Gateway Class of 2008
Cameron Saddler had a career to remember at Gateway High School. It wasn’t just on the field that Cameron excelled, but also as an active member of his community.
Cameron moved to Monroeville in the 5th grade, and for him, it was a major adjustment. New friends, new school, new teachers; one thing that stayed consistent for Cameron, was football. In the early years of his time spent in Monroeville, Cameron found success on and off both the football field and baseball diamond. However, it wasn’t until his Sophomore year that he was all in on football!
Cameron’s Freshman year, with Cameron contributing as a Cornerback, Gateway found themselves in the WPIAL Championship at Heinz field. But it wouldn’t be until Cameron’s sophomore season in the 2005 season, when a few injuries to the running back position occurred, that Cameron would begin to break out. He scored his first varsity touchdown against Bethel Park in a big time, 1st round playoff victory for the Gators.
Cameron’s Junior year was when his growth took off. He dramatically entered the scene in Western Pennsylvania, as one of the best all-purpose backs/kick returners. However, excelling on the field as a leader, was his greatest strength of all. Rallying his teammates and friends was what separated Cameron from the rest, a spirit unlike others.
After a successful Junior year camp, Cameron was named to the Post Gazette Fab 22 Team, the Trib Review Terrific 25 Team, All WPIAL Team, and All State Returner in 4A.
Senior year for Cameron Saddler, cemented his legacy as one of the great Gateway Gators. After starting his season with a hamstring injury against Ohio Cardinal Mooney, Cameron returned to lead his team to the WPIAL Championship where he was a part of one of the most exciting plays in Western PA history. The “Our Father” Hook and Ladder. Gateway’s 2007 team will go down as one of the more talented teams in school history, and Cameron lead the charge.
“Rated the No. 8 all-purpose player in the country by Rivals…considered one of the best kick returners in WPIAL history, returning seven kickoffs for touchdowns over his final two seasons at Gateway, one short of a national record…despite teams rarely kicking to him his senior year, Saddler averaged 30.7 yards per kick return and 25.1 yards per punt return…rushed for 1,706 yards on 236 carries (7.2 avg.)…as a senior, compiled 2,299 all-purpose yards and 31 touchdowns, including 24 rushing, three receiving and four on returns (two kickoffs and two punts)…named to The Associated Press Pennsylvania Class AAAA All-State Team (first team) in the specialist category…Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ‘Fabulous 22’…Pittsburgh Tribune-Review ‘Terrific 25’…Harrisburg Patriot-News ‘Platinum 33’…three-year starter at Gateway, playing running back and defensive back…led Gateway to a 24-11 mark (.686) during his career, including three WPIAL Class AAAA playoff berths…the Gators went 11-2 his senior season, capturing the ‘Big East’ Conference championship and advancing to the WPIAL title game…scored on a hook-and-lateral play in the waning seconds of the WPIAL title game to force overtime…the TD was named ESPN[apos]s ‘Play of the Month’ for November 2007…rated Pennsylvania’s No. 10 prospect by Rivals, No. 12 by Scout and Keystone Recruiting and No. 18 by SuperPrep…rated No. 35 on Scout[apos]s East Top 100 list…SuperPrep All-Northeast Team…PrepStar All-East Region…rated the nation’s No. 27 running back by Scout…played under Coach Terry Smith…selected to play in the Big 33 Football Classic.”
Cameron stayed close to home, and went on to play at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a 4-year Letterman and team Captain in 2012. As the current Assistant Director for Admission and Alumni Partnerships at the University of Pittsburgh, Cameron has dedicated his life to helping the next generation, on and off the field.
Cameron has continued with leadership roles throughout this stage of his life, as he has taken part in both the Penn Hills and Woodland Hills football programs in recent years as the Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator.
“Football changed my life, I can only hope to pass that on” – Cameron Saddler
RIP to George “Champ” Saddler (Dad) and Chequel “Chiq” Saddler (Sister).
Congratulations, Cam! You deserve this honor. As a fellow inductee, I am proud to have you inducted into the 23’ induction class. Without question, you are one of THE MOST electrifying athletes in Gateway Football history! I am proud I was your coach.
– Former Head Coach Terry Smith
