Name: Jordan Dodge
College: Ottawa University
Sponsoring Lodge: Deer Trail, Colo., Lodge No. 2307
National Finals: 2004, 10-11 Boys
National Finals Score: 2nd place, 19/25 (18/20)
The biggest impact the Hoop Shoot had on Jordan Dodge was understanding what it meant to make sacrifices for something you really want. He sacrificed sleep, waking up early in in the morning so that he could get to school early and shoot hundreds of free throws before class started. He also sacrificed his free time by becoming a manager for the basketball team because he wanted to have the freedom of practicing free throws after school with the team, too.
When Jordan made it to the National Finals in 2004, he was on the biggest stage of his life. Not only was he representing himself and his family, but also his district, state, and region. Although he came in second place, he handled it like a champion.
“People will watch how you handle yourself, win or lose, and it’s important to understand that,” Jordan says.
When he lost, Jordan felt like a failure, but that helped him grow, and lose the fear of failing. Today, has moved onto a bigger stage as a college football coach at Ottawa University where he is currently studying to receive his master’s degree in education. He continuously tries to pass on this skill to athletes during practice and games, and in their academics.
Jordan carries himself with the lessons he learned at the Hoop Shoot in the back of his mind and aims to present himself in a way that makes everyone who has ever rooted for him proud to know him.
“Because of the Hoop Shoot, I am organized and passionate about learning, believe in the power of integrity, and strive to make each day an opportunity to learn and have fun,” Jordan says.
If he could pass on his wisdom to the new class of National Finalists, Jordan would tell them to enjoy the process. Not many people get to experience something like the Hoop Shoot, and at such a young age, too. He would remind Finalists what they’ve already accomplished by making it to the big stage in Chicago. Now, it’s time to compete to the best of their abilities.
“Your hard work has gotten you to this point and this should be an event that you’re excited to compete in,” Jordan says. “This will be a moment, an event, and a period you will use as a reference throughout your life.”
Jordan is proud of what the Elks National Foundation has done by giving young people a chance to grow and develop through the Hoop Shoot and is excited for the Hoop Shoot participants to carry the lessons they learn this year with them for the rest of their lives.