Dotson, who graduated with highest honors, shared how mental toughness and determination helped him overcome a devastating defeat in one event to earn a medal in another event at the State Track and Field Championship in his freshmen year.

“I was favored to get second place in the state track meet in the shot put event. I thought it was a sure thing. I threw my first two throws out of bounds and the last throw was three inches short of eighth place. I was devastated. The discus competition was later that afternoon, and I was predicted to place dead last in the event. I channeled frustration into a carefree confidence and overcame adversity to place sixth,” says Dotson, 2016 and 2017 Shot Put and Discus State Champion.

Dotson has earned numerous first placed medals throughout his high school competitions, including a personal record of 176-07 in the discus event this year, but he is most proud of the sixth place medal he earned early in his athletic career because it revealed his ability to persevere when faced with a challenge. The State Champion is headed to West Virginia Wesleyan and will participate on the track and field team this fall. He is planning a career as a pharmacist and hopes to remain near home serving others in the community.

Other common characteristics among applicants that resonate with Dunn and the scholarship committee are learning how to work with others toward a common goal and helping others succeed. These characteristics were fundamental traits of Jim Dunn and have been key to the committee’s success in raising funds for the scholarship program from community sponsors and numerous volunteers throughout the past decade.

Such traits are integral to Timothy Kinney who will pursue a degree in secondary education at Davis and Elkins College and looks forward to helping others succeed in the future.

“Being a secondary level history teacher means that while my pay will never reach six figures, the lives I will influence and the young men and women I will have the opportunity to leave an impression on is far more valuable than money,” says Kinney.

Kinney will continue his passion for running as a member of the Senators cross country and track teams under Coach Jason Pyles and values the opportunity to attend college close to home.

Although candidates may choose any college in the country, nearly 70 percent of Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship recipients are attending or have graduated from colleges in the state. Like Dotson and Kinney, Haley Snodgrass will attend college in the state this fall, too.

“It is an honor to receive this award and I’m excited about attending college close to home at the University of Charleston. I place much of my academic and athletic achievements on the support of my family and friends,” says Snodgrass, who was graduated with high honors in May.

Snodgrass won the women’s pole vault title at the USATF West Virginia Association Junior Olympic Championships with a personal record (11′ 0.75) in June 2016 and placed third in the USATF Region 5 Junior Olympic Championships a month later.

“We’re very proud of our scholarship recipients and extend our congratulations to them and their family and coaches. We believe in their ability to advance in their academic and athletic pursuits and we anticipate learning how they are enhancing the quality of life for others throughout West Virginia in the future,” says Dunn.

To further Jim’s commitment to serving others in need, SteppingStones of Monongalia County is now a co-beneficiary and co-supporter of the Jim Dunn Run. Since 2013, the committee has awarded $30,000 to Stepping Stones which provides year-round recreation for children and adults with disabilities. Funds raised from the 2017 Jim Dunn Run will be used to further support and develop physical activity programs, including Miracle League Baseball, Miracle League Golf, Swimming, Basketball and other activities.

Donations for the scholarship may be made directly to the Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship Fund on behalf of YCF (Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc.).

The 10th annual Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship Twilight 5-miler (Jim Dunn Run) and 2-mile walk will be held, rain or shine, Friday, July 15 at 7 p.m. at the Wharf Street Parking Garage in Morgantown. Event participants who register online before July 14 for $30 will receive a free Sustain U athletic T- shirt. The registration fee includes dinner from Oliverio’s and beverages from Pepsi and Mona Supply. Additional meals may be purchased for $15. Day of event registration is $35.

Proceeds of the event benefit SteppingStones of Monongalia County and the Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to West Virginia (WV) high school track and field and cross country athletes who plan to compete in college. Administered by Your Community Foundation in Morgantown, more than $13,000 has been awarded since 2007.

This year’s scholarship recipients are Seth Edwards of University High School (UHS) and Lauren Ball of Scott High School in Madison, WV.

