Don Wheeler Named Norwood Head Hockey Coach-This Day In Norwood History-September 14, 1962

By FRANK WALL

Don Wheeler of 264 Dean Street, Norwood, has been named head hockey coach at Norwood High School for the 1962-63 season. Assistant and freshman coach at Norwood last year, he replaces Bob Richards, who is now in the Newton school system.

Don Is a hometown boy. He was born in Norwood and attended schools here, graduating from Norwood High in 1952. Wheeler was a star hockey player for Norwood, playing for three years. In his senior year, he was the team’s high scorer and made the Bay State All-Star team.

After graduating from Norwood High, he attended Springfield College where he graduated in 1956. At Springfield, he majored in physical education and also played on the hockey team. In his senior year, he was the 13th high scorer in the East with 74 points. In addition to hockey in college, he was active as a back on the football team and also played soccer, and was on the gymnastics team.

After college, Wheeler joined the Marines for four years. Serving In the Far East at Okinawa and Japan, he finished his tour with one year in California where he again put on the skates and played for the base hockey team. He was the high scorer and also captain of his team.

Back in civilian life, Don became a teacher in the Norwood school system. He is now teaching science and math at the Norwood Junior High. He was married this past summer to Mary Jane Carpenter of Dedham His father is Clifford Wheeler, who has been a teacher at Norwood High for the past 30 years.

Don in recent years has played hockey for the Norwood Mercs, Worcester Warriors, and Walpole Town Club.

He is very happy about the new assignment because he loves hockey and enjoys working with boys. He expects a good team in his first year as head coach and anticipates great help from last year’s freshman team.

Mr. Wheeler had this to say to all boys trying out for this year’s hockey team- “Every hoy who comes out for hockey at Norwood this year will be given an equal chance to make the team. I will personally watch every boy, and no one will make the team until he proves to me he deserves the honor”.

With an attitude like this, we believe that Don Wheeler will prove to be one of the best coaches. We certainly wish him luck.

(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)