Rising Through the Ranks: Rory Dixon’s Relentless Pursuit of Greatness: Sportzwire Athlete of the Week

By: Carrie Miner Yaple | Sportzwire | September 1, 2025 | Photo courtesy Carrie Miner Yaple @v1sion_media

When the lights came on at Hanover Field to kick off the 2025 football season, Marian Catholic's Rory Dixon didn’t just show up, he exploded.

The junior DB/RB delivered a jaw-dropping performance in the Spartans' season opener, racking up nearly 250 total yards, 5 touchdowns, and a key interception. It was the kind of game that turns heads and sets the tone, not just for a season, but for a legacy.

Dixon’s breakout game earned him Athlete of the Week honors from The Standard Speaker, BTRC13, and The Times News, and now Sportzwire adds its name to the growing list of publications recognizing one of the area’s most promising young athletes.

But Rory Dixon’s story didn’t begin under Friday night lights. It began years ago, in the youth football leagues where he first picked up a ball and started carving his path.

By the time he entered Marian Catholic as a freshman, Rory was ready for the challenge, even if the spotlight wasn’t on him just yet. Sitting behind senior standout Jayden Fermin, Rory saw limited action early, but a season-altering injury to Fermin during Week 5 forced the young athlete into the starting role.

He never looked back.

Since stepping into the RB1 spot, Dixon has become a cornerstone of Marian’s offense. Though the Spartans suffered back-to-back heartbreaks in the District Championship, losing to Minersville his freshman year and to Tri-Valley in his sophomore season, the fire only grew stronger in Dixon’s heart. Ironically, Tri-Valley loomed again in Week 2, a matchup circled in red on his calendar (Marian defeated Tri-Valley 17-14 on Friday).

But if football is Rory Dixon’s battleground, wrestling is his proving ground.

Ask him what sport he loves most, and he won’t hesitate: “Wrestling.”

It’s the sport that has shaped him, tested him, and nearly taken everything from him. Twice.

In his freshman year, Dixon tore his meniscus, requiring surgery. As if that wasn’t enough, he faced the same injury again during his sophomore wrestling season. This time, the path was even more difficult, doctors advised against returning. But Rory wouldn’t accept that fate.

After exhaustive searching, he found a doctor who agreed to remove the damaged meniscus. Just four days post-op, Rory was back on the mat, training with Districts just weeks away.

The result? 3rd in Districts, 4th in Regionals, and a trip to States, where he won his first match 17-1 before falling to two of the state's best in #1-ranked Melvin Miller and #5-ranked Mason McGirley.

Still, no defeat defines Rory Dixon. He’s been dominating the mat this spring and summer, taking down state placers and champions in offseason tournaments. His comeback is nothing short of remarkable.

More Than an Athlete

While his athletic resume impresses, Rory Dixon’s character shines just as brightly.

He maintains a 4.0 GPA, will be inducted into the National Honor Society this school year, and constantly gives back, volunteering at sporting events, cleaning up stadiums, and helping the janitorial staff without being asked.

He credits his father, his first coach and lifelong mentor, for his resilience. One phrase from his dad stays with him: “Leave everything off the mat.”

Another major influence is Coach Van Dubish of Mat Assassins Wrestling Club
in Scranton. Rory says Coach Dubish has pushed him to his limits and beyond, for a purpose. One of his favorite mantras from the coach?

“Scared money don’t make money.” In other words, don’t play it safe, play to win.

The Goals Ahead

Dixon isn’t just dreaming, he’s chasing. And hard. He has three major goals for the remainder of his high school career:

Break Marian Catholic’s all-time rushing record, currently held by Mike Tracy. He estimates he needs about 2,000 more yards.

Rush for 1,000+ yards and place at States in wrestling, all in the same year.

Be accepted to a U.S. military academy, either West Point or the Naval Academy, where he hopes to wrestle or play football while also pursuing a life of service.

“I want to go serve,” he said. “I want to protect and help people.”

The Mind of a Champion

Rory doesn’t need vision boards or journals to track his goals. “They’re stamped in my mind,” he says. But his phone screen does keep him focused:

“See it. Believe it. Achieve it.”

It’s a fitting motto for a young man who has already achieved so much, and has no plans of slowing down.

Congratulations to Rory Dixon, Sportzwire’s 'Wired' Athlete of the Week, a relentless competitor, a model student, and a leader in every sense of the word.

A special thank you to our partners at Envy Electrical for helping us shine some light on these athletes week in and week out this year. 

Do you know an athlete worthy of being our Sportzwire 'Wired' Athlete of the Week? Nominations are being excepted and always open by completing this:

 ATHLETE OF THE WEEK FORM

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