Dodson inducted to Georgia Track and Field Hall of Fame

Published 10:19 pm Sunday, February 2, 2025

THOMASVILLE- Former Thomas County Central state champion hurdler Nick Dodson continues to wrack up the accolades – this time as a runner and coach.

Dodson was recently inducted into the Georgia Track and Field Hall of Fame. He was the first athlete to be inducted as a runner and coach in Georgia history.

“I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ first. None of this is possible without his sacrifice,” Dodson said. “It means a lot to me. To be recognized by your home state for your accomplishments doesn’t happen often. For a committee to look at my body of work and feel I should be placed in such a category is a blessing.

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Dodson, a 2006 graduate of Central, shined on the track and on the football field as a Yellow Jacket. He was crowned the Class 4-A state champion in the 300 hurdles his senior year. He later attended Shorter University where he was an 11-time NAIA All-American and three-time national champion, leading to his NAIA Hall of Fame induction in 2019.

Dodson is currently the track and field coach at Southeastern University (SEU), having served in the position since 2018. SEU has won one NAIA National Championship (2023 Men’s Indoor) and has won a Sun Conference indoor and outdoor championship every year Dodson has been there. He has been named Sun Conference Coach of the Year 15 times.

“I definitely didn’t do it alone. I’m so appreciative of my mother and father. They have always supported me and given me everything I needed to be prepared for the world. My wife has been my rock and has supported me so much on my coaching adventure. It’s no way I’m able to do what I love and win at a high level without her support,” Dodson said.

Dodson’s track success was impressive considering he pursued the sport on a whim.

“I honestly only started track to avoid spring football if I’m being honest. I never imagined it would have carried on this long,” Dodson said. “I started to fall in love with it because it was me versus me. The sport tested me and gave me a rush I had never felt before. It always felt like I was at recess when I was on the track. It was my escape, and I never allowed my problems to enter through the fence when it came to track. Once I started to figure things out, success started as well.

“I’m thankful for Central for allowing me to be part of their program and wear the colors. Thomas County provided me an opportunity to show my God-giving ability, and I made the most of it.”