughout the process.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned in sports is to recognize that there’s always someone better than you,” he said. “There’s always another level that you strive to reach and always more to learn in a sport or activity. I’ve learned to stay humble, always keep my ears open for advice or critiques, and stay coachable.”

While he has continued to learn those lessons throughout his time at PHS, Dees wants future Panthers to stick with the process.

“If you want to be good at something then stick with it,” Dees said. “Learn to love all of the sport, even the conditioning and hard practices. Stay coachable and always be open to new ideas or perspectives.”

FUTURE ENDEAVORS

After his recent graduation, Dees has his sights set on continuing his education, but will not fully let go of wrestling at the next level.

He will be attending Clemson University in South Carolina, focusing on academics in automotive engineering to one day graduate and eventually be able to provide for a family.

That doesn’t mean that Dees will stop wrestling.

“I do want to participate in their wrestling club so that I can still compete in the sport that I love,” Dees said.

Now that he will be moving across the country, Dees said he is grateful for the community and the love they have shown to him over the years.

“The community within the school and the town in general is such a beautiful thing. I’m going to miss having practically half the town at football games, seeing friends and family members at wrestling tournaments, and being able to talk to other students about their sports or activities,” he said. “Powell has been such a great place to grow up and I’m grateful for the sheer level of support that I was given from our community.”