By Chris Cox
Last season, Ft. Gibson wide receiver and defensive back Cade Waggle (5-11, 165, Sr.) really made a name for himself. With over 1,600 all-purpose yards and 12 total touchdowns to earn him VYPE Top 100 recognition, Waggle is primed for a big senior season. While he could put up big numbers individually, he has even loftier goals for his Tiger teammates.
“As a team, like every year, we want to try and win state,” he says. “Honestly, for me, my biggest goal is to beat our rival Hilldale. We are 1-2 against them in my career. It’s my favorite game of the year. It’s played on a big stage, and I just want to end my senior year with a bang and beat Hilldale.”
To get his team ready for this year, Waggle likes to preach brotherhood.
“As a team, I like to think of these guys as my brothers,” he says. “No matter what happens on the field, in school, or outside of school, I want them to know that I’ll always have their back. I think of this as a brotherhood.”
One of those teammates Waggle has built a strong bond with is his quarterback, Cole Mahaney.
“My quarterback is one of my best friends,” Waggle says. “We started playing football at the same time. So, the relationship and chemistry has been there for a long time. I love my QB, we have a great relationship.”
That relationship paid off last year as Waggle led the Tigers receiving statistics with 44 receptions for 725 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s hoping that chemistry pays off again this year with even bigger numbers.
“I want to shoot for 1,500 in receiving yards,” he says. “I also want 1,000 in punt and kick return yards.”
The non-stop efforts of the Tigers’ senior draws words of appreciation from the head coach.
“Cade’s impact on the field of play, practice and in games, is unreal,” said Ryan Nolan, the new football mentor at Fort Gibson. “When he steps between the lines, Cade is usually the fastest guy on the field. When the ball is in his hands, he always has a chance to score. He’s electric.”
Waggle’s impact off the field is just as impressive, according to Nolan.
“Off the field, I’m even more proud of Cade. He’s the leader in the locker room and is always coaching and training younger kids. Cade Waggle is the true definition of a program kid that so many kids look up to.”
Outside of football Waggle competes in powerlifting, where he qualified for state last season. He was also a state qualifier in track as part of the Tigers 4×100 meter relay.
Following high school, Waggle wants to play college football and work toward a business degree.
