Joplin, Mo. - Missouri Southern Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach Mike Wheeler has made the decision to retire following the completion of the 2023-24 season, as announced today by MSSU Director of Athletics Rob Mallory. Taking over prior to the 2010-11 season, Wheeler has led the golf programs for the past 14 years. 

"I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Mike Wheeler for his extraordinary service to Missouri Southern and our student-athletes over the past 14 years as head golf coach," said Mallory. "His contributions over that time have been significant and impactful. He was instrumental in starting the women's golf program in 2018. His teams have consistently been highly competitive on the course and have performed exceptionally well in the classroom and the community. Beyond that, Mike's personal generosity has provided our student-athletes access to outstanding training facilities and equipment, enabling them to thrive in an extremely tough competitive conference and region. As he steps away at the end of this season, he leaves us in a tremendous position to hire new leadership and continue the upward trajectory of our golf programs."

"The opportunity to take over this position came at a time in my life where I wasn't sure what I was going to do, and it turned out to be a great decision for me, and I hope that others have benefited as much as I have," Wheeler commented. "Without the people that have helped me on the way, particularly coaches Derek Skaggs, Maggie Moore, Adam Vining, Phil Walker, and Butch Vernon, it wouldn't have been possible." 

Wheeler led the men's team to a historical 2022-23 season, winning both the MIAA regular season and tournament championship, the first time in program history both have been won in the same season. He was named the MIAA Coach of the Year and Tradgon McCrae was named the MIAA Golfer of the Year. Additionally, for the first time under Wheeler, the men's team qualified for Super Regionals. 

Over his career at Missouri Southern, Wheeler has coached eight All-MIAA selections, taken one team and four different individuals to regional tournaments, and helped the teams to a total of nine tournament victories. He served a vital role in launching the women's program in 2018-19, and has helped them grow over their short career. 

In March of this season, the women's team won the Konzem Invitational, securing the top six individual placements. Additionally, the women's team is regionally ranked for the first time in program history. 

The men's team has also had success this season, winning four of the nine tournaments they've played in. Heading into the final MIAA designated event, the men's team is currently second in the MIAA rankings, just two points behind the leader. 

Following his retirement, Wheeler says "I'm going to do some fishing, spend some time with my family, do some traveling, maybe even play some golf, you never know."

There will be a National search for the next head men's and women's golf coach at Missouri Southern, beginning immediately.