Waldie takes reigns of Tiger athletic program

By: Toni Walker

Editor of The Steel Country Bee

news@steelcountrybee.com

After a week on the job, new Daingerfield Athletic Director and head football coach Mike Waldie still remains excited for the opportunities ahead.

“I am walking on air. Everyone has been great, it has been a wonderful experience so far.” Coach Waldie is familiar with the history and lore of Daingerfield High School Football, having coached at Mount Pleasant High School for two years (from 2006 to 2006). He aims to continue adding to the history himself. “I, myself, have never touched a state champion trophy. To walk in that first morning at 6 a.m., and see six sitting in my office, it was overwhelming, but the proudest moment of my career, so far,” Waldie said.

Waldie began his career in January of 1995, after graduating from Sam Houston State in December of 1994. Waldie was hired as the Linebacker and Special Teams Coach at Bethany College, and was promoted to Defensive Coordinator and Associate head coach in 1996. He held that position until 2000. He was named the National Defensive Coordinator of the Year by American Football Monthly Magazine in 2000. He was also the Defensive Coordinator at Washburn University, where his defense led the MIAA Conference in turnovers. In 2002, he was the Defensive Coordinator and Associate head coach for Kansas Wesleyan University, where he coached seven All-Conference players, two Academic All-Americans, and one All-American.

In 2003, Waldie returned to his native Texas, and was hired as the Assistant head coach and Defensive Coordinator for Nacogdoches High School until 2005. He has also served in that same capacity at Clevelena (2005-2006), Mount Pleasant (2006-2008), Livingston (2009), and Jacksonville (2012-2014).

Daingerfield will be Waldie’s third stint as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. His first was with Luling from 2010 to 2012, where he lead took the Luling team from 0-10 to winning their first playoff game in five decades. He comes to Daingerfield from Woodville, where he led the Woodville Eagles to their first seven win season since 1996. Waldie’s experience is not limited to football. He has also served as a baseball, tacks, and golf coach as well.

Waldie does not see Daingerfield as a stepping stone. “People talk about stepping stones, and that is ok. But, this job, for me, is a dream job. I see this as a destination,” said Waldie. Waldie is looking to add to, and become a part of Daingerfield Football history. “I am a competitive person. I know about Alexander, and Bowman. And I want to add to what they did. I want to do more than they did, not because I am better, but because I am that type person,” Waldie said.

Waldie, when asked how he would build his ideal athlete, there was no hesitation. “Character, what you do when no one is looking. That would be where I would start. Without it, there will be struggles,” Waldie said. One has to believe that comes from his influences, the greatest of which have been his mom and dad. Waldie says, “Every part of who I am is based on how I was raised. There were mentors and coaches who taught me the nuts and bolts of how to be a coach, but the rest came from my parents and the way I was raised.” He also added that he would give the ideal athlete the one thing cannot be taught, which is speed.

Waldie will be joined by his wife, Amy, and their two children, Bodie and Brooks in the fall. His alder son, Brock, will graduate from Woodville and attend Kentucky Christian in the fall. Waldie also has a daughter, Brynn, who lives in Garrison with her mother.

Waldie knows what is at stake. “To know that the reigns of this program have been handing to me, I understand the history. I take that job very seriously, and look forward to how I can add to the lore that is Daingerfield Football,” said Waldie.