WJ athletics has seen its fair share of coaches leave in sports such as baseball, basketball, and football but one coach has remained a constant through the years: wrestling coach Tom Wheeler. When one thinks of Wheeler, they think of the wrestling coach who rigorously works his players after school in the wrestling room.

The fact is he has been around for years, leading students to success off and on the field with his passionate and winning attitude.

“Winning it is my addiction, I take pride in and am excited in planning and preparing for the practices and games,” Wheeler said.

While Wheeler has coached several different sports over the years, including girls soccer and JV baseball, he will most likely be remembered for his leadership of the wrestling team, whom he helped bring something to this school that few WJ teams have (and that is his fondest memory of coaching): the 2012 state championship win.

Wheeler has proven to be very successful not only in the sport of wrestling, but also in coaching. Even after he retires, Wheeler plans to continue to coach and lead young people to success.

“Yes, I will be coaching my grandsons  in wrestling,” Wheeler said.

Wheeler’s last year with the wrestling program is going out with a bang. The team is 12-3 in what should have been an off  year for the program. Luckily, the team has had several key players step up since last year’s seniors graduated.

“We replaced some of [last year’s six really good seniors], but we are still looking to improve,” said Wheeler.

Wheeler will certainly be remembered for his final successful campaign and the lasting impact he will leave on WJ athletics.

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