Kurt Wheeler of Cazenovia CSD Named Northeast US Coach of the Year

Jan. 3, 2025

Cazenovia Central School District’s former longtime girls outdoor track and field coach has been recognized by a national organization as the 2023-2024 New York State and National Section 1 Girls Outdoor Track and Field Coach of the Year. Section 1 includes eight states in the Northeastern region of the United States.

“Winning this award wasn’t about personal recognition; it’s always been about the teams and the athletes. I’m incredibly honored by the award, but I share it with all the dedicated athletes who have maintained their intensity and diligence on the track and in life,” said Kurt Wheeler, father of four daughters who all participated in track. “Much credit goes to my wife and family for their patience and understanding, for all those track meets and missed dinners.” 

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) recently honored Wheeler, a retired Cazenovia social studies teacher, with the distinction for his exceptional contributions during the 2023-24 school year. To be considered for the award, coaches must be actively leading their teams during the award year and be nominated by their state association, often in collaboration with the state coaches’ association. 

Once nominated, coaches must complete a profile form providing detailed information about their coaching experience, professional affiliations, community involvement, and coaching philosophy. This form must be approved by the state athletic association's executive director to move forward in the selection process.

“The Cazenovia CSD extends our heartfelt congratulations to Coach Wheeler on this well-deserved recognition,” said Superintendent Chris Difulvio. “We are incredibly proud to have him in our school community. This award is a testament to his dedication, his coaching philosophy, and the incredible achievements of his athletes.”

Wheeler has been a member of the district's coaching staff for 28 years, having coached girls varsity cross country (XC), indoor track, and outdoor track. It all started in the fall of 1996 when Wheeler founded a winter running club. He said the students wanted to compete year-round, so he started an intramural program that turned into an interscholastic team in 1998.

Cazenovia Athletic Administrator Mike Byrnes said Wheeler’s recognition is well deserved. 

“Mr. Wheeler ran a program based on core values where all athletes were treated with dignity and were all equal members of the team,” Byrnes said. “It was based on consistent and continued improvement for all his athletes, which resulted in a stellar competitive result.” 

Byrnes stated that Mr. Wheeler’s NFHS Section I National Coaching Award is the first time a Cazenovia CSD Coach has received this exemplary honor in our school’s history.

Wheeler’s philosophy extends far beyond the track and is rooted in his longtime Marine Corps service. He said he believes athletics serve as a training ground for life, instilling the values of commitment, teamwork, and perseverance to empower young people to become successful citizens. His approach prioritizes a whole-person consideration, recognizing that academics and other interests are crucial in his athletes’ lives. 

“Kids have so much going on in their lives,” said Wheeler. “I look at the athlete as a whole person; they are scholars first, but also musicians, leaders, and members of clubs. I try to understand all of the students’ obligations.” 

Throughout his tenure, Coach Wheeler has led his teams to numerous victories, but he takes immense pride in witnessing the support and encouragement his athletes demonstrate to one another.

“The most important thing is to be a team player, how you treat and care for one another,” said Wheeler. “Building a sense of unity, whether wearing the team sweatshirt or building up team spirit, a sense of belonging and unity is key to our team dynamic.”

Although Wheeler retired from teaching and coaching at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, his dedication extends beyond the athletic field and the classroom. He currently serves as the Mayor of the Village of Cazenovia and has volunteered with numerous community organizations, such as Cazenovia High School’s Project CAFE, a youth-led community service outfit. 

He recently launched his own business, Wheeler Leadership Solutions LLC, applying the principles he used to coach successful athletes to empower adult leaders, organizations, and businesses.
 

Wheeler’s Coaching Records 

Kurt Wheeler had a remarkable coaching career, particularly in Girls' Outdoor Track. With an impressive career record of 115-10, he led his teams to a win-loss total of 85-3 since 2010, including 32 consecutive wins dating back to 2018. In 2024 alone, the team was undefeated at 6-0, winning their 12th OHSL title and sixth sectional championship to help Wheeler's selection as the CNY Track Coach of the Year.  In indoor track, Wheeler's squads captured 10 sectional titles since 2010 including the past three in a row from 2022 to 2024.  In Cross Country, Wheeler accumulated a career record of 137-40 including a run of 86-7 since 2010 and 31 wins in a row dating back to 2020. His cross country teams won seven league titles, four sectional titles, and earned top-5 finishes at the state championship meet three times, including 2022 when he was selected as the CNY XC Coach of the Year.  In total, Coach Wheeler's teams earned 20 sectional championships and 27 league championships during his career.

On an individual level, Wheeler coached countless athletes to sectional championships in their events and helped scores to compete at the state level including two state champions; Paige Biviano and Heather Stec.  Despite all the wins and championships, Wheeler is most proud of the personal impact that he had on scholar-athletes of all ability levels and the culture of teamwork and mutual support that was cultivated on his squads. That was often manifested in the high levels of participation in his programs such as the 56 athletes, including 17 Seniors, on his final track team this spring. In total, the roster-spots on his teams exceeded 2,300 athletes during his 28 year career.