As the school year came to a close, head basketball coach James Wheeler decided to take a new position in the North Kansas City School District. Wheeler has been a basketball coach for 12 years, six of which were at Staley.  Next year, Wheeler will be supervising the high school alternative education program.

In Wheeler’s six years as head coach here he has had many accomplishments.

“I would say restoring schoolwide respect in the men’s basketball program was our biggest,” Wheeler said.

The Fieldhouse this year was full for many games, and the student section was overflowing with students.  The amount of men coming out for basketball are now up, win/loss record improved every year, and he was also able to establish a culture of hard work within the team, which you could see on the court as the varsity team won second in districts.

The school where Wheeler will be teaching next year has no sports or activities, which means no coaching basketball for Wheeler.

“The relationship with players on the court and competing is what I will miss most about coaching,” Wheeler said.   Many players were fortunate enough to not only have him as a coach but also as a friend or role model.

“I’m going to miss him being a good friend and a great coach,” said junior Ryan Bedard.

Many basketball players were shocked to hear the news of Wheeler leaving but said they won’t forget the good times they had on the court with him.

“Coming up in the summer and putting up shots with him in the summer was always fun. The Iowa trip was a lot of fun because all of us players bonded,” junior Anthony Pace said.