Former Breckenridge resident nominated for yearly award

The Anson Tiger’s Quarterback was nominated for the Built Ford Tough Player of the Year, which was announced at the award’s yearly banquet on Saturday, Jan. 26. With family in Breckenridge, however, his ties to the area tell part of his story.

Drew Hagler, the grandson of Patsy Hagler of Breckenridge, and the son of Chris Hagler, who is the Anson head coach and used to coach in Breckenridge from 2009-2014, was nominated for the yearly award due to his week seven performance, which netted him the Built Ford Tough Player of the Week. Facing the Merkel Badgers, Hagler completed 24 passes on 37 attempts for more than 300 yards and four touchdowns. On the ground, Hagler ran for more than 170 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded nine tackles from the defensive end position.

For his achievement, he, along with the other Built Ford Tough winners, were invited to the Built Ford Tough Player of the Year Banquet at the Star in Frisco, which is where the Dallas Cowboys practice. They were given a tour of the facility, as well as the “red carpet” treatment, his father, Chris, stated.

Hagler is 6’0” at 190 pounds. He is a junior in high school and just finished his second year starting at quarterback. He played a variety of positions this year, including cornerback, linebacker and defensive end. His father went on to state how proud he was of his son’s achievement and the work he has put in to accomplish it. On the season, he rushed for more than 1,000 yards on the ground for 10 touchdowns, while passing for more than 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns. He recorded 56 total tackles on defense during the 2018 campaign. Anson finished 5-6 on the season, losing to Canadian in the playoffs.

“Drew is a tough, durable kid blessed with athletic ability,” Chris stated in an email. “He works very hard in the classroom, in the weight room and on the field. More importantly, he is a great kid that puts his faith in Jesus Christ. He would be the first to tell you that none of his accolades are possible without his teammates. I am very fortunate to be able to coach my son and share these memories with him.”

Chris added Hagler comes to Breckenridge often to see his friends. He is also related to Breckenridge Buckaroo football player, Rance Russell, as they are first cousins. Hagler was also selected to the 2018 All State Team for Class 3A, which is decided by the Padilla Coaches Poll.