Click for Kale Wong Highlights
One of Washington’s most underrated athletes is Kale Wong (’16) of Gig Harbor High School.
Wong has all the tools to play at a very high level, and showcased them recently at the Northwest 9’s 7-on-7 sessions. He showed good speed, exceptional instincts and some of the best leadership qualities I have seen on the defensive side of the ball.
Multiple times over the two days, Wong could’ve laid some serious lumber on opposing receivers had it been full contact. So who does he model his game after?
“Sean Taylor,” Wong told Northwest Elite Index. “Just a full-on athlete, always having a nose for the ball and setting the tone with his big hits. But the main reason I model Taylor’s game is because of his work ethic, always trying to get better day in and day out.”
The 6-foot-2, 185 pounder was voted 2nd team All-Narrows while playing linebacker for the Tides, but projects more as a FS type, and will move back to that spot this fall.
“It’s a honor to be 2nd team All-Narrows with all the great Linebackers in our league,” Wong said. “I love it because it gives me that chip on my shoulder to always strive to be better. I was probably one of smallest linebackers with my weight, but that gave me a challenge to get better.
“I just need to keep improving my game, if it means working hard in weight room, watching film, footwork, speed, there is always something to improve on.”
And improving is something he and his team look to do. They won the Narrows 4A last season, but were bounced in the first round of state by Graham-Kapowsin, on home turf.
“It was a hard fought game from both sides and its always sad to be knocked out especially for the seniors,” Wong noted. “What I took from that experience was my team always got my back. We were down probably 17 during half, but we battled back to the last play. To let that event never happen again, we all have to get better. Yeah we have a lot of talent this year, but its the team who works hard together that will win.”
Winning is something I have personally projected Gig Harbor to do a lot of this coming season, as I recently ranked them the #1 team in the 4A classification.
Like most teams, the goal for Gig Harbor is to win state, a league title, the Fishbowl over rival Peninsula, and they would like to get a win over Bellarmine Prep, but that’s not all they look to accomplish.
“The main goal for our team is to mature into better men on and off the field,” he said. “If its sports, school, job or life, we always do our best in it. That’s what people will remember us for.”
Recruiting is slow for Wong, seeing mostly D3 and NAIA interest, but that will surely change as his updated film makes the rounds.
We will keep you updated on Wong and his teammates as we move closer to what could be a very special season.
The photo above is courtesy of Julie Saltvick Photography. For more information visit www.juliesaltvick.com.
The best it yet to come!!
A definite STUD!!!