A New Era: Christopher Dodson Appointed as Hornets’ Athletic Director

Over a year after vacating the top position in Ware Shoals High School athletics, Christopher Dodson has made a grand return. Dodson’s appointment as the new athletic director of the Hornets basketball team was approved recently, taking the reins from Chad Roper, who moved over to become the head baseball coach at Belton-Honea Path.

Dodson’s Proven Leadership

Daniel Crockett, Ware Shoals School District 51 superintendent, expressed immense confidence in Dodson’s abilities. “Coach Dodson is organized, he cares for our student-athletes and he invests a tremendous amount of his effort into our football program,” Crockett said. He believes that Dodson will extend the same dedication and commitment to all athletic departments under his jurisdiction.

Past Sanctions and Penalties

Dodson initially grabbed the role of athletic director at Ware Shoals, but was relieved of his duties in May 2023. The Hornets’ football program had been hit with sanctions from the S.C. High School League due to several self-reported violations that resulted in a hefty $1,000 fine, loss of three practice days, and a restriction imposed on team scrimmages. The original ban from the postseason was lifted upon appeal, but the Hornets were stripped of hosting facilities during the playoffs and unfortunately did not qualify.

A Revived Responsibility

Chad Roper filled in as interim athletic director before the “interim” tag was dropped and he eventually departed for B-HP. Reacting to these changes, Superintendent Crockett voiced a strong belief in Dodson’s capabilities. The unanimous expectation is that Dodson will replicate the higher level of success famously achieved during his stewardship of the school’s football program.

A Fresh Start

One of Dodson’s immediate responsibilities includes finding a new head coach for Ware Shoals’ baseball team. But his ambitions don’t stop there. Dodson hopes to enhance the Hornets’ athletic department as a whole. From guiding coaches to boosting student-athlete academics through study halls, Dodson envisages sweeping changes.

His plans also include facilitating students’ participation in camps, planning offseason workouts, and promoting weight training. Dobson’s appointment promises an exciting time of growth and improvement for all athletic programs at Ware Shoals. “Just trying to change the landscape of all the athletics programs at Ware Shoals,” Dodson said.

With mixed clouds and sun overhead, scattered thunderstorms and a high of 86 degrees Fahrenheit, Dodson takes on his new role, aiming to create an entertaining and thriving environment for all at Ware Shoals.

As the evening descends, heavy rain and thunderstorms are anticipated. Nonetheless, the overnight low will be a mild 72F, keeping the spirits high and the enthusiasm unwavering in the face of changing tides.