“We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary by thanking the community for the overwhelming support that has accelerated our ability to help others during the past,” says Darlene Dunn, chair of the Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship Committee and wife of the late Jim Dunn. “Each year, we receive very compelling applications from many deserving scholar athletes throughout the state. Being able to help fulfill the dreams of one of our local athletes is especially rewarding for us this year as we tally 20 scholarships in 10 years.”

Since middle school, Edwards, who is the son of Jeff and Sarah Edwards of Morgantown and competed at UHS under Coach Ed Frohnapel, has dreamed of competing in sports at a Division I school. This fall his dreams will come true as he heads to Colorado State University to compete on the men’s track and cross country teams.

During his senior year, Seth cinched titles in the WV State Cross Country and the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Championships. He is the 2016 WV State Track and Field 3200m Champion and runner-up in the 1600m event. Additionally, he was a member of the 4×800 State Champion team. Seth plans to study business in college and hopes to transfer his passion and experience in the running sports to a sports-related career.

Dunn says the athletic and academic achievements and the community involvement of both of this year’s recipients reflect the same principles that define her late husband.

“Like our scholarship recipients, Jim was passionate about running and benefited from the training, discipline, and civic responsibilities instilled in him as a member of WVU’s men’s track team. He found great satisfaction in helping people and inspired many others to serve the less fortunate in the community. His family and friends supported him in his pursuit of excellence and he always looked for ways to help others in return,” says Dunn.
The same values have driven Ball, who will study nursing at the University of Charleston and compete on the Golden Eagles’ cross country and track teams this fall. The former cross country team captain also competed in the 3200,1600 and 4×800 meter track events, while volunteering in the community and working as a tutor and mentoring other students.

Ball’s inspiration to become a nurse was born at a young age as she witnessed the medical and personal care and compassion her grandparents received.

“Being witness to the care both of my loved ones received during the difficult times further fueled my desire to become a nurse. I dream of becoming a nurse to support people and provide them with kindness and support in times of fear and uncertainty,” says Ball.

Jim Dunn possessed the same family-focused values with an abundance of compassion and kindness always available for others. After graduating from college in 1972, he remained in Morgantown, and, along with his wife and son Riley, Jim cared for his mother and brother, Jeff Dunn.

Jim was an avid volunteer and coach with the Special Olympics and SteppingStones. In 2013, SteppingStones, which provides year-round, high quality recreation and personal development opportunities to children and adults with disabilities in Monongalia County, was added as a co-benefactor of the Jim Dunn Run.

Monica Marietta, executive director of SteppingStones says “the organization is very fortunate to be a part of this amazing community event. It’s obvious by the number of volunteers, sponsors and race/walk participants that this community still remembers and supports Jim Dunn and his passion to support his community. Darlene, Riley and Jeff have done a wonderful job keeping Jim’s spirit alive as they continue to raise money and awareness while supporting local athletes heading off to college and the athletes who are involved in the programs offered at SteppingStones.”

To further extend Jim’s spirit of serving others, the committee is collecting new and gently worn shoes this year for the flood victims in southern West Virginia. Shoes can be dropped off at the Jim Dunn Run or at SteppingStones in Mylan Park, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday – Friday through July 14.

Valued at $1,000 each, the scholarships, which are to offset college expenses, were announced by Nicholas Austin,  president of Your Community Foundation (YCF) in Morgantown in late June.

Duez, a five-time state champion in track and cross country, plans to continue running at West Virginia Weslyean this fall. The scholar athlete intends to major in marketing with a minor in history.

McClung will study finance and accounting at University of Charleston and he will compete as a member of the UC Eaglescross country and track and field teams this fall. The cross country and track and field scholar athlete graduated with honors this May and hopes to coach his sports at his alma mater someday.

“We’re proud to support West Virginia’s high school student athletes and their families with our scholarship program. The students should be recognized for their hard work and achievements, and so should their families and coaches, who support and mentor them every day,” says Darlene Dunn, committee chair and wife of the late Jim Dunn.

The Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship Committee has awarded 18 scholarships, totaling more than $11,000 to student athletes in 11 different schools throughout West Virginia since 2007.

