If you were at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara in 2014, you saw Frankie Trent score the first touchdown in the stadium’s history. Trent graduated from Oakdale High School in 2015 where he made a name for himself in football, wrestling and the FCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“I loved wrestling but football was my passion for sure,” said Trent.
During his time in the Mustangs football program, he was a staple on the offensive line as a guard where he was named to the first team Valley Oak League in his junior year. His senior year he moved to the backfield. He was named first team VOL, Team Captain, VOL Most Valuable Player, all Sac-Joaquin Section Team and helped the Mustangs win the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Championship.
“Winning the Section Championship was incredible. We played against Inderkum and fell behind 20-0 at halftime. The locker room was silent. No one spoke, not even Coach Merzon,” Trent noted. “However, we all knew what had to be done and that it was everyone’s job to achieve it. We came out and earned the win.”
On the wrestling mat, Trent was a force to be reckoned with as well. He was a state qualifier both his junior and senior seasons. He began wrestling in the eighth grade.
“Coach Steve Strange was incredible. He saw something in me and challenged me every practice and meet. He was a big supporter of mine.”
Trent wrestled his final three years for the Mustangs.
Following graduation from OHS, Trent attended Butte Community College and played football. He then transferred to Benedictine College in Kansas. He played for the Ravens and graduated there. Trent also was a proud male cheerleader for basketball.
“That was a lot of fun,” he enthused of making an impact in a supportive way. “A group of us attended some classes for gymnastics and it was cool. Then they asked if I would be interested in becoming a male cheerleader and I jumped on it.”
Post college, Trent has achieved his goal of becoming a firefighter. He is now a Captain for the Waterloo Morada Fire District.
“The journey has been amazing. It happened much faster than I expected as well. I love it though.”
He is married to fellow Oakdale High School alum Hailee Fuller and they have one child.
Trent said the biggest challenge post high school was getting ready for the real world.
“My faith is very important to me and having to find a church without my family was tough,” he explained. “Paying for bills and other expenses also were hard but my faith kept me afloat.”
He also said staying focused at a young age proved to be a good decision for him.
His advice to young athletes is “Not to buy into the hype of having to go to parties and other temptations that high school brings.”
“Memorable Mustangs” is a series that highlights former Oakdale High School student-athletes and where they are now. If you are or if you know of a student-athlete who graduated from OHS from 2010-2024 and would like to be featured in the series email Dennis D. Cruz at ddcruzsports@gmail.com.
