Gabe Dunlap Returns to The Field After Injury-Plagued Season, Ready to Lead Grove City to Conference Title
Grove City senior Gabe Dunlap is gearing up to make a triumphant return to the field after a season marred by injuries. Dunlap, a versatile athlete, suffered a stress fracture in his pelvis during his sophomore year, forcing him to miss most of the 2022 season. However, with the injury now behind him, Dunlap is determined to lead the Grove City Wolverines to a conference title in the upcoming football season.
Dunlap’s athleticism has been on full display throughout his college career. At Penn-Trafford, he excelled as a quarterback on the football team and specialized in long and triple jump in track and field. Since joining Grove City, he has expanded his skill set and emerged as one of the most successful athletes in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.
During the recent track and field season, Dunlap played a pivotal role in helping the Wolverines secure the team title at the PAC championships. He scored in five different events, earning the coveted field MVP award. His coaches recognized his versatility and encouraged him to branch out into different events such as pole vault and high jump. This decision paid off, as Dunlap eventually competed in the decathlon and even qualified for the NCAA Division III championships in the javelin.
Reflecting on his accomplishments, Dunlap expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he was given and his willingness to contribute to the team in any way possible. He acknowledged that while he may not always be the best in every event, his versatility allows him to provide valuable contributions across multiple sports.
Dunlap’s football season was cut short due to his injury, but he made a brief return to the field in the Wolverines’ game against Carnegie Mellon. However, it soon became evident that his body wasn’t fully ready for the demands of football. As a result, he decided to sit out the remainder of the season and focus on his recovery.
The absence of Dunlap had a noticeable impact on the Wolverines’ defense, according to Head Coach Andrew DiDonato. As a sophomore, Dunlap had three interceptions, nine passes defended, and 39 tackles, making him a crucial component of the team. DiDonato admitted that losing Dunlap forced the coaching staff to reshuffle players and affected the team’s performance in their conference games.
In addition to his defensive contributions, Dunlap excelled as a kick returner and was recognized as All-PAC second team in 2021. DiDonato had even considered utilizing Dunlap on offense as well, given his talents, but the injury dashed those plans. Nevertheless, this upcoming season will see Dunlap fully recovered and ready to resume his roles as a cornerback and kick returner.
Dunlap remained actively involved with the team during his recovery, providing guidance and instruction to the younger players. Although he wasn’t a participant on the field, he still felt connected to the team and valued the learning experience of being able to view the game from a coaching perspective.
Looking ahead to the upcoming football season, Dunlap is excited about the prospect of leading a talented group of teammates. With a defense that retains most of its key players and an offense that is ready to fill in the gaps, he believes the Wolverines have a strong chance to vie for the conference title. Their biggest strength lies in the experience they bring to the table, ensuring they won’t shy away from the challenges ahead.
As Grove City prepares for the new season, Dunlap’s return to the field will undoubtedly provide a much-needed boost. His versatility, leadership, and determination to succeed make him a valuable asset to the Wolverines. With their sights set on the conference title, Dunlap and his teammates are poised to make a significant impact on the field and continue their pursuit of success.
