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IMG_0664.MOVWilli H. Wessels (Coach)
Willi H. Wessels (Coach)
Willi coached Whitefish Bay High School Varsity Boys Soccer from 1979-1986. He was Whitefish Bay’s second soccer coach, and employed a “no cuts” policy for the program. He worked with fellow coaches Tom Schmid, Tony Klemm and Dan Stone to accommodate all boys who were interested in soccer, resulting in large rosters, netting about 75 players for the 3 teams.
Willi coached Whitefish Bay High School Varsity Boys Soccer from 1979-1986. He was Whitefish Bay’s second soccer coach, and employed a “no cuts” policy for the program. He worked with fellow coaches Tom Schmid, Tony Klemm and Dan Stone to accommodate all boys who were interested in soccer, resulting in large rosters, netting about 75 players for the 3 teams.
This inclusive policy worked. During his tenure, Whitefish Bay earned 5 conference titles. Before there was a WIAA-sponsored state championship, they won the State Invitational in 1980. In 1982 and 1983, Whitefish Bay won the first two official WIAA state titles in Boys Soccer. Young men coached by Willi at Whitefish Bay went on to play and even coach at the collegiate level, and more importantly to Willi, have a lifelong love of the sport of soccer.
This inclusive policy worked. During his tenure, Whitefish Bay earned 5 conference titles. Before there was a WIAA-sponsored state championship, they won the State Invitational in 1980. In 1982 and 1983, Whitefish Bay won the first two official WIAA state titles in Boys Soccer. Young men coached by Willi at Whitefish Bay went on to play and even coach at the collegiate level, and more importantly to Willi, have a lifelong love of the sport of soccer.
In 1982 during his stellar run leading Whitefish Bay, he was recognized as Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association Coach of the Year. In 1991, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Soccer Hall of Fame, and in 2009 was a member of the inaugural class of the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In addition to his contributions at Whitefish Bay High School, he was a successful player and coach at the Bavarian Soccer Club in Glendale.
In 1982 during his stellar run leading Whitefish Bay, he was recognized as Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association Coach of the Year. In 1991, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Soccer Hall of Fame, and in 2009 was a member of the inaugural class of the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In addition to his contributions at Whitefish Bay High School, he was a successful player and coach at the Bavarian Soccer Club in Glendale.
Willi emphasized fair play. He expected respect for teammates, referees, and opponents. He liked to disprove the saying “Nice guys finish last.” And the record shows that nice guys can finish first.
Willi emphasized fair play. He expected respect for teammates, referees, and opponents. He liked to disprove the saying “Nice guys finish last.” And the record shows that nice guys can finish first.
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