Lions Superfan

Retired policeman celebrates more than 50 years cheering for Moore Lions, supporting student athletes

Darrel 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.

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.”

From football to basketball and pole vaulting, Waggoner continued to show up for local students in a volunteer capacity wherever he was needed. He came to be recognized at football games, a figure standing behind the goal posts, watching kickers and at certain points, keeping the public from running out on the field.

Less publicly, however, players knew him for offering an encouraging word in baseball dugouts and locker rooms, being present and getting involved with kids who needed an adult to look up to in the community. While he witnessed favorite victories on Friday nights, some of his best times were watching students do better, progress that taught them life lessons.

“So many kids’ parents don’t even go to the games. I still keep in touch with a lot of the kids, and now, I’m seeing players whose dads and grandpas I also knew as student athletes,” he explained. “It’s a special way to connect with the community.”

Some of the students he knew have also become police officers and he was honored to get a call recently from one who made sergeant and reached out to share the good news.

Waggoner started going to games at the University of Central Oklahoma too to follow Dylan Buchheit into college athletics after watching him play through high school. Many of the students he has come to know went on to play college football and a few have gone pro, including defensive lineman Greg Johnson of the Miami Dolphins.

Moore War and Homecoming are the highlights of Waggoner’s year, especially as fellow fans and former players return home.

“I am grateful to get to see a lot of the kids a few times a year,” he said. “I want to thank the people of Moore for supporting our students and coaches.” Waggoner also recognizes the fact that even as new coaches came into the athletic department, they were welcoming.

“I was introduced as Moore’s number one fan and they always accepted me,” he said. “I also want to recognize the role of J.D. Northcutt, who has been a radio announcer for Moore’s games for 31 years.”

Waggoner’s mobility is somewhat limited now at age 73. He now watches games from the press box for health reasons. During the few games he missed, Northcutt mentioned his absence with shoutouts that mattered to him.

“Not everyone gets the opportunity to go to the games, but they might still be able to listen on the radio,” he explained.

When Waggoner’s brother passed away, his family understood that he would feel best at the stadium he loves. Rallying around him during illness and grief, the Moore student community expresses care for Waggoner, too.

Fandom has enriched Waggoner’s life, and he in turn, has made a positive impact on so many people at a critical age, living up to his role as a community role model one game at a time. -19SM