The Moore American

Sports

February 6, 2013

Moore athletes moving to the next level, sign with college teams

OKLAHOMA CITY — Nick Hardaway had a tough decision to make. Westmoore's anchor on the offensive line had several scholarship offers from schools around the country, but none of them really made him excited.

Hardaway has always had a dream of playing Division I football and none of the offers he had received fit into that category.

However, the 6-foot-4, 315-pound offensive guard decided to take a chance with his football career when he was invited to be a preferred walk-on atthe University of Oklahoma.

"Since I was little, probably like every little kid, I had the D-I dream," Hardaway said. "I had a good opportunity to. It was my chance to go play Division I football and I took it. It was actually very hard. I had some great offers from some great places such as UCO and East Central. The money was there. But when it came down to it, I had to chase that dream."

There is no guarantee Hardaway will ever see the field or get a scholarship, but he felt accepting the challenge was the right move for him.

"With their whole O-line situation, it's not the best it can be," Hardaway said. "Being a preferred walk-on, it's a better time than ever for me to go in and make a name for myself. They told me it's going to be a long road ahead. It's going to be tough. I know that. But when it comes down to it, it's my shot. It's the best opportunity I have.,

"It's my one chance to truly prove myself. If I do get, it will be something I truly deserve."

Hardaway signed his National Letter of Intent Wednesday morning surrounded by his family, friends and the rest of the Westmoore athletes who were taking part in National Signing Day.

That included Addison Staggs, who signed with Central Oklahoma. Staggs was a playmaking safety for the jaguars this past year and looks to do the same for the Bronchos.

Staggs' older sister, Jade, went through the same process when she was at Westmoore. She signed with the Oklahoma State golf team three years ago and now is a member of the Sooner golf program.

"It's a big moment in my life," Addison Staggs said. "Seeing my sister sign three years ago, I was always wanting to work to that point. And it's finally here. It's a great feeling. UCO was close to home for me. I am a big family man. I wanted to stay close to home. I think I can do a lot of good at the UCO program."

Moore High had one football player sign on the dotted line on signing day. Ethan BIrdwell will be attending Bethel College in Newton, KS.

Across town from Westmoore, Southmoore held its signing day festivities Wednesday afternoon. Most of its athletes had already made it known where they will be attending college. That included Jackson Stallings, who signed with Yale, and the state's top recruit D.J. Ward, who is already enrolled at Oklahoma.

Ward was unable to play his entire senior season after transfering from Lawton in the summer. But he still enters OU as the top ranked player in their class.

"I am glad it's done," Ward said. "I am back to low status and just ready to play football again."

Nick Ward was the last of the SaberCats to make his decision and he chose Wofford University in South Carolina over Air Force.

"I made my final decision yesterday actually, the day before signing day," Ward said. "I was talking to both coaches and decided Wofford would be the place for me. It was between Wofford and Air Force. I just felt like Wofford would be a better decision for me. I felt like I fit in better there."

Ward was also being recruited heavily to play baseball. One of the reasons he chose Wofford is because he will be able to play both.

"That was very important," Ward said. "I really like playing both sports. And I feel like I can excel at both. This is the biggest day of my life. Basically picking my future. It's a great day for me."

 

Text Only
Sports
  • Former Sooner takes a stand

    All Jade Staggs ever wanted to do was play golf for Oklahoma. Growing up less than 15 miles from the campus, it was her dream school.

    May 22, 2013

  • From Durant to SaberCats, athletes pitching in for Moore relief

     Selfish, conceited, arrogant. These are just a few of the descriptions athletes are often tagged with.
    However, it’s often in times of great need that athletes can have the greatest impact. That’s been the case in the response to the EF-5 tornado that struck Moore Monday.

    May 22, 2013

  • Sooners heading to Super Regionals

    The chant reaching near-deafening levels, Lauren Chamberlain finally realized what she was supposed to do.

    May 22, 2013

  • Tigers fall at nationals

    Despite the abundance of talent from Oklahoma, Cowley County Community College fell short in reaching its goal of another NJCAA Div

    May 22, 2013

  • Study into OSSAA is forthcoming

    An interim legislative study is being proposed regarding recent actions by the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA), a state legislator who asked to remain anonymous said this week.

    May 22, 2013

  • Prep Notebook

    The Oklahoma Coaches Association announced its All-State tennis teams Tuesday. Westmoore’s Sylvester You was named to the West squad. The All-state tennis match is set for July 30 at Tulsa Union.

    May 22, 2013

  • Stoops not impressed

    The College Football Playoff has the dates and stadiums set for the end of the 2014 season. The issue that remains is deciding who will pick and seed the four teams.

    May 15, 2013

  • State track heats up

    YUKON — Haley Woodard heard all the talk. Throughout the track season, the Norman North sophomore knew a showdown was coming between her and Tyler Wisby of Edmond Santa Fe.

    May 15, 2013

  • Football is back

    There’s less than two weeks left before the 2012-23 school year comes to an end. But before that happens, area football teams getti

    May 15, 2013

  • OU quarterback arrested

    American Staff Oklahoma quarterback Kendall Thompson was arrested Friday morning for public intoxication, according to an affidavit from the Norman Police Department.

    May 15, 2013

Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide