Wheelock Reaches Milestone
May 19, 2010 • by Nathan Zielinski
Filed under Sports, Top Stories
May 10th, 2010 is a date that will go down in history for Rockville Athletics. Coach Wheelock reached a milestone that only few coaches can say they have accomplished, 400 wins. Wheelock also has a winning record during his 34 season tenure as head coach of the Rockville High School baseball team. Wheelock attributes his success to his great players throughout the years, and when asked how it feels to reach the milestone, Wheelock simply stated, “It feels great.”
However, Wheelock has immediately switched his focus to the remainder of the season. The Rams are off to a blazing 12-5 start, and the squad looks as if it can make a strong run in the state tournament. He hopes that they do not become distracted from this monumental win, and feels they should not. The main goal for
Wheelock now is to wake up, and make the most out of his day. His next goal as coach of the baseball team is to have the Rams win the CCC East Championship this season.
Wheelock now is to wake up, and make the most out of his day. His next goal as coach of the baseball team is to have the Rams win the CCC East Championship this season.
Wheelock feels his success is due to three main factors. His longevity has been a key over his 34 years. “Being able to coach at Rockville for as long as I have, and support from my family have allowed me to coach for as long as I have,” Wheelock says. Although, being the humble man that he is, Wheelock believes that his players are the biggest factor to his success, and having “players dedicate to the program,” was the recipe for success.
Surprisingly, even though Wheelock led his team to a state title in 2000, the memory that sticks out the most for him is a loss. Back in 1981, the Rams were contending for a state title. With a one-run lead in the last inning, it looked like Rockville would be able to hold on. However, a runner on third for the opposing team was able to steal home to tie up the score. The game ended up being a memorable one, but one Rockville would want to soon forget. In the 13th inning, Andrew Warde High School, now Fairfield Warde High, came away with the state title.
The toughest part about getting to the milestone for Wheelock has been nothing. “There is nothing tough about playing a game every day,” Wheelock says. However, the toughest part for the coach will always be saying goodbye every year to the seniors who dedicated their time and hard work for the team.
The biggest supporters for Wheelock throughout his journey have been his family. Baseball was and still is a big part of their family, as his son played and coached for Wheelock. Also, his daughter was the manager for the baseball team for a four-year stretch. He also has had the unbridled emotional support of his wife throughout his coaching career.
Wheelock is in a light mood after his 400th win, and justly so. When asked when we can expect Wheelock’s 500th win as coach of the Rockville High School baseball team, he jokingly answered, “In my next life.” Through Wheelock’s drive and dedication, he has earned everything that has come his way, and will continue to be successful for the rest of his life, and in the next.
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You are such a good writer. Sports is deffinitley your thing. Great article.
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