“Each year, we receive very impressive applications from students throughout the state and we are truly inspired by the dedication, goals, and achievements of our applicants. With the help of the Jim Dunn Run sponsors, donors, and community support, we are able to help them continue their academic and athletic successes in college,” Dunn says.

The Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarships are designated for West Virginian high school seniors who participate in cross country and/or track and field sports and plan to compete in college. Applications for the annual scholarship are due to YCF by March 31. Recipients are announced in advance of the annual Jim Dunn Memorial Twilight 5-miler (Jim Dunn Run), which raises funds for the scholarship program and SteppingStones of Monongalia County each July. Duez and McClung will attend this year’s Jim Dunn Run on July 10 in the Wharf District.

“We’re pleased to present these scholarship awards to Rebekah and Sarah in recognition of both their excellence in the classroom and their athletic achievements,” said Beth Fuller, president of YCF. “We wish them the best, both academically and athletically, at their colleges of choice.”

Rebekah LaFata has participated in the pole vault event since her freshman year at Morgantown High, finishing second in last year’s state championship meet. She recorded the highest vault in the statelast year at 11 feet. She also finished fifth in the long jump as a sophomore. She finished second in the pole vault at two large invitational meets in Pittsburgh and helped her Morgantown High team win a state championship during her sophomore year and finish second last year.

She also participated on the cross country team that won state titles the past three years. She will further her education at West Virginia University.

Sarah Ferguson was named to the All Little Kanawha Conference team in 2011, 2012 and 2013. She was state champion in the 100-meter high hurdles all three years and state runner-up in the 300-meter low hurdles in 2011 and 2013. She was also state runner-up in the long jump last year. She set school records for the 100-meter high hurdles in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and a school record in the long jump in 2012.

She has signed to continue her education and track career at Marshall University.

The Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship/Friends of Track and Field Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 to provide scholarships to support running sports in West Virginia. Since then, outstanding West Virginia runners have gone on to run at the University of Tennessee, Marshall University and Cornell University, among others.

“Since the beginning, Jim Dunn scholarships have been awarded to 14 West Virginian high school seniors who plan to compete in running sports programs in college,” said Darlene Dunn, committee chair and wife of the late Jim Dunn. “Once again we are able to provide these scholarships thanks to the tremendous support of our annual fund-raising event – the Jim Dunn 5-Mile Race – and through our endowment fund so skillfully managed by Your Community Foundation.”

The Jim Dunn 5-Miler will be held this year on July 18 in Morgantown. The annual event generates funds from race registrations and sponsorships to help fund the scholarships. Donations also come from corporations, individuals and organizations from around the state.

The race honors the 1972 graduate of WVU who spent four years on the school’s storied men’s track and field team under the leadership of Coach Stan Romanoski. He was committed to the sport and to the greater Morgantown community, his wife said.

“Knowing how appreciative Jim was for having the opportunity to attend college on an athletic scholarship and to compete in a collegiate running sports program close to home, we knew the greatest tribute to him would be to extend the same opportunities for other student athletes in West Virginia,” she said.

Press Release

“Since first established in 2007, the Jim Dunn Memorial scholarships have been awarded to 12 West Virginian high school seniors who plan to compete in running sports programs in college,” said Darlene Dunn, committee chair and wife of the late Jim Dunn. “Our accomplishments are made possible by the outpouring of support at our annual fund-raising event and through the management efforts of Your Community Foundation.”

During her junior year, Brynn Harshbarger captured first place in the 3,200-meter run at the state track meet and qualified for the New Balance Outdoor Nationals. The MHS girls track team also captured the state title that year. This past season, she placed 10th at the Great American Cross Country Festival, second at the state track meet and 15th at the Nike Cross Regionals. MHS also captured first place at the state meet and third at the Nike Cross Regionals.

During the winter, she won the Akron Rubber City Invitational with a personal best of 10:57 and also ran at the New Balance Indoor Nationals. She is currently ranked number two in the state at 3,200 meters, and will continue her track and cross-country efforts at WVU next year.

Like his brother, a prior winner of this scholarship, Cameron Greza was selected to receive the second Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship. He is currently ranked in the Top 10 best times in the 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter runs from this track season. He is a three-time state qualifier in cross country, finishing in the Top 15 places each year.

