Durango High School football running back Dawson Marcum doesn’t remember the exact reason as to why he wears No. 3 for the Demons.
He joked to head coach David Vogt during the offseason that he wore it because he wanted to score three touchdowns a game for the Demons. That’s exactly what he did last Friday, when he ran all over Pagosa Springs en route to a dominant 34-6 victory against the Pirates in the Demons’ first game of the season. The 5-foot-10 senior scored three of Durango’s five touchdowns last week, including a 99-yard score.
Marcum was motivated by last year’s quarterfinal exit in the Class 3A playoffs. Since the start of the offseason, he said he’s strived for excellence snap by snap.
“The main goal is to obviously win a state championship,” Marcum said. “The way we keep getting toward it is, obviously, work hard, stay focused. Once you lose focus of your goal, you’re not going to achieve it. I think that, if we keep our focus throughout the whole season and keep working as hard as we have all offseason and Week 1, we can be up there and probably win it this year.”
Marcum said he gets his motivation from his fellow teammates, particularly in the weight room during the off-season.
“The guys are motivating for me,” he said. “Getting them hyped up and vice versa for the coming week is huge. I don’t know everybody’s home life or anything like that; this is our second home. Keeping them going is keeping me going.”
Marcum has been a key part of the Durango offense for the past two seasons. Last year, he ran for more than 1,000 yards and had five games with more than 100 yards. While he doesn’t shy away from his talents, he also knows that a large part of success has been because of his offensive line.
“The line has really been a big contributor,” Marcum said. “I couldn’t do it without them.”
Marcum has not only starred on the football field, he’s also played well on the baseball diamond. Last spring, he had one of the highest batting averages on the team, batting .328.
He had 21 hits, 12 runs batted in, four doubles and two triples. The strength and power has translated back into the fall football season.
Demons head coach David Vogt has also leaned on Marcum not just for his strength and running ability but also his leadership. Vogt said Marcum will have to not only lead but be on his game if the Demons are to beat No. 4 Palisade on Thursday night.
“He’s our leader and is the leader of the team,” Vogt said.
“He’s been that way throughout the offseason. He’s always been the strongest in the weight room, and that stuff directly correlates to the field. It’s kind of fun when you can’t tackle him and he can run through you, run around you and run away from you. So, it’s a great asset to have on this team.”
Marcum described his favorite superhero as “The Hulk.” Coach Vogt was not the least surprised.
“For him, it’s true,” Vogt said. “Good things come in small packages, and that’s exactly what he is. He is a little Hulk.”
bploen@ durangoherald.com
Behind the scenes with Dawson
Do you have a nickname?:
“Daws”
What is your favorite sports movie?:
“Water Boy” and “The Blind Side”
What is your favorite pre- or post-game meal?:
Spaghetti – at any time.
Who is your favorite musical artist?:
Brennan Savage
What is your dream car?:
1969 Dodge Charger
Who is your favorite superhero:
The Hulk
What is your favorite local restaurant?:
Zia Taqueria
What teacher has had the greatest impact on your life?:
Coach (David) Vogt or coach (Alfonso “Ponch” Garcia) in Ignacio
Who is your favorite athlete?:
Walter Payton
Do you have a role model?:
My parents (Damian and Stephanie Marcum)
