CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – West Creek football quarterback TiAnthony Wagner has been selected to compete in the Hawaii Tiki Bowl Senior All-Star Game December 30 – January 4, 2021 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
“First and foremost it’s a blessing,” Wagner said of the opportunity. “I believe it’s the start of many blessings that God has in store for me. I just have to continue to have faith and support it with hard work.”
This chance of a lifetime all came about for Wagner when he received a formal invitation from the Tiki Bowl’s national recruiting director.
“They got my number actually and then sent me the cost and expenses,” Wagner said. “Joel Hill (national recruiting director for the Tiki Bowl) is the one who actually sent me the invite.”
Wagner is currently honing his craft while spending his offseason in the Sunshine State.
“I’m actually down in Florida right now with some old friends and we’re all working,” Wagner said. “More so, I’m trying to get some weight on me so I can get my body weight up for college. Also, just really working on purifying my mechanics and getting faster.”
Wagner shared what it was specifically that brought him to Tampa and how long he plans on staying there for.
“I actually got here May 2nd and I’ll be back in Tennessee on July 4th,” Wagner said. “My friends live here and their dad told me to come here, stay for two months and be ready to work…I love being able to get after it with guys who want it just as bad as I do. Their family has been nothing but supportive and very welcoming.”
West Creek football coach James Figueroa recognized Wagner’s talents right away and has shown a lot of faith in the athletic quarterback since day one.
“It’s really cool because my freshman year I came into the school system a little bit late and he wasn’t even going to take anymore freshmen,” Wagner said. “God had other plans and he (Figueroa) let me on the team.
“Coach Fig and I’s relationship also goes beyond football,” Wagner said. “It’s not always easy playing for him if you can’t control your emotions. He’s passionate and he’s going to get in your rear end if you’re not giving him all you got.”
Wagner’s current trainer and quarterback coach outside of the Coyote program is Chris Fletcher.
Fletcher is a former Clarksville High Wildcat who also happens to be Austin Peay’s all-time leading rusher.
“Man that’s my guy,” Wagner said. “It all started the beginning of my junior year and he’s been my trainer ever since. We talk more than just about the game of football. We talk about life. We talk about God. We talk about a lot of things. It’s great for two African-American men to have that type of connection where we’re not going at each other, but instead just want the best for each other.”
Going into his senior year, Wagner doesn’t necessarily feel any added pressure to perform at an even higher level.
“Nah, I’m just going to go out there and ball,” Wagner said. “I’m not going to let that disturb me. Of course losing Yahsir Thomas who was a tremendous help hurts a little, but you just have to play with the cards you’re dealt.”
Wagner has chosen to make the the best out of a bad situation by putting his recent free time to good use ahead of his final high school season.
“Obviously the Coronavirus has been devastating, but it’s also had some upside to it,” Wagner said. “I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on film and really focus on what I need to get better at. Really that’s all I’ve been doing other than hitting the field and trying to get stronger.”
About the Tiki Bowl
The Tiki Bowl experience includes two days of practice, sightseeing in Hawaii and the game itself which is entering its 13th year. This upcoming event runs from December 30 – January 4, 2021.
Each team will have a maximum of 35 players and will be coached by two college coaches from different regions.
The event isn’t meant to be a recruiting event, but there have been instances in the past of players performing well at the Tiki Bowl and receiving an offer soon after.
The cost of the event covers airfare, hotel, sight-seeing, game jerseys and other amenities.