He has run in the Jim Dunn race since 2007, placing third overall last year. He will continue his running career at either West Virginia Wesleyan or Marshall University.

“Both Cameron and Brynn are excellent students and will represent our scholarship and their chosen colleges very well,” said Beth Fuller, president of YCF. “Their academic and running achievements are the reasons they have been selected for this year’s Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship.”

The Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship/Friends of Track and Field Scholarship Fund was designed to provide scholarships to support running sports in West Virginia. Since then, outstanding West Virginia runners have gone on to run at the University of Tennessee, Marshall University and Cornell University, among others.

The annual Jim Dunn Twilight 5-Miler, to be held on July 19 in Morgantown, brings a great group of family, friends and fellow runners together to support the idea of the WVU men’s running programs and to remember and honor former WVU runner Jim Dunn. A 1972 graduate, Jim spent four years on WVU’s storied men’s track and field team under the leadership of Coach Stan Romanoski.

Dunn recalls her late husband’s commitment to the sport and the greater Morgantown community and attributes much of the committee’s success to the local support. Now in its seventh year, the committee has raised more than $70,000 through the Jim Dunn Memorial Twilight 5-miler and maintains an overall goal to award a four-year scholarship to a male and female athlete each year.

“Knowing how appreciative Jim was for having the opportunity to attend college on an athletic scholarship and to compete in a collegiate running sports program close to home, we knew the greatest tribute to him would be to extend the same opportunities for other student athletes in West Virginia,” Dunn said.

The annual event generates funds from race registrations and sponsorships for the scholarships. Funds also come from donations from corporations, individuals and organizations from around the state. For more information about the Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship and Twilight 5-miler, visit www.jimdunnrun.com.

YCF is a charitable, non-profit organization that encourages, develops and manages endowment funds and uses the net proceeds to support a long list of community programs and scholarships. YCF manages assets and pledged assets of approximately $8 million and administers more than 150 separate funds.

Any individual, organization or business can establish a fund through YCF or make tax-deductible donations to any existing endowment fund. Information about YCF and a description of its endowment funds is available at www.ycfwv.org or by calling (304) 296-3433.

All three recipients plan to attend college in West Virginia (WV) and will participate in track and field/cross country programs. Rachel will attend West Virginia University (WVU) this fall and plans to study medicine. Jordan is headed to Marshall University to study athletic training and Nicholas will study pre-physical therapy and chemistry at Wheeling Jesuit University.

Each of the students qualified and represented their school at the 2012 WV State Track and Field meet. Rachel won the pole vault while Jordan placed 6th and Nicholas 13th in the 1600 meter run.

“It’s truly rewarding to recognize the accomplishments of these student athletes. We value the hard work, community service, and individual commitment exhibited by each of our recipients over the past five years; they benefit from the support of their families and coaches, who should be applauded for their dedication and mentoring, too,” said Darlene Dunn, scholarship committee chair and wife of the late Jim Dunn.

Along with the intention of participating in college running sports programs, the evaluation criteria for the scholarship include academic achievement and community service; selections are made each spring by the scholarship committee. To date, 11 scholarships have been awarded to students throughout West Virginia from the Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship fund, which was established to honor the well-known Morgantown resident and Special Olympics coach after his unexpected death in 2007.

A 1972 WVU graduate, Jim came to Morgantown from Rochester, Pennsylvania, on a scholarship and spent four years as a sprinter on WVU’s storied men’s track and field team under the leadership of the late Coach Stan Romanoski.

In addition to funding scholarships, the long term goal of the Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship Committee is to see men’s running teams reinstated at WVU. Cross country and track and field men’s teams were cut from WVU in 2003.

“The departure of men’s track at WVU sparked a grass roots effort from the running community in the state. This passion translated into support of our cause and fundraising efforts through direct contributions to the fund and by people sponsoring and participating in the annual event,” said Dunn.

