Caveman Aiden Rodriguez Signs with Wooster

By Don Eskins

Just because former Caveman Aiden Rodriguez has officially become a member of the Class of 2025 doesn’t mean he’s through playing football—at least for right now, anyway.

On Tuesday, May 13, Rodriguez signed a letter of intent to suit up for the Wooster University Fighting Scots next year.

Wooster University in Wooster, OH, is a Division III school competing in the North Coast Atlantic Conference. On the map, Wooster is 1,534 miles from Carlsbad.

Although Aiden has yet to visit Wooster University, he has checked it out online. He hopes to make his official visit in July.

“It is a bit far from home, something my mom isn’t so happy about. But I can hardly wait to get started. It’s such a beautiful campus, especially during the winter months when it snows,” said Rodriguez. “Wooster’s football program and the academic opportunities it offers look to be a great fit for me. I think I’m going to enjoy going to classes there and suiting up with the Scots a great deal.”

As a student at Carlsbad High, Rodriguez competed in football, wrestling, and powerlifting. Competing at 114 lbs., he won this year’s state powerlifting championship.

Having had offers to compete in all three sports, deciding which road to take was a tough choice for the former Caveman.

“I’ve really enjoyed participating in all three. Competing in Coach Sanders’ football program, Coach Pratt’s wrestling, and Coach Widener’s powerlifting was a great experience for me,” said Rodriguez. “But I decided to play football. I’ve participated in football longer than the others, and because of that, I felt like that was the direction I needed to go in.”

“I’m super proud of Aiden for getting this opportunity to play collegiate football at Wooster,” said Caveman head football coach Cale Sanders. “Aiden was a hard worker and did everything we asked of him in our football program. He’s a special kid, and I wish him the best of everything as a member of the Fighting Scots.”

For his efforts on the gridiron, Rodriguez received CHS’s 2024 Caveman of the Year award.

Keeping in Touch

Rodriguez said Wooster has been communicating with him about the prospect of becoming a member of the Fighting Scots football team throughout the school year.

“Wooster head coach Austin Holder has been communicating with me since day one,” said the former Caveman. “He’s been both very encouraging and helpful. He and the school helped me to get most all of the forms I needed filled out so I could go there.”

The 2025 season should be filled with lots of challenges for both Rodriguez and coach Holder, who will begin his first year at the helm of the Fighting Scots football program. During 2024, the Scots were 3-7 on the year and 2-6 in conference play.

In what position Holder may place Rodriguez is still uncertain.

“I can’t say for sure, but I’m thinking I’ll start out as a receiver or running back,” said Aiden. “But wherever coach Holder might put me, I’ll be ready to play.”

Aiden is the son of Ricardo and Dorothy Rodriguez. His stepfather is James Dell. He has one sister, Alena Rodriguez, and one brother, Asaiah Rodriguez.

At Wooster University, he plans to major in Athletic Medicine.