James Wehsollek – 2007 Athlete
James Wehsollek came to Anderson from just down the road in Alexandria in the fall of 1954 to play football for the Ravens.Wehsollek was a two-way starter on the offensive and defensive line for the Ravens for three years from 1954-56. He is only one of two players in AU football history to be named team MVP three times (1954-56). He was also named to the Hoosier College Conference team after both the 1955-56 seasons.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Anderson University in 1958 and added his master’s degree in Education from Ball State University in 1960 and his EDS in Administration in 1968, also from Ball State.
Off the gridiron, he was active in Sachem Club, Clubs All School Operetta and Men’s Committee.
After college, he returned to Alexandria where he was a teacher, football coach, athletic director, principal, city court judge and mayor for the next 40 years. Along the way, he was the first coach to lead Alexandria to a football championship, was named conference Coach of the Year in 1959 and officiated high school basketball for more than 30 years, including the Hall of Fame and Indiana-Kentucky All-Star games.
He was named the Roy Gardner Award winner as the outstanding official for 1984 and was president of the IHSAA Official’s Association. He also officiated several IHSAA state tournament games in both football and basketball.
Wehsollek married his wife Nancy Clark on July 22, 1956 and they have three children: James, Clark and Todd.
Anderson University is proud to name James Wehsollek to the Athletic Hall of Fame.
