When Caleb Wingo began playing varsity soccer his freshman year, he picked up the #1 jersey and raced to the field to join his teammates at Atoka High School. Fast forward to 2021, the Wampus Cat senior turned in the maroon and gold jersey while becoming a new number one in school history, the result of his endless drive to succeed.

“I was super excited when I learned that I’d been named to the Class 3A boys All-State team,” replied Wingo. “It made all the extra work my reward because I’m the first Atoka soccer player chosen to play in the All-State game.”

Wingo, who got his start playing soccer at the age of four coached then as well as on the high school pitch by his father Chris Wingo, gives his viewpoint on the game of soccer. A sport that, according to ‘Cats midfielder.

“Everybody says soccer has too much running. When you’re in a game, all you’re thinking about is playing the game. You don’t even realize how much you run,” said Wingo defining his passion for the game. “There is so much freedom in soccer. Practice is up to the coach. Once the game starts, it’s all about the players. I had to learn to think for myself and work with my teammates. In soccer you have to really make your own decisions.”

Described as dedicated, hard-working and goal achieving, Wingo admits the inspiration of his principal as a driving force to succeed, on the soccer field and football field where he was the kicker for the Atoka program as well as off the field of play.

“Kathy Perkins who was my school principal when I started high school always had motivational sayings that I have used my whole life like “if at first you don’t succeed try and try again”.

With his high school career complete, Wingo prepares to achieve his next “goal” in life with confidence because his understanding the dedication is something that can’t be taught.

“I’m planning to go to metro technology centers to become a commercial aircraft mechanic. Just like playing soccer, I’ll continue to draw strength from the words of my Nana, Linda Kennedy,” noted Wingo. “Perfect for any situation in life, her words will always ring clear, “NEVER GIVE UP.” 

It’s those three words that have and will continue to inspire Caleb Wingo to remain #1 in all of his future endeavors.

“I never gave up on my dreams. I wasn’t successful because I was the fastest, biggest, or strongest. I was successful because I refused to quit.”