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Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Few high school students can match the resume of Ocean City senior Clifford Dirkes. After all, Dirkes is a trombone-playing, soon-to-be Eagle Scout who is also a standout on the football field and wrestling mat. Just for good measure, Dirkes throws the shot put and discus for the Red Raiders' track and field team in the spring.
“Whatever, you want to do, do it,” Dirkes said. “Don’t let people tell you that you can’t do something just because you don’t fit in the typical mold.” Dirkes is one of the state’s top wrestlers this winter.
The 285-pounder began Friday with a 21-0 record and 91 career wins. He won the District 32 and Region 8 titles last year. “I’ve just been working extra with my coaches and teammates,” he said.
"Just getting after it. We have great coaches that know a lot about the sport. Any advice they give me, I take, and I keep working hard.
” NJ takes over supervision of former Atlantic Club; developer confident project will move forward Human remains found in Egg Harbor Township park identified as missing Northfield woman How high could buildings go in Ocean City? Hundreds rally in Atlantic City in support of Immigrant Trust Act Could the casino PILOT program be extended? Attorney for Atlantic City principal claims she's being used to convict mayor, schools superintendent Bob McDevitt promises 'safer, cleaner' Atlantic City in announcing mayoral bid Atlantic City Council repeals ordinance aiding offshore wind company Atlantic Shores It’s not too late! Voting closes at noon for The Press High School Athlete of the Week Atlantic City unveils new tourism campaigns New Jersey takes giant step back from offshore wind following White House moves, Shell pullout Section of Black Horse Pike closed in both directions due to accident in West Atlantic City Atlantic Cape culinary alumnus wins on 'Hell's Kitchen' One of best athletes in Cape May County history gets unique honor in emotional ceremony Top seeds revealed for Cape-Atlantic League boys and girls basketball tournaments Last fall, he starred on the offensive and defensive lines for the Ocean City football team that finished 6-5 and reached the South Jersey Group III semifinals. Dirkes made 51 tackles, including 6.5 sacks.
Dirkes, 17, lives in Ocean City with his mom, Kristine, and his chocolate Labradoodle named Creed. He has not yet made a college choice or decided which sport he wants to continue. In a telephone conversation Tuesday night, Dirkes discussed several topics, including why he named his dog Creed.
On how he started playing football and wrestling: I signed up for soccer, and on the first day of soccer, I saw the football team practicing at the same field. So I quit soccer, and ever since then I’ve been playing football. In the youth programs, football and wrestling had the same coaches, so I kind of transitioned over to wrestling.
On the mental differences between wrestling and football: Wrestling, you’re by yourself. That’s something I really like because you can’t put the blame on other people. It’s all you.
You control everything that happens. You win. You lose.
But football, I also like for the same reason, but the opposite. One person on a particular play might not do their job 100%, but someone else can help pick up the slack, and you can still run a functioning team. On his career plans: I want to be a high school teacher and a coach.
I’m going to major in secondary education. I love sports too much to be away from it. I want to pick a career where I can keep staying around sports and connecting with people.
On being an only child: Personally, I like it. I get a lot of time with my mom, and we get to create a special bond, which I like. On why he named his dog Creed: That’s my favorite movie franchise of all time.
I’ve been watching the "Rocky" and "Creed" movies forever. We got a dog a few years, and we were trying to think of names. I feel like Rocky is a pretty common dog name, so I said let’s be original and go with Creed.
Same type of thing, same type of hero, something you look up to. I just thought it was a good name. On playing the trombone in the Ocean City jazz and concert band: I started playing the trombone in the fourth grade.
Some of my friends were doing it, so I said I would try it out. As I got older and got to high school, I don’t really like quitting things. It’s enjoyable.
It’s different than sports. It’s not necessarily athleticism. It’s a complete different skill that you have to learn.
I like it being something else that you can work on and get better at. On becoming an Eagle Scout: Same type of thing as the band. When I was little, some of my friends were doing it, so I thought I’d give it a shot.
I got through Cub Scouts got into Boy Scouts. I was really productive with it, and I didn’t want to leave anything lingering or have any regrets. On his Eagle Scout project: I raised money to buy and assemble record boards for the wrestling room at our high school.
We’re going to label the district champions, the region champions, state-place winners, girls region champions and the 100-win club. It’s going to remind everybody of the success our program has had. Your Super Bowl prediction? Eagles over the Chiefs 35-31.
Your favorite athlete and why? I always liked Michael Phelps because he was so good. It’s fun to watch someone so dominant. Your favorite food to order when out for dinner? Have to go burgers.
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