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By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

For Callaway head football coach Pete Wiggins, it was an easy decision.

Wiggins needed someone to be the program’s social-media coordinator and recruiting coordinator, and he turned to someone he knows well.

Andrew Caraway is a Callaway High graduate and an avid supporter of the football program, and in recent years he has helped with the radio broadcast for the team while also doing his own football-centered podcast.

Caraway, who played baseball and football at Callaway before graduating in 2007, was offered a position on the staff by Wiggins, and he eagerly accepted, embracing the opportunity to work alongside men he has such respect for.

Caraway played football for Wiggins, and he was also a standout baseball player under head coach Dusty Hubbard, who is the defensive coordinator for the football team.

“I really am excited to give back to a program and a coach that has given so much to me,” Caraway said. “Coach Hubbard and coach Wiggins have made a bigger impact in my life than they will ever know, and for that I’m forever grateful.”

Wiggins, who has a 138-47 record during his 15 seasons as Callaway’s head coach, is happy to bring someone aboard who has such close ties to the school.

“Andrew is invested in Callaway,” Wiggins said. “He played here, his family has lived here for a very long time, his mom and dad were a big part of the community, a part of our athletic program. He takes a lot of pride in what he does. For a long time now he’s been a part of our radio and TV, and just the sideline commentary. He’s done a great job with it.”

Caraway will share the recruiting responsibilities with Zach Giddens, Callaway’s first-year offensive coordinator.

Because of his work duties Caraway usually won’t be able to be at the school when coaches come to visit, so Giddens will handle that part of the job.

“I’m just real excited to be involved with the program,” Caraway said. “I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’m willing to work hard and try to get these kids into school, because that’s my ultimate goal is to get these kids a scholarship.”

Additionally, Caraway will spotlight the players and the program through the various social-media platforms, including Twitter.

“He brings a great skill with social media,” Wiggins said. “He’s going to take care of our Twitter page, and he’s going to be a huge part of our recruiting. He and I have spent a lot of time together over the past two months becoming familiar with the how-tos, and what to do, and building relationships with college coaches. I’m really excited about what he’s going to bring to the table.”

Caraway’s hope is that the players get as much benefit from being a student-athlete at Callaway as he did.

“I hope the players see the impact this program has had on me and my family and that it can give them the same opportunities that we were given,” Caraway said. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Callaway football family.”

Caraway said a goal of his is to “highlight (the players) and their accomplishments. These players sell themselves with their play and their work ethic. I hope to just guide them to the best situation possible for themselves and their family. As a program our biggest wins are seeing our players succeed in life.”