During Dolores' recent victory over Ignacio, Clarence Dennison cheered for teammates and offered encouragement.

The senior nose guard also assisted on one tackle, playing the disciplined football that the Bears have come to expect.

A first-year player for the Bears, Dennison moved as a junior after attending school in Minnesota his freshman and sophomore years.

"(Dennison) really enjoys being part of the team," said Bears head coach Chris Trusler. "He has really stepped it up this year in the weight room and on the field. He has been a good player for us."

In addition to his work on the field, Dennison has shown improvement in the classroom after difficulties last year.

"Last year, I had a big challenge in English," said the senior. "I managed to bring that up this year and stay eligible."

"This year, I put a challenge out to Clarence," said Trusler. "I told him that if he kept his grades up, he would be a captain at homecoming. That's all it took."

When playing football or studying, Dennison enjoys woodworking and hanging out with friends. He said he plans to play basketball for the Bears this season and would one day like to play basketball for Fort Lewis College.

Asked what he will remember about being a Dolores football player, he immediately mentioned his teammates.

"Football has been a good experience for me," Dennison said. "It's a different team and different people. I will miss all these players."