Gabe Bakker, the head coach of the Waukee High School football program, was taken into custody on August 21, 2024, on charges of operating while intoxicated, just weeks before the team’s scheduled season opener against Johnston on August 28, 2026.
The Waukee Community School District released a brief statement acknowledging the incident and reaffirming its commitment to district policies, while emphasizing the need to protect the privacy of all parties involved.
Bakker’s coaching journey includes stints at Clear Creek‑Amana and Pleasantville high schools, as well as a prior role at West Des Moines Valley, before he was hired by Waukee in 2021, bringing a blend of regional experience and offensive acumen to the program.
During his tenure, the Warriors posted back‑to‑back winning seasons in 2023 and 2024, culminating in a 4‑6 overall record in 2025, a year that saw the team navigate the loss of several senior contributors.
Among those departures were standout quarterback Beckett Bakker, who concluded a four‑year run as the team’s leader, along with top rusher Ben Case Haub and Texas A&M recruit Evan Jacobson, leaving a sizable void on both sides of the ball.
Returning offensive pieces include junior Ethan Fitch, senior Sam Heinrich and sophomore Myles O’Connor, who last season caught 12 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown, providing a promising foundation for the upcoming campaign.
Defensively, the squad will lean on veterans such as Therston Nebo, who logged 69 tackles, and Mason Mortiz, who added 54 stops with seven tackles for loss and 2.5 quarterback sacks, aiming to stabilize a unit that faced its share of challenges in the previous year.
Season Outlook and the Road Ahead
With the season opener looming, the team’s preparation will be shaped not only by the tactical adjustments required on the field but also by the off‑field developments surrounding their head coach, whose availability remains under review as the district processes the legal proceedings.