Iowa High School Football Coach Arrested Days Before Season Opener

Waukee coach Gabe Bakker was charged with operating while intoxicated after an Aug. 21 arrest; the district says it is addressing the matter under its personnel procedures.

The Waukee football team, one week before its season opener, is dealing with uncertainty of the status of head coach Gabe Bakker after the coach revealed he was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. | Eli Bergman

Just days before an Iowa high school football team takes to the field to begin the 2026 season, its head coach faces legal troubles off the field.

Waukee High School head football coach Gabe Bakker was arrested and charged with operating while intoxicated this past Friday, Aug. 21. Bakker's status for the team's season opener against Johnston, on Friday, it unkown at this time.

According to a report by KCCI, Bakker self-reported his arrest and sent an email to his Warrior football team. In the email, the leader apologized for the disruption the incident may cause.

Waukee Community School District Provides Statement on Arrest of Head Football Coach

The Waukee Community School District offered a statement on the matter.

“We expect all our staff members to serve as role models for students and live our core values, and we take this incident seriously,” the statement read. “The District is addressing the situation in accordance with Board policy and established personnel procedures.

“We understand that our community may have questions. Because this is an ongoing legal process and confidential personnel matter, we cannot provide further details at this time. Our priority is supporting our students as the school year begins.”

Bakker is also a teacher at the high school and the head strength and conditioning coach.

Gabe Bakker Previously Served As Head Football Coach At Two Other Iowa High Schools

Before joining Waukee, Bakker served as the head football coach at both Clear Creek-Amana and Pleasantville high schools. He was hired at Waukee in 2021, and spent six years working at West Des Moines Valley High School early in his coaching career.

Last year, the Warriors finished 4-6 overall after recording back-to-back winning seasons. That included an 8-3 campaign in 2023 and six wins in 2024.

Waukee Features Plenty of New Faces in 2026

Standout quarterback Beckett Bakker has graduated after a four-year run leading Waukee. Top rusher Ben Case Haub also graduated, along with Texas A&M football and basketball recruit Evan Jacobson.

Ethan Fitch, Sam Heinrich and Myles O'Connor return on offense. O’Connor caught 12 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore.

Therston Nebo was one of the leading tacklers for Waukee a season ago, as the senior recorded 69 stops. Mason Mortiz, also a senior this year, was right behind with 54, as classmate Brecken Beer added 44 tackles. Mortiz had seven tackles for loss, including 2.5 quarterback sacks.