Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
Everyone that knew Masen Kade Goggins knew that he was probably going to be the best dressed person in the room, and that he would always have the brightest smile of anyone in the room too.
Goggins is remembered by his family, friends and peers in Eclectic as being a stellar athlete, having the kindest heart, loving God, being a fashion connoisseur and making sure everyone felt loved and included. Goggins’s legacy of love reverberates through the community from the ones that love him and the lives that he touched, keeping his legacy alive through the love he constantly spread.
“I’ve never, ever in his whole life seen him angry. He just loved everybody and was just welcoming. It didn’t matter if you were black, white, old, young, popular, not popular, they were all equal to Masen, and his love for God was obvious,” Goggin’s mom Tiffany Leonard said.
“I’ve had several kids tell me that Masen was the reason they started going back to church or Masen was the reason they liked certain Christian songs. It feels like it’s been forever and happened just yesterday at the same time,” Leonard said.
Goggins abruptly passed last December in a vehicle crash, leaving this world too soon. Goggins was an avid athlete his entire life, competing in football, baseball, basketball and his recent obsession, golf. Leonard stated that from the time he could hold a ball in his hand he was playing ball, and the rest is history.
“I can truly say that I have never coached a player like Masen. He never had a bad day, truly. He loved just being out there. He took time to work on his craft, but the thing I loved most about Masen was his love for people,” Goggins’s teacher and defensive coach, Justin Weeks said.
Money Down, a signal the team and Goggins would use on a third down, signaling no matter what happened on the drive, good or bad, there was an opportunity to end it right there and now to win the drive. Weeks confirmed Goggins was always the first to display Money Down. During games, at practice, and even in the halls at school.
“I loved seeing him do this, it always made me smile,” Weeks said.
Goggins’s number, number 23, was retired this year for Elmore County Schools. Forever being Goggins’s number. For home games this season, the team will also carry out a flag to break through the banner with the number 23, so Goggins is still running onto the field with his team for his final senior season.
“It didn’t matter if he was talking to the lowest freshman all the way up to Coach Caldwell. He made everyone feel welcomed, loved and valued. He was the easiest player I have ever coached. His love for the game, the players and his coaches was evident every day he was there. I will never coach another Masen, I miss him every day. He will always hold a special place in my heart,” Weeks said.
But above being a tremendous ball player, Goggins was known to so many as an inspiration in every way and a true friend. Where Leonard confirmed he was always welcoming and always made you feel safe.
“Masen was my best friend, and he was the guy that could always put a smile on your face if you were having a bad day. There was never a dull moment with him. Masen was a nice, genuine person, and friendly with everyone he met. I was blessed to have him in my life and to have the honor of calling him my best friend,” Kale Williams said.
The legacy of love continues through his two sisters Madison and Miley Leonard and dad Melvin Leonard. In his honor, every spring and fall, the Leonard family will sponsor a child in the community that would like to play baseball or football but may not be able to financially.
The sponsored athlete will wear the number 23, Goggin’s number, to continue his legacy in the games that shaped his life while making sure everyone has the chance to play.
While Goggins will forever remain 17, the lives that he touched, the love that he spread and the smiles that he shared will forever live on in his legacy of love in Eclectic Alabama.
“Love like Masen, that’s our phrase around here. If anybody learned anything from him, it was how to love people better and that his love for God was just so evident. Take that extra second and think of Masen when you get in the car and put that seatbelt on, and buckle up,” Leonard said.
