Bill Text: SC H4462 | 2021-2022 | 124th General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Jeff Whalen, retirement
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 81-43)
Status: (Passed) 2021-06-21 - Introduced and adopted [H4462 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2021-H4462-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO CONGRATULATE JEFF WHALEN ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM HEATHWOOD HALL EPISCOPAL SCHOOL AS DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS, TO EXTEND DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HIS TWENTY-THREE YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE SCHOOL AND TO HIS PLAYERS, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, Jeff Whalen was born in Watertown, New York, and was educated at Immaculate Heart Central in New York State, where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. Following high school, he earned his bachelor's degree in physical education at SUNY Cortland after attending Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts. While at Dean College, he played football and basketball; and
Whereas, after college, Jeff both played and coached for the Watertown Red and Black, the oldest semipro football team in the United States, before becoming the athletic director at the McLean School in Potomac, Maryland, where he coached lacrosse while also coaching basketball at Northwood High School. His coaching career led him back to his high school alma mater, where he was the junior varsity basketball coach, varsity football coach, and varsity lacrosse coach; and
Whereas, in 1987, he accepted a teaching and coaching position at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, where he was the defensive coordinator in football and head women's basketball coach. Two years later, he was hired by Cardinal Newman High School, where he served as the athletic director, head football coach, head men's basketball coach, and head golf coach; and
Whereas, during his four years at Cardinal Newman, Coach Whalen led the Cardinals to their only football state championship in school history. His basketball team also made the state championship game, only to lose to Heathwood Hall; and
Whereas, after four years at Cardinal Newman, he accepted a position at Metairie Park Country Day School in Metairie, Louisiana, as the director of athletics and head men's basketball coach and golf coach. Under his leadership, the basketball team reached the state playoffs, and the golf team won the Louisiana state championship in 1994 and was the state runner-up in 1995; and
Whereas, in 1998, Coach Whalen returned to Heathwood Hall as the Highlander's director of athletics and head boys basketball coach, and has left an indelible mark on the school. Among his achievements on the court, the basketball program won the state championship in 2011, and reached the state finals in 2010 and 2012; and
Whereas, season after season, Highlander spectators, especially those watching football and basketball games, almost always have been treated to seeing a Whalen playing, coaching, or attending to details at the ticket gate, the scorer's table, or on the sidelines. Jeff, Karen, his wife of twenty-five years, and their five sons, J.D., Tyler, Brett, Mac, and Morgan, all proud Heathwood alumni, have been a constant in Highlander athletics for over two decades. Not many families have left such an impressive and important imprint on an institution. Coach Whalen's retirement is effective July 1, 2021; and
Whereas, the House is grateful for the legacy of dedication and service Jeff Whalen has given to Heathwood Hall Episcopal School and to athletics throughout our State. He is a champion of sportsmanship, character, and class, losing and winning with grace. A gentleman who appreciates the life skills learned through the pursuit of excellence in sports, Coach Whalen has left an indelible mark on Heathwood athletics. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulates Jeff Whalen on his retirement from Heathwood Hall Episcopal School as director of athletics, extends deep appreciation for his twenty-three years of service to the school and to his players, and wishes him continued success in all his future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Jeff Whalen.
