Wingate, N.C. – One look at Nate Poole's resume tells the reader that Poole has been preparing for a football coaching career his entire life. Poole is Wingate's new wide receivers coach, joining the Bulldog program this spring. The Marshall University alumnus has 18 years of playing experience and 10 years of coaching experience. His NFL playing resume includes four years with the Arizona Cardinals and two years with the New Orleans Saints.
"Coach Poole has already been a great addition to our staff," Wingate head football coach Joe Reich says. "He brings great experience to the staff and much wisdom for our wide receivers' group. Coach Poole is a very technical coach. He's really got great feel for the intricacies of different routes."
Most recently, Poole spent two years as the wide receivers coach and special teams' coordinator for Myers Park High School and head coach Scott Chadwick. Poole has deep coaching roots in Union and Mecklenburg counties, as he has spent time as an assistant coach at Charlotte Latin, Cuthbertson, Marvin Ridge and Providence Day. Poole has kept his eye on the Bulldogs, as he attended two games during Wingate's South Atlantic Conference championship run in 2017.
"I enjoy the atmosphere at the Wingate games," Poole says. "I noticed the fans were very engaged. The players and coaches were giving their all."
"When I saw Wingate had a wide receiver coaching position open, I figured I would throw my hat in the ring," Poole says. "When (WU head coach) Joe Reich offered me the job...it didn't take long for him to get me to yes."
"When I toured the campus during my interview, I was overwhelmed," Poole says. "This is a great University family...with tremendous facilities. I knew I wanted to be a part of this."
Poole is quick to give credit to the people who have helped him on life's journey. One of his mentors is current Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers coach Gunter Brewer, who served a similar role during Poole's time as a student-athlete at Marshall.
"Coach Brewer spent much time mentoring me during the NFL off-season...taking time with me and helping me develop a career plan for my life following my playing days," Poole says. "Coach Brewer is all-around great guy. He models the philosophy of faith, family and friends."
Nate Poole file
-Six years in the NFL (Cardinals, Saints)
-Offensive Player of the Game with the Arizona Cardinals
-15-time Special Teams Player of the Game with the Cardinals
-Two-time Special Teams Player of the Game with the New Orleans Saints
-Multiple game balls for his on-the-field performances
-At Marshall, Poole played in four bowl games and earned first team All-Mid-American Conference honors three times...189 career receptions for 2556 yards and 32 touchdowns
-NFL coaching experience with the Buffalo Bills (wide receiver coach intern) and the NFL Europa Rhine Fire (offensive assistant/wide receiver coach/passing game coordinator)
-FXFL (experimental league) Brooklyn Bolts' special teams' coordinator/wide receiver coach/passing game coordinator
-High school coaching experience: Myers Park, Charlotte Latin, Cuthbertson, Marvin Ridge, Providence Day
--Family: Wife (Neville), Daughters (Nia Poole, Natalie Poole and Shaunita Lee)
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING about Wingate's Nate Poole
Scott Chadwick, head football coach at Myers Park High School
"I had the chance to work with Nate for three years at Marvin Ridge and the last two years at Myers Park. He is very good at developing wide receivers. Nate is a fundamental guru...he is great at teaching the aspects of route running, hand positioning and using one's body. Nate is a great teacher of the game."
"During our time at Marvin Ridge, Nate coached K.J. Brent (now with the Indianapolis Colts). At Myers Park, we have the number one rated receiver in both the Class of 2019 and the Class of 2020. Obviously, Nate played a big role in the development of these three athletes...it is not coincidental."
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