By Kiara Doyal, Seattle Metro News
Now in the heart of his senior season, Eastside Catholic running back Wassie Lugolobi has stepped confidently into a leadership role he’s been preparing for since his freshman year. Known for his relentless work ethic and team-first mindset, Lugolobi sees his role not just in yards gained or touchdowns scored, but in the example he sets every day.
“My role has changed greatly since I was a freshman to now,” said Lugolobi. “I believe that as a senior, you set the standard for what the rest of the program should look like. You can never be down because as seniors, that is who the team looks to as leaders.”
“I have grown in a sense of just knowing how much my actions impact the team,” Lugolobi continued. “I take pride in setting the standard and being an example for the team, but especially the younger class.”
While Lugolobi has embraced his leadership role, he pointed out that underclassman Tytan McNeal has also risen to the occasion, serving as a clear example of the bright future ahead for not only himself but Eastside Catholic football.
“We see him working, and he is so focused on his future, it is honestly inspiring. And he does have a bright future. Even at such a young age, he is one of the best players I have ever played with, and it is really amazing to see,” Lugolobi said.
For Lugolobi, the drive to lead by example has only been sharpened under the guidance of Eastside Catholic head football coach Dominic Daste, who he credits for challenging him to grow not just as a player, but as a student of the game.
“He has challenged me on the offensive side of the ball, and it’s not just me playing offense more; it is more of the schematic, understanding, and picking up plays quickly that aren’t the easiest to understand. And overall, just understanding where you need to be for the team,” Lugolobi said.
According to Lugolobi, Daste’s influence goes beyond the Xs and Os. He described his coach as someone who genuinely invests in the person behind the jersey.
“He doesn’t just coach you as a player, he coaches you as a man. I know that is a common thing, but he really embodies that. He is someone that when you get to know, you get to know on a personal level first, and then when he coaches you, you know he’s coming from a place where he truly wants you to excel on and off the field,” Lugolobi said. “You could really come to him with anything, and he’ll give you his best input. And he’s definitely a mentor to me, and someone I’m forever grateful to have been a part of my journey.”
Although he hasn’t had to deal with many setbacks during his time at Eastside Catholic, Lugolobi says his biggest challenge has been dealing with how his previous seasons have ended.
“When you look at my freshman year, losing in the state championship final seconds. Sophomore year, losing on one big play. Junior year, obviously, the Hail Mary that ended the game. So those, I would say, were definitely obstacles, but they teach you to do the little things all the time,” said Lugolobi. “It just teaches you to give 100% every lift, game, practice, and even film because when it matters at the very end, those are the things that your season relies on. So, I’m very grateful for those experiences, and they’re all learning experiences that I think will serve us well this year.”
Despite his obvious talent, it’s Lugolobi’s relentless work ethic that sets him apart. Daste said it’s not unusual to find him in the weight room well before the first bell rings.
“Today is my day to take my children to school in the morning, but I can guarantee you right now he is in our weight room working out before school starts,” Daste said. “He is the first one in, and the last one out. His work ethic is relentless.”
Even on a team known for athletic success, Lugolobi takes equal pride in what happens off the field. He said he’s most proud of how seriously his teammates take their academic responsibilities.
“Overall, I am very proud of our guys and how resilient a team we are,” Lugolobi said. “But I am very proud that our team has a 3.4–3.5 team GPA and our guys take the classroom very seriously. Of course, there are a lot of things to be proud of on this team. I am also really proud of the relationship I have built with my teammates, and I am very honored to have the role of being a team captain and having them see me in that light.”
Daste, who has coached many types of athletes over the years, said Lugolobi stands out not just for his talent, but for his maturity and mindset.
“Off the field, for someone who is not very old in terms of longevity of life, he is really mature,” Daste said. “He has the ability to have tough conversations, conduct himself humbly, and be businesslike when it comes to football, while still maintaining your friendships.”
“In terms of him as a player, I don’t know if I’ve been around a bunch of guys that have worked harder within our program since I’ve been the head coach,” he continued. “For Wassie, there is no day off for him, which you see in the results on the football field.”
Earlier this year, Lugolobi committed to Stanford University and said it was just an opportunity that he ultimately couldn’t pass up.
“Stanford is such an amazing place, from academics to athletics to even the people you meet, everything there is world-class. And to have the opportunity to enter that world is something that I was so grateful to have the opportunity to do, and it’s something that is bigger than football,” Lugolobi said. “I love football. Football is what I love, but just understanding that you can have the best of both worlds, going to the world’s best university and playing powerful football, is the ultimate opportunity.”
As he prepares to graduate, Lugolobi hopes his legacy at Eastside Catholic will be defined by more than just football success.
“I want the people that I have played with and interacted with to know me as someone who will always be there to help and support in any way that I can. I hope they see my legacy is just someone who gives it their all every day and will always have had your back no matter what,” he said. “I want to get a state championship as a Crusader, but the relationships I have with the people, staff, and faculty inside the building carry just as much if not more weight.”
“At Stanford, I want to leave behind a legacy modeled through hard work, resilience, and teamwork. I just want to help support the community and make the world a better place, and Stanford, I believe, can help me get to that end goal.”