The Jim Dunn Memorial Twilight 5-miler (Jim Dunn Run) will be held on Friday, July 20. The event is included in the Morgantown Area Grand Prix (MAGP) Series. Tax deductible donations can be made to the Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship/Friends of Track and Field Fund, which is managed by “Your Community Foundation” in Morgantown. For additional information about the Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship and to register for the event, visit www.jimdunnrun.com or call 304-282-2642.

The Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarships are designated for West Virginian high school seniors who plan to compete in college running sports programs. More than a dozen applications were submitted from students around the state this year.

“We received applications from very deserving candidates throughout the state this year. It was too difficult to limit our selections to two candidates so we are combining forces with the Friends of Track and Field fund to award an additional two more scholarships for the 2011-2012 academic year,” said Darlene Dunn, committee chair and wife of the late Jim Dunn.

This brings the total to nine scholarships that have been awarded since the fund was established in 2007. In addition to funding scholarships, the long term goal of the Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship/FOTAF fund, is to see men’s running teams reinstated at West Virginia University (WVU).  Cross country and track and field men’s teams were cut from WVU in 2003.

“The “running” community continues to support our cause and fundraising efforts through direct contributions to the fund and by sponsoring the annual Jim Dunn Memorial Twilight 5-miler. It’s because of this support that we’re able to help send the state’s top running athletes to college,” said Dunn.

The Jim Dunn Memorial Twilight 5-miler has made a reputation for its challenging course, attracting out of state participants, and the value given to the participants. The annual event generates funds from race registrations and sponsorships for the scholarships. This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, July 15.

Since first established in 2007, the Jim Dunn Memorial scholarships have been awarded to five West Virginian high school seniors who plan to compete in running sports programs in college. This was the first year that two scholarships were awarded in one year. Eight applications from students around the state were submitted this year.

“For the first time, we have awarded two scholarships for the same academic year. Our accomplishments are made possible by the outpouring of support at our annual fundraising event and through the management efforts of the Greater Morgantown Community Trust,” said Darlene Dunn, committee chair and wife of the late Jim Dunn.

Kimble, who began competing with the WV Flyers in the fifth grade, is the first female to be selected for the scholarship. She plans to study accounting at West Virginia University (WVU) this fall and participate as a member of the women’s cross country and track program.

“I’m honored to be the first female recipient of this scholarship and to have the opportunity to further my running career in college under one of the best women’s cross country/track coaches in the country,” said Kimble.

Kimble earned an individual All State and State Team Title in Cross Country for UHS and secured the sixth best 1600m and fifth best 3200m runs in the West Virginia State Championship meet this year.

Lucas Greza, MHS Cross Country and Track student athlete, will be competing for West Virginia Wesleyan College under Coach Jesse Skiles. Greza closed the cross country season by ranking fourth in the state; he placed sixth in the 3200m State Track Championship in 2009. He plans to study engineering/physics at West Virginia Wesleyan and he is an avid volunteer with the Special Olympics and Salvation Army.

Both runners will be introduced at the upcoming Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship 5-miler on July 9 in Morgantown. The annual event generates funds from race registrations and sponsorships for the scholarships. Funds also come from donations from corporations, individuals and organizations from around the state.

Last year 500 runners and walkers from nine states supported the event to make the scholarships available for West Virginia high school seniors who wish to continue their running careers in college.

The Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship/FOTAF fund was designed to provide scholarship to support running sports in West Virginia. Its long term goal is to see collegiate men’s running teams reinstated at WVU. Both teams were cut from WVU in 2003. Since then, outstanding West Virginia runners have gone on to run at the University of Tennessee, Marshall University, and Cornell University among others.

The annual Jim Dunn Twilight 5-Miler, to be held on July 9 in Morgantown, brings a great group of family, friends, and fellow runners together to support the idea of the WVU Men’s running programs and to remember and honor former WVU runner, Jim Dunn. A 1972 West Virginia University graduate, Jim spent four years on WVU’s storied Men’s Track and Field Team, under the leadership of Coach Stan Romanoski.

Dunn recalls her late husband’s commitment to the sport and greater Morgantown community and attributes much of the committee’s success to the local support. Now in its third year, the committee has raised more than $30,000 through the Jim Dunn Memorial Twilight 5-miler and maintains an overall goal to award a four-year scholarship to a male and female athlete each year.

