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Jerry Whelchel, who was honored posthumously, was the consummate three-sport star when three-sport athletes were the norm rather than the exception. Whelchel, a captain as a senior, was a quarterback for the Warriors, but was equally dangerous throwing or running the ball. He was a three-year varsity player and a two-year starter behind center, never losing a football game while at Wayland.
Whelchel was also a standout in basketball. He led the team in scoring as a senior, averaging 18.1 points per game. He helped lead the Warriors to the third round of the prestigious Tech Tournament before Wayland was eliminated by Marshfield, 64-52.
During the spring months, Whelchel, a middle infielder, also shined on the diamond. He batted .419 for a strong Warrior team his senior year.
Whelchel went to UMass Amherst and enjoyed an outstanding football career for the the Redmen. He was All-Yankee Conference his junior and senior years and won the Bulger Lowe Award as New England's top player in 1964. Over the course of his career, Whelchel rushed for 13 touchdowns and passed for an additional 17. UMass was 22-5-1 (14-1 in the Yankee Conference) with Whelchel behind center. He led the team to the Tangerine Bowl his senior year where he was the game's MVP in a losing cause.
Whelchel was drafted by the San Diego Chargers of the American Football League in 1965. Whelchel passed away Sept. 23, 2004. |
