Charlie Dotson represents Flathead High School with three different pairs of shoes. In the fall he wears cleats as he carries the football across the pitch and in the winter his sneakers pound the hardwood of the basketball court. With the arrival of spring, Dotson is lacing up his orange and black track shoes.
All these shoes have one thing common: Charlie Dotson loves to run in them.
Even as a child, growing up in Kalispell, Dotson “always wanted to be outside and running,” he said.
“(Track) is the only personal sport I do,” he said, adding that he is competing against himself and pushing to always be better.
Although track is an individual sport, Dotson recognizes the role his teammates play.
“Four of my friends are really fast, too,” said Dotson.
“We compete against each other and always challenge each other. All friendly, of course.”
With help from his friends, Dotson hopes to compete at state in the 100- and 200-meter dashes and 4×100 relay, where he runs the final leg.
Dotson was awarded the Brave Award and Weightroom MVP during the football season – a testament to his continual work and training.
He plans on attending the University of Montana Western in Dillon to play football next year.