Jim Wheeler is the definition of 'coach'

By Coach Pedersen  |   January 14, 2016, 5:00 p.m.

In every education career, some important people help shape your life. I started teaching in a combined 3rd and 4th grade unit with Norma Johnson and Phyllis Sondergaard. They were superb role models and I learned a ton from them. Throw in my principal John Langehan and I was very blessed.

Down the hall in our gym was a man who helped shape my coaching career. Jimmy Wheeler. Wheels, or the "Bear," as he was known by his students, was my coaching mentor. This short, black-haired man with glasses would prove to be someone I always listened to.

Basketball TeamI first met Wheels when I was in high school. After basketball practice, early in the season, myself and some of my teammates decided to keep shooting basketballs after our practice was over while the girls basketball team was waiting to get on the floor. Their coach, Mr. Wheeler, would come over to us and informed us if we took one more shot we would bury his foot in our fannies. We looked at him and decided he meant business and dropped the balls.

To walk into one of his PE classes a treat. The sound of laughter and kids playing Red Rover or tons of other creative games Wheels presented for his kids. He made the game competitive and had a piece of paper he kept score on so his students would work hard to win the games played.

Golf TeamWheels had an awesome career at West Branch. He coached girls basketball and softball, as well as boys and girls golf. He took all of his teams to the state tournament, winning several state championships, and he was inducted into the Iowa Coaches Hall of Fame. Mention his name and stories will come flying out from the mouths of his peers, all filled with admiration and respect.

As I first began my coaching career, Wheels, who was our athletic director as well, would guide the coaches who worked for him in a concise but organized manner. He would talk X's and O's with you and also encourage you to do things in a positive and meaningful manner. His organizational skills were second to none. I think his wife Pat would make sure Wheels always stayed on task. She was always his number one fan.

Wheels was a coach who demanded his players play hard. His teams would not beat themselves. My wife Jenny played basketball for Wheels and he taught her to throw her hips into the opponent when rebounding. She became a very physical player and Wheels taught her to "get after it."

Jim and Pat have three children: Chris, Robin, and Teri. I had the honor to coach all three of them. They were like their parents and did things the right way. When I coached his kids, who were all outstanding athletes, he was always supportive.

Softball TeamJim was very good at reading people. More than once he would read my feelings on the day of a big game and tell me to relax and enjoy the moment. Win or lose, after my games we would come up to me and tell me how proud he was of my team and me. He had the ability to to make you feel special and want to work hard for him. I never wanted to let him down. He preached you had to work hard and be disciplined to earn the right to be in the big game. He also told me to teach your players to want discipline.

Jim is also a person who always took an interest in your children and family. He followed their accomplishments and made sure they knew he cared and was supportive.

To this day I will get a note from Wheels and a copy of a story that was just run about me or my team. In the envelope will be a note letting me know he is watching my career and still cares about the current team I'm coaching.

Coach Pedersen with refereeJim Wheeler is an "old school" coach. He did things his way and was very successful following that plan. The "Bear" mentored me and played a big part in my success. He was always very detailed in fundamentals. He made solid adjustments versus opponents who were beating him. He taught me to let officials know I was there but also have a relationship with them. He had good discipline but also could relate to his players.

We need more "old school" coaches like Wheels. To me, his way is the only way to coach.

Today, Jim and Pat own a home in Tiffin and a lake home in The Ozarks. They center their lives around their family, but also have time for their friends. Being with the Wheels' always results in a fun time.

The "Bear" touched a lot of lives in the "Branch," and continues to touch lives wherever he goes, mine included.

Thanks, Coach Wheeler.

Butch Pedersen