Prep Football / Seamount League -- Wade's Wait Is Over At Kennedy - - Senior Stays Focused As Arnold Transfer Draws Big Spotlight

BURIEN - Floyd Wade's wait is finally over.

Wade has waded out of the shadows into the spotlight. Even if he has to share it. Even if his share is slightly dimmed by the fanfare surrounding Paul Arnold, heralded as the state's top running back.

Wade isn't wasting any time worrying about what might have been if Arnold, an all-state choice as a sophomore at O'Dea last season, hadn't transferred to Kennedy earlier this year. He doesn't fret about fewer carries or trimmed-down touchdown totals.

"I'm focused on what I've got to do," Wade said. "I'm not too worried about anyone else. It's my senior year. I've got to worry about what Floyd's going to do. This is my year to show off, just explode, work up to my full potential."

He isn't concerned about being called Wade Floyd, which happened in a recent newspaper article about his new backfield mate, who never is mistaken for Arnold Paul. Wade won't wallow in any woes. He's waited too long for this season.

"I've been very patient the last few years," he said. "I guess that makes the fire keep burning. When you get your opportunity, you blow up."

Wade's not about to blow it now. He's had to bide his time the past three years, starting but never starring - although as a freshman he did break a long touchdown run in overtime that gave Kennedy a victory over Renton and a piece of the Seamount League championship.

But running back Leland Gayles, now at Arizona, was the star that year. Quarterback Robert Prescott, now at Oregon State, ran the show Wade's sophomore year and last season belonged to running back Eddie Gayles, who is now at Stanford.

Playing the "4-back" or "scat-back" in Kennedy's wing-T offense last season, Floyd carried the ball just 24 times in nine league games, netting 90 yards (two misdirection plays backfired for minus 19 yards) and scoring three touchdowns. He was far more effective as a receiver, catching 11 passes for 160 yards and one touchdown. He also returned punts (seven for 64 yards, a 9.1 average) and kickoffs (10 for 140, 14.0).

Wade longed for, but never outwardly lamented the lack of, more carries.

"Floyd never said boo," Coach Bob Bourgette said. "He just played hard and never said a word. . . . He's such an unselfish kid, and he's a super back. If Paul Arnold wasn't here, he'd be the main guy. But he's so unselfish, he's excited for Paul and he's excited for the team."

Bourgette repaid Floyd's loyalty by switching to a two-back offense this season.

"He's going to get his carries, too," Bourgette said. "A lot of teams are going to zero in on Paul, which is going to open things up for Floyd. He knows that. He isn't real concerned about that. He just wants to win."

Wade said his mother, Annette, never let his confidence waver.

"She'd always say, `Remain patient. Stay strong and hope for the best,' " he said. "There were times I wished I had the ball more. Your junior year is supposed to set a certain framework, so people, recruiters, know what I can do. She just said, `Be patient. Next year's your year. You're going to get a chance to show your stuff.' "

Bourgette said Arnold is faster, but Wade is quicker.

"He's a very slashing, quick type of a runner," he said. "He can change directions three or four times. He's got cat-quick feet. He's just amazingly quick."

Wade is anxious to prove he belongs in the same sentence, and backfield, as Arnold.

"I've been brought up to accept any challenge that's brought my way," he said. "Paul is an exceptional running back. Unfortunately, we play pretty much the same position. But both of us are going to be utilized. I'm one of those people who wants everyone to get a little piece of the action, to have the team share the spotlight.

"But don't get me wrong. This is also my year to show what I've got."