Brother extends family legacy
Note: This was originally published on June 15, 2006. We are running this feature again as Coolidge takes on Wickenburg tonight for the state title in 3A, 7:00 p.m. at McClintock High School. Wheeler's stats during the season have been impressive: passing - 76%, 2,016 yds, 29 TD's, 3 Int, 150 QB rating. Rushing - 843 yds, 11 TD's. That's 40 TD's!
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If you asked most prep football coaches to name their key leaders, the answers would likely be quarterback and cornerback. Meet parents Lee and Debra Wheeler, whose two sons have filled the positions simultaneously during their years at Coolidge High. Oldest son Lee Jr, along with Desert Vista QB John Rattay, were the football players recognized as Arizona's Class of 2000 National Football Foundation Scholar Athletes. Together, they accepted scholarships to play for the defending National Champion Tennessee Volunteers. Younger sibling Jesse, has followed an almost identical prep football path as his brother since he entered high school.
Freshman year, Jesse started at corner, and the Bears lost in the first round of the playoffs. Starting at WR as a sophomore, the team lost in the State Championship game. Last year, with Jesse at the helm (QB and C), Coolidge captured the 3A Golden Football Helmet. This born leader, with eye-popping skills, is being pursued by dozens of top colleges and universities, with Washington State, UNLV, Cal, Oregon, Arizona State, and Nevada-Reno presently at the top of the list. But first, Jesse's proud parents, along with the Coolidge community, can enjoy one last ride on the "Wheeler Express."
Name: Wheeler, Jesse
Ht: 5-foot-10
Wt: 160
DOB: 9/18/88
School: Coolidge High
Class: 2007
Coach: Carlos Hernandez
Positions: QB and C
If I could visit any place in the world, it would be:
New York
When I am not playing sports, I am:
Playing video games
My nickname is:
Wheels
My biggest asset to the team is:
Being a leader
Best sports experience:
Being able to play since my freshman year
People would be surprised to know that:
I started my freshman year
Dream profession:
NFL player
Dream car:
Phantom
Someone I very much admire:
My brother
If I had one million dollars, I would:
Buy a car
I can't imagine going a week without:
Sleep
My favorite:
Pro or college player:
Michael Vick
Class:
History
Food:
Soul food
Color:
Blue
Movie:
Friday, next Friday, Friday after next
Music:
Hip-hop and R & B
Actor:
Mike Epps
Actress:
Angelina Jolie
