COMM U N I T Y
Lions Superfan
Retired policeman celebrates more than 50 years cheering for Moore Lions, supporting student athletes
D
arrel Waggoner, Moore High School class of ‘67, is known as a football superfan, with more than 50 years of attendance at Moore Lions games. The glory of the game appeals to many but few can say they have been as present and had the opportunity to get to know players from an early age who found success on or off the field. “Sports teaches self-esteem and it provides an opportunity to learn to be part of something bigger than yourself,” said Waggoner. “Students who are involved in sports are often leaders at their schools.” The value of participating in sports is clear to Waggoner, who recognizes team involvement as a way to keep students socially engaged and physically active. Players often benefit from participation on the field but also in the classroom. The National Institutes of Health report that teens involved in sports are less likely to self-report using drugs or drinking alcohol. A sideline staple, Waggoner has been a team supporter and familiar face at the games both on the field and in the locker room. He worked security at games from 1970 to 1985 and continued to attend as a fan thereafter, only missing a handful of games.
10 October 2021
The enduring connection to the Moore Lions began when Waggoner went out for football as a junior. After having foot surgery, he spent his senior year as a team manager and trainer. Waggoner got a scholarship to play football at the University of Oklahoma in the era of Hall of Famers Ken Rawlinson, Chuck Fairbanks and Barry Switzer, who was assistant coach at the time. Some of his best memories include attending the Bluebonnet Bowl and the Cotton Bowl. After two years, Waggoner became assistant manager at a Pizza Hut. Policemen frequented the restaurant and he became an officer himself. He retired after more than 38 years, including career stints as an officer in Moore and for the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department. His legacy of public service includes volunteering for decades with Moore Public Schools’ athletic programs. “Luckily, my employer believed officers had a critical role to play as being part of the community,” he explained. “I am thankful they allowed me to do that and encouraged police officers to be seen by kids in that way, letting them see a different side of a police officer.”
