Wool was so much more than X's and O's

Lou Wool knew what it was like to be part of a success-filled high school basketball program.

The starting guard and team captain of Evanston's 1984 team that suffered its only loss in the Class AA state championship game was driven to bring that success to Wheeling.

But after a difficult 10th season on and off the court, Wool realized it was best for himself and the school to step aside. He made the announcement of his resignation to his players on Tuesday.

"I really guess it boiled down to I was kind of exhausted mentally and physically and emotionally," Wool said late Tuesday afternoon. "I poured everything I had into coaching and I guess you could say the tank hit empty.

"I always promised myself if I wasn't able to give everything I had I would step away."

Wool, who departs with a 100-170 record, gave Wheeling its only trip to a Mid-Suburban League title game in 2004. That team led by Alex Washington, Alex Yekelchik and Dan Rukavina won the program's first division title since 1973.

Washington, a two-time all-area pick who played at Augustana, could tell Wool was drained when they talked for nearly an hour last Friday. Wool has continued to be a mentor to Washington in his current position as a freshman coach at perennial state power Rock Island.

"He is a kind, caring and genuine individual," Washington said Tuesday via e-mail. "The lessons he taught me both on and off the court are the lessons I will keep for the rest of my life.

"He's always stressed the importance of education to all of his players, which is the best tool for success in life.

"I'm grateful to have played for him and even more grateful to have been part of the conference championship for him and to have a friend for life in him. There's not a person I can think of that has a true desire to help kids succeed and who will truly do anything to help them on that pat h to success."

That meant playing the game right on and off the court.

Wool took his players to help at homeless shelters and to have pizza parties with Special Olympians. They read to kids at Tarkington School and went to sing songs at retirement homes during the holidays.

"I always thought that was important for the kids," Wool said.

"That's why we would have been clearly happy for him to continue on here," said Wheeling assistant principal for student activities Steve May. "He did so much for the school and these kids and the community."

But the last two years took an even heavier toll than usual on Wool that went beyond 7-19 and 4-23 records. Just before Christmas, his mom Bunny lost her battle with cancer. About a month earlier his dad Leon, a fixture at Wheeling games and the program's biggest fan, suffered a broken leg.

So, that's why if he couldn't give the best he demanded of his players, he knew it was time to do what was best for Wheeling.

"I feel really lucky to have the chance to coach great kids year after year and coach at a great school," Wool said. "Everybody there has always been wonderful whether it's been a winning season or losing season."

Wool hopes to stay in the program - possibly at the lower-key freshman level.

"I can't say I have the desire to be a head coach again where I'm at right now," Wool said. "I love teaching U.S. History and law and I do like coaching.

"I love working with kids and coaching at the freshman level, I could see doing that for a long, long time."

Which could be a great fit for Lou Wool and Wheeling.

mmaciaszek@dailyherald.com