“Knowing how appreciative Jim was for having the opportunity to attend college on an athletic scholarship and to compete in a collegiate running sports program close to home, we knew the greatest tribute to him would be to extend the same opportunities for other student athletes in West Virginia,” said Dunn.

Tennant, who plans to run for the College of William and Mary, received the award for his athletic accomplishments as a member of the North Marion High School cross country and track and field teams. His achievements include a 2nd place finish in the 2007-08 State Cross Country Championship, individual Track and Field back to back 1600 meter championships, setting the state record with a 4:13 performance in 2009, and a 3200 meter championship in the recent State meet.

“Zach was an integral part of our track team,” notes North Marion Track head coach, Rob Shaffer, “His knowledge of running and mental preparation was very inspirational to our younger, underclassmen. I have no doubt that he can succeed. I genuinely believe that one day I will watch him compete as an Olympic athlete. ” Earlier this year Tennant cracked the State course record and was highlighted in an interview with Dyestat.com, the nation’s leading Cross Country/Track and Field website.

The Friends of Track and Field Fund was designed to provide scholarship to support running sports in West Virginia. Its long term goal is to see collegiate men’s running teams reinstated at West Virginia University. Both teams were cut from WVU in 2003. Since then, outstanding West Virginia runners have gone on to run at the University of Tennessee, Marshall University, and Cornell University among others. Zach has set a personal goal of working to bring those teams back. “It saddens me that I cannot compete at home for the Mountaineers. If the program comes back in the next 3 to 4 years I will be first in line to join them no matter what the circumstances.”

The annual Jim DunnTwilight 5-Miler, to be held on July 10th, brings a great group of family, friends, and fellow runners together to support the idea of the WVU Men’s running programs and to remember and honor former WVU runner, Jim Dunn. This year’s event will be held along the Caperton Trail with dinner and awards at the Wharf Parking Garage. Many of our state’s best high school runners, including Zach have participated and continue to support the event. A 1972 West Virginia University graduate, Jim spent four years on WVU’s storied Men’s Track and Field Team, under the leadership of Coach Stan Romanowski.

Currently a freshman cross country runner for the University of Tennessee, Beabout, received the award for his athletic accomplishments during his tenure on the Wheeling Park High School cross country and track and field teams, graduating in May 2007. Two time AAA Cross Country Champion in the State of West Virginia, Ryan was named the Gatorade 2007 Cross Country Athlete of the Year for WV and received the Dapper Dan Achievement Award for Cross Country/Track and Field. Ryan is planning to major in exercise science.

“Ryan is a true winner,” according to Wheeling Cross Country head coach, Michael Jebbia,”he leaves Wheeling Park High School as the most storied distance runner in school history.”

At GMCT, the Friends of Track and Field Fund was designed to provide scholarship to support running sports in West Virginia. Its long term goal is to see collegiate men’s running teams reinstated at West Virginia University. The annual Twilight 5-Miler, held on July 11th, brought a great group of family, friends, and fellow runners together to remember and honor former WVU runner, Jim Dunn. This year’s event held along the Caperton Trail with a buffet dinner and awards at the Wharf Parking Garage was the most successful yet with over 500 attendees. Many community businesses lent their support. BB&T was the events main sponsor. The Greater Morgantown Convention and Visitor’s Bureau also supported the event through its Innovative Grant Program.

Marshall University freshman cross country runner Eric Frohnapfel received the award for the 2007-2008 academic year. Eric received the award for his athletic accomplishments as a member of the University High School cross country and track and field teams.

Three-time Cross Country All-Conference Team and two-time All-State in cross country, Eric finished second on the 2006 West Virginia Cross Country State Championship Team. He held the second fastest times of a senior runner in West Virginia in the 1600 and 3200 meter events in 2007.

Eric recently finished his first college season at Marshall University by earning Conference USA Freshman of the Year honors. A chemistry major, Eric earned the Promise Scholarship and the A. Michael Perry Scholarship this year.