25 Years of Bearcat Football: A Celebration of Legacy and Community
Last night, we came together to celebrate 25 years of Wheeler Football by welcoming back alumni and coaches who helped build the foundation of what our program has become. A huge thank-you to every player, coach, family member, and fan who has been part of the Bearcat story over the years.
A Quarter Century of Bearcat Football
Wheeler Football started 25 years ago with a simple idea: not just to form a team, but to create something that would last. Those early seasons had their challenges. But those first players and coaches showed up with heart and pride, setting a tone that would define Bearcat Football for decades. What started as a new and uncertain venture quickly became a program defined by grit, pride, and community.
Since then, the program has grown into a tradition built on hard work, community, and resilience. Generations of athletes have worn the green and orange, learning lessons that go far beyond the field about teamwork, commitment, and never backing down.
Building a Winning Tradition
It didn’t take long for Wheeler to make a name for itself. By 2003, just four years in, the Bearcats captured their first LAC Blue Conference Championship. The success kept building from there as Wheeler went on to win multiple Greater South Shore Conference titles in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2015. Under Coach Dan Klimczak, the 2011 team went 14–2 and finished undefeated in conference play, a season still remembered as one of the best in school history.
Over the years, the Bearcats have stacked up more than 160 wins and have consistently been known for their tough defense and strong sense of unity. More recently, Coach Nick Testa has carried that momentum forward, earning GSSC Coach of the Year honors in 2024 and helping the team continue to grow both on and off the field. Our 2025 Wheeler Bearcats remain undefeated this season!
Head Coaches Through the Years:
Chip Pettit (2000), Phil Mason (2001–2005), Dan Klimczak (2006–2011), Tony Klimczak (2012–2016), Adam Hudak (2017–2020), Robert Kania (2021–2022), and Nick Testa (2023–present)
Each coach has brought something different with new energy, goals, and traditions, but all shared the same belief in what Bearcat Football stands for. Their legacy lives on in every snap, every whistle, and every Bearcat who walks onto that field ready to carry it forward.
Built by Bearcats
“Bearcat Built” isn’t just a saying. It’s a reminder of the players who practiced in the heat, coaches who stayed late, parents who drove to every game, and fans who filled the stands no matter the score. The alumni who returned last night are proof of what this program is really about: effort, integrity, and community. So much of what our team does today, from pregame routines to offseason training, comes from the values those early players and coaches started years ago.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate 25 years of Bearcat Football, we’re also looking forward. Today’s players are the next chapter in this story, carrying on the same pride, toughness, and teamwork that have always defined Wheeler.
We look forward to continued crowds and Bearcat spirit as our 2025 team has a 6–0 record and a perfect 3–0 mark in conference play. The team’s focus and energy have been outstanding, and players are confident their hard work can carry them deep into the tournament. With strong leadership and a united team spirit, the Bearcats are determined to make this season one to remember. We hope to see everyone next Friday at our Homecoming Game!
Thank you to everyone who helped make this milestone special. Bearcat Football wouldn’t be what it is without you. 🧡💚
