Wheeler Will Not Be Reinstated as Rams Coach

Wheeler Will Not Be Reinstated as Rams Coach

By Amber Lester Kennedy Friday, February 11, 2011

The Williamsburg-James City County School Board has denied a community petition to have Paul Wheeler reinstated as football coach for Lafayette High School.

The board shared its decision in a letter received Thursday by parent Charlie Marcotte, who led a group of parents, students and citizens in a movement to get Wheeler back in the coaching spot.

In an e-mail to local media, Marcotte said the board announced they had finished the “due diligence necessary” and determined an earlier decision made by school administration was correct and they would stand by it.

In October, a parent complained to school officials about Wheeler’s treatment of a player. Wheeler told WY Daily that at that time, Lafayette Principal Anita Swinton and Athletic Director Dan Barner investigated the complaint and dismissed it. The parent then took the complaint to Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services Dianna Lindsay, who sided with the parent.

Wheeler said he was told Lindsay wouldn’t renew his coaching contract, and instead, he offered to resign at the end of the football season. The season ended unexpectedly, with the forfeiture of two winning games because of an ineligible player, thereby knocking the school out of district playoffs. Wheeler reconsidered his earlier decision and lobbied Lindsay for a chance to retract his resignation; he said she denied his request and when he asked to meet with her, she sent Director of Human Resources Jon Andre instead.

After Wheeler shared his story with players and parents, they rallied to try to get the school board to reconsider the decision. Player Brandon Fetty created a Facebook page called “I Support Coach Wheeler” that had 208 members as of Thursday, and Marcotte circulated an online petition that garnered 355 signatures.

Personnel matters cannot be discussed in public forums, but the board agreed to let Marcotte, Fetty, parent of a former player Joseph McClain and player Nick Kepa plead their case in a closed-door meeting prior to the Feb. 1 school board meeting. For 15 minutes, the four men shared personal stories about Wheeler’s leadership and turned in the petition.

When the regular meeting began on Feb. 1, Wheeler supporters filled the Stryker Building, wearing gold and blue ribbons in honor of Lafayette’s colors. At that time, Marcotte said the board members gave no indication of how they would proceed, but he was happy to show the students their voices could be heard.

He said the same in his e-mail and a similar post on Facebook on Thursday night. “It is now time for Coach Wheeler to move on and put all this negativity behind him,” Marcotte wrote. “The students of Lafayette did a wonderful job expressing their rights and being heard.”

He went on to say this was a case of bad things happening to good people, and noted that he is “glad to see Coach move on and share himself with the future lucky parents … wherever they might be.”

In his 10 seasons with Lafayette, Wheeler’s record was 82-31. He led the Rams to win a state championship in 2001 and two Region I championships, along with three Bay Rivers District titles and five regional playoff appearances. He is still employed at Lafayette as a history teacher.

Comments

-2 #10 Guest 2011-02-15 12:33

It is very difficult for me to understand this situation of firing a coach because he got firm with a football player. The player is going to have more put on him than hands in a game. I would venture to said that teaching the kid the facts of life on the football field is where the rubber meets the road. If the kid can not take the hands of his coach, what will he do when he is met with a 250 pound lineman on the field? This is one of the problems for our young people today. Most of our youth have everything that is easy and soft. As a youngster I played football and the coach not only grabbed my jersey...he would snatch a knot in my shorts. I am here to tell you I am a better person because of it(As one person put it..."keep the rough stuff ON the field and NOT on the sidelines.") In my estimation a player will not be able to take the pressure on the field if he can not take the pressure on the sidelines. Lets take a good look at both sides of the situation.

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+4 #9 Guest 2011-02-12 14:10

As the mother of a former LHS football player, I think this is lesson for all. Coaches...under NO circumstances is it OK to put your hands on a player! In this lawsuit crazy society, that is just asking for it. Coach Wheeler is a fine man, but like many coaches let his "passions" get the best of him. The Board would not have made this decision had he not laid his hands on a player. He left them no choice. It's unfortunate, but I pray that Coach Wheeler will control his temper in the future at his next job. He's truly a wonderful man who, obviously, made a terrible mistake. Parents: Do not hesitate to express your concerns to the school. They want to hear it. It's their job to protect students from harm as best they can. Students: Your love and support for Coach Wheeler is heart-warming and I know he's proud of each and every one of you who signed the Facebook page and petition. Football is a wonderful sport that teaches many life lessons. The lesson of this situation is simple: Keep the rough stuff ON the field and NOT on the sidelines. These are people's children NOT to be hit and verbally abused by those in authority. Period.

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+7 #8 Guest 2011-02-12 11:20

Unlike coaches all over Bay Rivers and Peninsula, Paul Wheeler was highly qualified to teach high school Social Studies, Math and PE. That ability provided flexibility at LHS in meeting the needs of students' schedules. The lost of a great coach is sad enough,but the lost of a solid professional and caring teacher at the high school level is another. Good luck to Coach Wheeler

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-7 #7 Guest 2011-02-12 00:32

Just look at how both sides, IN THE PUBLIC, were drug through the local "mud"? THAT is the local approach and solution now on?

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+18 #6 Guest 2011-02-11 11:52

If he is a good history teacher then that is a greater loss than any coach of any sport. In the future if you get ticked off at the administration, swallow your pride, cool off and don't turn in your resignation. Obviously, someone wanted him gone and he gave them the chance by resigning. This is a good lesson for kids. Think before you react.

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-13 #5 Guest 2011-02-11 11:39

Coach was a great motivator, no doubt. I cringe at the thought of a player not being able to take a hearty, hands on, talking to....and what precident this parent has set! There are procedures in place for a reason. But, LHS football is ready to move forward and prepare for next season...so let's do it!

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0 #4 Guest 2011-02-11 09:58

It's very unfortunate that a school lost a good leader and mentor because of one bad apple.....the old scenario can be said here "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" and all it takes NOW in this day and age is for ONE to go against many and make it happen. The US is becoming a VERY political state in which everyone is afraid of being sued.....we all know that if he didn't lose his job then this parent would have sued the school system and probably win. Sorry, just disturbed about the entire idea.

We would GLADLY welcome Mr. Wheeler down the street as head coach for the Lions.

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-8 #3 Guest 2011-02-11 08:01

So who gunna be da coach? :sad:

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-8 #2 Guest 2011-02-11 07:49

We thank Mr Wheeler for his many years of service to our kids. And we applaud the school board and administration for their correct decisions and professional handling of this matter.

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+26 #1 Guest 2011-02-11 07:12

Great job Amber, thanks so much for covering this story with dedication and passion and thank you WYDaily for being our hometown online news source.

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