Dean Odom will be quick to tell you that football is his game. But as it turns out that’s just one of several that the Poteau junior takes part in. In addition to being a tight end and linebacker on the gridiron for the Pirates, he also plays in the post for basketball and takes part in power lifting and track.

“He’s a three-year letterman for us in track,” said his coach Billy Bond. “He runs several events but with Covid and all, this was really his first full year to do track and he qualified for the state meet as part of our 4X100-meter relay team. He’s a strong leader and contributor to the team with good character and is a hard worker.”

Odom discussed this first year of high school track competition.

“We started the season pretty strong and I was running in the 4X100 and 4X200 relays as well as doing the high jump. In regionals we didn’t qualify in the 4X200-meter relay and I had kind of an off-day in the high jump and just missed by two inches of qualifying for state,” said Odom who is also in the National Honor Society and is president of the junior class.

While track and basketball are fun, Odom acknowledges that football is a different kind of animal.

“My family is a football family and my dad is a football coach and has coached me all my life so I guess it’s just more a part of me,” said Odom. “I just love the cheering and excitement and comradery of football.”

Even though he has another year to go, Odom has already had a taste of building memories for the future.

“I was on our state championship football team my freshman year and that was a crazy time. I didn’t expect so many people to turn out. I had a big fourth quarter, fourth down sack and it was awesome hearing the crowd get that loud.”

This summer Dean says he’ll take part in summer pride and attend some football and basketball camps as he prepares for what he hopes will be a big senior year,

“My goal in football and basketball is to make all-conference and All-State and in track to place in the top three in the high jump at state next spring. In his spare time Dean likes to fish and hang with his girl friend while holding a part-time job as well.