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Senior Nolan Dixon broke his left arm during Southside’s football victory Monday night and was wearing a sling during his interview. He had successful surgery and will be back in uniform for the Seahawks playoff game next week. He had time to reflect on his career so far and what lies ahead.

1. How did you break your arm?

Nolan: I caught a pass and the defender’s helmet hit me right on the arm. It hurt, but I thought it was just a bad bruise. I stayed in for a while, but it got worse and I realized I couldn’t play with one arm. I’ll miss our last regular season game against Jones, but should be back for the playoffs, so it could have been a lot worse.

2. When did you start playing football and why have you stuck with it?

Nolan: I started out playing flag football in the Washington Youth Football League and it’s been my favorite sport since. I remember winning a Super Bowl with the Panthers and thought that was pretty cool. I like the whole process around football-watching film, lifting weights, summer workouts, practice, learning coverages on defense and running routes on offense. I’ve had a great time here at Southside and hope to keep playing in college.

3. What is your football highlight so far?

Nolan: Winning the Anchor Bowl last fall at Northside. It was great having the trophy here and I wish we could have kept it. It’s always fun to win on their field and it’s been big on deciding the conference championship every year I’ve played in it. It’s the one you think about during summer workouts to keep you motivated.

4. What is your track highlight so far?

Nolan: Qualifying for the state meet in the 4x 800 relay last spring. We almost made it my sophomore year and it was really fun to go to Greensboro, stay in a hotel and run on a really nice track (at N.C. A&T).

There were a lot of people in the stands and it was a great atmosphere. I want to go back again this year, since it’s my last opportunity to compete in high school.

5. What are your plans after graduation?

Nolan: To play college football somewhere. North Carolina Wesylan and Methodist are interested in me as a defensive back, so we’ll see. I’d like to major in exercise science and someday be a strength & conditioning or a position coach for a high school or college program. I want to stay around sports in some way.

Bonus question: If you could have a meal with any four people, who would you invite and what would you serve?

Nolan: Terquavion Smith (former Farmville Central HS, N.C. St. and current Philadelphia 76’s basketball standout), LeBron James, Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings receiver) and my younger brother Avery. We would sit around talking sports while eating a seafood boil that my mom made. There would be Oreo ice cream for dessert.