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Sports

Dayton's Finest Student-Athletes In Their Own Words

Featuring key basketball reserve Dan Wilkenfeld

As the school year is officially behind us and the 2011 graduating class heads off into the real world, let’s take a look at what is on the horizon for some of JDHS’s finest student-athletes – in their own words.   

This week’s installment features basketball player Dan Wilkenfeld: 

 

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What’s it like now that you’re officially done being a JDHS Bulldog?
There is nothing in the world I am more proud of than saying I graduated JDHS and was a Bulldog. That school meant the world to me. Every moment was memorable.

What was your best memory, team-wise, from your senior season?
The best memory from the season was definitely all of the home games, especially during the playoff run. Seeing classmates, teachers, and community members cheering on the team is just a heartwarming thing. It wasn't just a team on the court, it was a community in the gym. 

What was your best personal memory or achievement during you senior season?
The best memory from the senior season was the home game against Oratory Prep. It’s hard being a bench player and that game was when I had the opportunity to play some big minutes. By winning that game it put us in position to win the conference. I had a big shot in the corner and it was just something that will never be forgotten. 

What will you miss most about donning the blue and orange?

What I will most about the Blue and Orange is everyone uniting together. Putting on the uniform day in and day out is something that can be taken for granted now. Everyone having so much pride in a team and the school is really special. 

Who was the most influential person in your life, on or off the playing field?
The most influential people in my life have to be my parents. My mom always seems to push me to the max with everything. She seems to know me the best and what is best for me. Also my dad has been there with everything. If you know both of us, everyone would agree that he is just like a twin to me.  

What do you have planned for the summer?
This summer I am going to be life-guarding at the Springfield community pool. 

If you’re going to college, will you still play your respective sport or is this it for you athletically?  

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I am not going to play basketball next year in college. This was my last season and it was memorable. Just like [Dallas Mavericks point guard] Jason Kidd did, I want to leave with the best season last. 

If you are college-bound, what will you plan to study in college? If not college-bound what are your plans in the workforce.  
I am going to Union County College my first two years. After that I want to transfer to another school for the last two years. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?
When college is over I want to be a physical educational teacher at JDHS. It has been my goal since I was young and it always will be. 

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