Lee wins Charles Bland Award

Dexter’s Caden Lee (right) blocks for quarterback Jackson Howard (16) during the Class 3 quarterfinal contest last month against Lift for Life at Mehlville High School in St. Louis.

DAR/Sherman Smith

DEXTER — The 2024 Charles Bland Award winner is Caden Lee.

Since 1994, the Charles Bland Award has been awarded to the most rounded senior Bearcat football player who excels on and off the field. The award is designated for an individual who contributes significantly to their school, community and classmates.

“Caden Lee is the type of player coaches love,” Bearcat football coach Chad Jamerson said. “His dedication to his teammates, coaches and community provide a shining example to any athlete-young or old, within our community. From Day One, Caden bought into our ‘punch the clock’ philosophy and worked to lead others to buy into our philosophy for success.

“For his teammates, he helped to lay the foundation for what we hope will be sustained success within the Bearcat football program.”

Lee said winning the award is a big honor.

“I’ve looked up to the guys that have won this award before me,” he said. “I am very thankful.”

Along with physical and leadership qualities, Jamerson said Lee possesses strong intelligence both in and out of the classroom.

“He has a passion for education and works hard to achieve success within that realm of his life as well,” Jamerson said. “His kindness, compassion and work ethic has helped him to win over classmates within the school and his teammates within the locker room. I am excited to see the impact Caden Lee will make on his community in the future.”

Lee plans to attend the University of Mississippi in Oxford and obtain a degree in statistics after graduating from Dexter this spring.