Northwestern State’s Chris Waddell Day turns tragedy into triumph

NATCHITOCHES — From utter despair, somehow, some times, we gain inspiration.

In the most dire circumstances, when hopelessness hangs like a thick fog, the human spirit rebounds, and frequently triumphs.

There are iconic examples in world history: FDR’s speech to Congress and the nation (“…a date that will live in infamy!”) reacting to the attack on Pearl Harbor; Churchill’s “never, never, never give up” speech in the face of the Nazi bombing of London in 1941; President Bush’s defiant rally cry, through a bullhorn, to Ground Zero rescue workers in the wake of the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center.

We see such heroism on a smaller, but no less significant scale around us. Scholarships and programs are established, facilities are built and dedicated, memorials are erected, each honoring those lost and benefiting the future.
Each March 1 or close to it, in schools, youth and senior centers around Natchitoches, that storyline plays out in the annual Chris Waddell Day series of community service endeavors by the Northwestern State football program.
March 1, 2004, was one of the more exciting days in Chris Waddell’s life. It turned out to be his last day with us.

He was a 19-year-old aspiring college football player, ready to start his first set of spring practices with the NSU Demons the next day. In the final moments of a light conditioning workout in Turpin Stadium, standing waiting on his next turn, he wobbled and collapsed. Almost instantaneously, trainers went to work, to no avail. An ambulance quickly arrived and rushed him across Cane River to the hospital, but Chris couldn’t be revived.

It was an outcome his mom, Celeste Waddell, had long feared. When he was 5 years old, back home in New Orleans, Chris was diagnosed with Kawasaki Syndrome, which can result in rapid aging of the heart. He was treated with medication until he was 10, when doctors told Celeste he could lead a normal life and should be fine. She didn’t tell his high school coaches or anyone at NSU about the childhood scare. She long ago decided to let her only child live the life he dreamed about. In the medical field herself, as a respiratory therapist at Charity Hospital, she trusted the doctors’ advice and chose hope.

The condition took its terrible toll far earlier than anyone thought possible. Chris went through all the medical screening young athletes experience, and additional cardiology testing, without any indication of cause for concern, until his final moments.

The next day, Celeste and other family members met with Chris’s teammates. Her strength, composure and passion was heaven-sent. “Yesterday, I had one son up here,” she said. “Now I have a room full of you guys. Chris was here living his dream. I want you to carry that on for me, and for Chris.”

They did. That fall, Celeste linked arms with the players and walked on the field for their first home game. Texas Southern didn’t stand a chance. It was 40-6 at halftime. The 2004 Demons surpassed projections, winning the Southland Conference championship.

Head coach Scott Stoker created the Chris Waddell Award, given annually to the walk-on player who best demonstrates an unselfish approach combined with a tremendous work ethic and strong leadership qualities, achieving beyond expectations on the field while setting a shining example for teammates academically, socially and in the community. Just like Chris did.

The annual Chris Waddell Day began March 1, 2005, and has continued each year, with the Demons making school and community center visits to interact with youth and seniors, to provide enjoyment and inspiration. Just like Chris did.

He came by it naturally. In August 2005, Celeste didn’t think of leaving work when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans. Flooding surrounded Charity Hospital as power, and civilization, abandoned it. Critical patients were moved to the sixth floor. One, in his mid-30s, needed breathing assistance to survive. For six days, Celeste kept Hunter Reeves alive. When she took breaks, she made desperate calls, including to Stoker, hoping somebody, somehow could spur overwhelmed authorities to rescue Charity’s patients. ABC’s 20/20 told Reeves’ story a few months later.

Celeste relocated to Dallas. She stays in touch with NSU athletics director Greg Burke, and the Demon football program. From time to time, she makes unannounced visits to Turpin Stadium to stand, pray and reflect on a special logo on the field where her son’s journey on earth ended, and she leaves a rose there.

Thursday, she was back in Natchitoches, for a special occasion, the 14th Chris Waddell Day. It was the first time she’s found the emotional strength to participate.

There was laughter and joy in schools around the community as big college boys in Demon football jerseys, and their coaches, made the rounds to share an inspiring message. Just like, in 19 years with us, Chris did. And Celeste continues to do.