Football

Friday Focus with Dillon Wakefield

Juniata College | Football

TOWSON, Md. - Friday Focus is the Landmark Conference’s weekly student-athlete spotlight, giving us a chance to get to know the people who make up our conference both on and off the field.

This week, we’re catching up with Juniata College football student-athlete Dillon Wakefield, who reflects on the camaraderie that makes his team special, how his understanding of leadership has evolved, and the importance of leaving the program better than he found it. Dillon also looks back on a memorable milestone for Juniata football and shares a few of the traditions and teammates that make his experience unique.

Every team has its own personality. What makes your team unique, and why do you enjoy competing alongside your teammates?
Everyone helps everyone. We have a lot of competition between guys, but at the end of the day, everyone will try to help if it makes the team better. I love competing with them because I feel like someone always has my back.

Which teammate or teammates have had the biggest impact on your experience, and why?
I would say all of my roommates have the biggest impact because they will always help me get better on the field, but off the field they make life outside of football fun.

How has your understanding of leadership evolved during your time as a student-athlete?
Leadership looks different all the time. To be a leader, you don't need to be the loudest or talk the most; you just need to do the right things and never be afraid to speak up and help.

When you think about your time with your team, what memory immediately comes to mind and why?
I would say our first win under Coach Treadwell because it felt like things were starting to come together, and we were on the way to building something.

What do you hope younger teammates remember about your impact on the program?
Just that not just myself but that my class left Juniata football better than when we got here.

Fast Five...
Who controls the locker room playlist?
Ivan Foreman

Who's the funniest teammate?
Chidiire Nwokwu

Who would make the best coach?
Trevor Minalda

Favorite team tradition?
Fall camp Karaoke

One word to describe your team?
Dedicated