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Wyatt Hackler: The running man

by Jasper Hunt

Wyatt Hackler, Saint Francis senior, plans to attend Ottawa University in the fall. He said he is going to study sports medicine and signed to run track. Hackler said he wants “to know how the body works and how to keep it healthy.”  After college, Hackler said he wants to be a coach. “I want to be involved in sports as long as I can,” he said.

Hackler said his most memorable moment in high school was going to state in track because was on the teams that won the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays at state track in 2017.

“I’m very proud of him for what he did at state,” Nicholas O’Loughlin, track coach said. “I wish he would have been apart of the program for all four years. He could have been at another level of ability.”

Brady Dinkel, sophomore, described Hackler as an involved athlete. “He is always going out for sports and does his best in every sport,” said Dinkel. 

“Hanging out with friends,” is the one thing Hackler said he has enjoyed the most during his time at SFCHS. Hackler said the one thing he will miss about high school is “Friday night lights [football games].” Hackler said his accomplishment he is most proud of was lettering in football, basketball, and track.

His friends described him as funny and caring. “When you ask for help or advice, he will give it,” said Janeth Perez-Medina, senior. 

Tiffany Poet, agriculture teacher, agreed. “When he cares about something he focuses on it and gets it done. I made a bet with him that he wouldn’t cut his hair and he made it six months before cutting it.” Poet said she would describe Hackler as determined, goal-oriented and southern. “He’s a Texas boy at heart. I was so excited to get him back from Cheylin.”

His family moved to Saint Francis after spring break in 2016. 

“My dad got promoted so in order for him to take the job we had to relocate,” Hackler said. Hackler went to school in Cheylin for the fall of 2017 and came back to Saint Francis after spring break of 2017. 

Hackler’s sense of humor specifically his expressions were a topic of conversation.  

“He has a lot of facial expressions and uses slang to keep the conversation going,” said Medina.     

A piece of advice Hackler left for upcoming high school kids “pay attention in class.”