Winning state championships is cool, said Cade Gilbert, but the lifetime friendships made at Marlow High School is what it’s really about.
“I moved to Marlow going into my seventh grade year, and it was a true blessing from God,” the MHS senior said. “My teammates have helped shape me into the athlete I am, and the coaches have set the standard for my future. Another great memory I have is the lessons that are learned in athletics. Nothing is possible without the man above!”
Gilbert is committed to wrestle at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. It took less than two weeks for Gilbert to pick UALR after his visit.
“It was a tough decision to go away from my family, and at the time, I had several colleges contacting me. I went on a visit to UALR and from the moment I talked to coach [Neil] Erisman, I knew it was the place for me. He laid out the culture and the guys they wanted. EAch thing he said described the type of wrestler and person that I am.”
Gilbert was a 3A state champion in 2023 (144 lbs) and 2024 (157 lbs). He also won dual state championships in 2021, 2022 and 2024 and a team state championship in 2024. Also an accomplished football player at MHS, Gilbert was recently named a Tulsa World All-State football selection and the Oklahoma Coaches Association Region 5 Athlete of the Year. He also serves as vice president of National Honors Society, is in Gifted and Talented and is in FCA. He is a member of Chisholm Trail Youth Group.
Gilbert started playing football in the fourth grade and has wrestled since he was 4 years old. The second oldest of four boys, the Gilberts are a sports clan.
“My dad has been a coach all my life, and my mom is a teacher. She was also an All-State soccer player in high school,” Gilbert said. “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t involved in sports. My brothers and I have grown up playing catch in the front yard and having wrestling tournaments in the living room. The greatest thing I learned is that a brotherhood is stronger than just any normal team.”
Gilbert’s future goals include becoming an All-American and National Champion.
