Submitted
Sam Dawson, Hamilton Heights senior, has signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne this fall. The University of Saint Francis is a member of the Crossroads League and a NAIA athletic institution. He is the son of Mary Ann and Sam Haymaker and Jim Dawson.
“I liked the small school environment,” said Sam Dawson, after his visit to the University of Saint Francis campus. “I really like the university’s values and focus on faith. After meeting with the coaches and team, I knew that this is where I wanted to be.” Dawson plans to study business administration and finance and pursue an MBA to seek a career as a surgical sales representative.
Dawson has been passionate about basketball since the time he first picked up a basketball around the age of five. He played year-round as a member of the Hamilton Heights Huskies basketball team and AAU. He said lots of hard work, practice, and playing on both teams was a great experience that helped prepare him for the opportunity to play college basketball.
Dawson, the recipient of the John & Deliah Lewis Award and Hugh O’Bryan Leadership Presidential Award, also participated in Unified Football and Unified Track. He is as strong in the classroom as he is on the court. He is an officer with the National Honor Society, is a HOBY Youth Leadership Ambassador, serves on the Hamilton Heights Athletic Council, a Peer Mentor for sixth-grade students, Cadet Teacher, and member of the Cicero Christian Church.
He credits his parents for their support and influence in his development as a student athlete. “They have taken me all over for lessons, games, camps, etc.,” he added. “They have always supported me and my dream to play basketball. I also appreciate for all the help from Coach Ballenger as well as my trainers and teammates over the years.”
“I am really excited for Sam to get the opportunity to continue his basketball career,” said Chad Ballenger, Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach, Hamilton Heights High School. “He has worked as hard as any player in our program over the years to give him an opportunity to play at the next level. His senior year he faced some adversity early in the season with a broken wrist. He rehabbed hard and was able to come back, but it definitely had an impact on how he played. But he stayed committed to his team and teammates to finish the year. I am looking forward to watching him grow and flourish as a player at the next level.”
“We are very excited for Sam and the opportunity he has to continue his basketball career at the next level,” added Kurt Ogden, Hamilton Heights High School Athletic Director. “He has been a model student/athlete at Hamilton Heights and a pleasure to watch the past four years. We wish him the best at the University of Saint Francis.”
“I am thankful for the opportunity to play at the next level,” noted Dawson.