South Range lineman plays hard to impress father in service

The senior Raider hasn't seen his father since before Easter, but is motivated by him.
By JOHN BASSETTI
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
NORTH LIMA -- The phrase "front line" has taken on a different meaning for South Range High senior football player Russell Dawson.
Since March, the guard and linebacker for the Raiders has been without his father, a naval physician who was called to active duty when the war in Iraq commenced.
Commander John Dawson was overseas, stationed with the Marines. He left for California before being deployed to Iraq shortly after Easter.
Meanwhile, his family spent anxious days and weeks not knowing his location or status.
"We were able to talk to him a couple times when he was moving around in Iraq," said Russell, the oldest of four siblings. "He could only talk for a minute or less to each of us to say 'Hi' and that he's OK."
Got e-mails from him
When John Dawson moved to a larger base in Iraq, Carol Dawson and her family got his e-mails. One of the duties of the Navy is health care for Marines.
During summer drills and the first few football games, 6-foot-1, 210-pound Russell Dawson battled in the trenches for the unbeaten and 13th-ranked Raiders.
"I'm proud of him," said 17-year-old Russell, born in Jacksonville, Fla., but living here for the last 10 years.
"My mom's whole family is from this area, so we have a lot of support," Russell said. His mother, the former Carol Spasato, was raised in North Lima.
Last week, John Dawson returned in California.
"We're able to stay in touch a little more," said his son.
Before he left, John Dawson, a native of Missouri, was a physician at Salem Community Hospital. He was in the Navy reserves in the early 1990s, then got out until a couple years ago.
Russell was a starter on defense the second half of his sophomore year, then missed most of last season after breaking a foot in the fourth game against Western Reserve.
Being without a good father around is bad enough; playing sports in his absence is an additional void.
Form of motivation
Although he tries to use the situation as a form of motivation, it bothers him more after a game.
"I try to put myself in a position to play hard for him and make him proud. I'm not bitter," said Russell. "It's just something you have to go through. A lot of other people have to do the same thing."
Russell Dawson said he's been in favor of President Bush's action against terrorists.
"From the beginning, he did what had to be done and I'm behind him."
Coach Dan Yeagley said his three-year letterman is the leading tackler and a leader.
"He makes all the calls and adjustments, defensively. He's a good one. He tries to stay focused. It has to be hard for him."
In an important Inter-County League game Friday, South Range plays at Lowellville. The Rockets, also unbeaten and ranked No. 8 in the Associated Press Division VI poll, are the defending ICL champions; the Raiders won in 2001.
John Dawson watched his son last year, now there's a chance for the same again later this season.
"Hopefully," said Russell. "They're there [Camp Pendleton, Calif.] demobilizing and he'll be back before too long to catch a few games."
Until then, he'll continue to remain strong.
John Dawson was home for the Lowellville game last year, but his son was hurt.
This year, the son is playing, but his father isn't home.
Life isn't fair, but, at least, the upside outweighs the downside.
bassetti@vindy.com