Woodson Captain Will Help Form New Football Program

Captain Marcus Dash may have played his last Woodson game in November, but his football career's long from over.

Dash signed on to play with Alderson-Broaddus (A-B) College’s inaugural National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II football program. His participated in National Signing Day, along with athletes across the nation, at W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax.

“The opportunity to play football at the college level has been a dream since I was really young," he said. "I am extremely honored to join A-B’s first-ever football team. It is not everyday that someone gets to help build a brand new Division II football program.”

Dash is well-known on the football field. He started when he was 7 years old, playing his childhood years with the Fairfax Police Youth Club and Vienna Youth Inc. He took on the role of captain of Woodson's varsity team and made All-District honors. 

"Marcus had a desire to be successful on the field and off," said Al Hirsch, Dash’s VYI football coach. "His work ethic and intensity in practice and in competition was one of the reasons our team was successful. He was one of those players who makes coaching a very rewarding experience. Marcus was the model for youth football.”

"[He's] an extremely talented and dedicated player," said varsity head coach Joseph Dishun. "His speed, versatility, and intelligence will help him be a success at the college level. We are extremely proud of his accomplishments and wish him the best of luck.”

His hard work has paid off. Dash was given a scholarship to play wide receiver for A-B College's team in fall 2012.

"Marcus is a great addition to our inaugural class at Alderson-Broaddus," said Chriss Moore, A-B Assistant Football Coach and Virginia College Recruiter. "His talents are a perfect fit for our Air Raid offense and we are truly excited about his future here. We are glad he decided to be a part of our family."

He'll join the Phillipi, W.V. football team as the school expands its athletic program to include five new sports. The A-B Battler football team will play an independent schedule in 2012, but then plans to compete in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) once its stadium is completed in 2013.

Dash will trade in his current Cavalier jersey number 32 for the A-B Battler jersey number 83.

“I am trading in my long-time jersey number 32 for the number 83 like wide receiver Wes Welker," Dash said. "Welker is someone I’m often compared to in my style of play. I may be small, but I am fast and will make the plays.”