Transferring schools is one thing, but transferring to a new school and becoming the starting quarterback is another. Junior Reece Wheeler did just that.
After leaving Liberty High School and coming to West High, Wheeler set out on a mission to become the starting quarterback for the upcoming 2025 fall football season.
He began his education at West High in the winter of last year. As a sophomore, he was brought into a football team that had just finished up their best season in five years, making it to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2018. The Trojans were also losing their starting quarterback, Jack Wallace ’25, a key player in the team’s success that season.
Wheeler saw the loss of such an impactful player as an opportunity to step up and lead. With a goal in mind and a vision to fulfill, he spent time on and off the field preparing for the upcoming season.
Coming from Liberty as a backup quarterback, Wheeler wanted a chance to prove himself to the team and coaches to become the starter. As soon as his transfer was approved, Wheeler started winter training with the football team.
Working towards being the starter, Wheeler showed up every morning before school for team lifting. He asserted himself early as a leader, always stepping up and motivating the team during the morning lifts. He knew that becoming a starter wasn’t going to be easy.
Being a quarterback wasn’t the only thing Wheeler was focused on. Coming into a new team environment, he had to earn the respect of his teammates and coaches and build trust and chemistry with his receiving core and running backs, with senior running back Campbell Janis being one of the main components.
“I feel like we both have great trust in each other to do our jobs, and if things don’t go our way, we can talk them out,” Janis said.
Another player Wheeler became close with was wide receiver Ethan Headings ’26. Throughout the summer, Headings became Wheeler’s favorite target. They worked on building a strong sense of trust in each other at each practice, and during the first few weeks of the regular season, they showcased their amazing teamwork.
After crossing the midway point of the season, Wheeler and Headings have connected 31 times for 913 yards, leading the class of 5A with the most receiving yards. Also, in week two, Headings broke the single-game touchdown record at West High thanks to Wheeler’s throwing.
“Contributing to something like that wasn’t a goal of mine, but it speaks volumes to the effort this team has put in over the winter and summer, and it means a lot, especially in my first year here,” Wheeler said.
Heading into week seven, the Trojans hold a record of 5-1, with their one loss being to Liberty High School. This week, the Trojans take on Davenport Central High School on Thursday, looking to improve their record to 6-1.
