Clint Wheeler, remembered as a “gentle giant” and one of Ashland Tomcats’ best big men of the 1960s, died Thursday at age 77.
Standing 6-foot-7, Wheeler was a dominant presence for the Tomcats from 1963 to 1966, scoring 1,297 points in three seasons — still among the top 20 in program history. As a senior, he helped lead Ashland to the 16th Region championship and a trip to the Sweet Sixteen, where the Tomcats fell to Louisville Male in the quarterfinals.
Wheeler was also part of what many still consider the greatest game in Ashland Invitational Tournament history — a double-overtime, 94-91 loss to No. 1 Louisville Male during his junior season. Hopes for a rematch at state were dashed when Mt. Sterling upset Ashland, 56-53, in the 1965 regional final — a stunning loss marked by uncharacteristic poor shooting and costly turnovers in the closing minutes.
At the time, Ashland was ranked fourth in the state and considered a strong contender for the championship under coach Bob Wright, who left for Morehead State after that season.
As a high school senior, under coach Harold Cole, Wheeler averaged 18.2 points per game, finishing with 18 in his final outing — an 82-63 loss to eventual state champion Louisville Male. He had 29 points in the regional semifinals against Rowan County and 21 in the championship win over Russell.
Rupp signs pair of Tomcats
The next year, Wheeler and teammate Benny Spears, a transfer from GreenupMcKell, led the Tomcats back to the top of the region. Both later signed scholarships with legendary UK coach Adolph Rupp — one of only three times Rupp recruited two players from the same high school class.
Neither saw much playing time in Lexington. Spears departed early, while Wheeler stayed despite playing behind UK great Dan Issel. Though his minutes were limited, Wheeler remained part of a top-ranked 1970 Kentucky team that was upset by Jacksonville in the NCAA Tournament. His time in Lexington also helped forge lifelong friendships and professional connections.
A ‘gentle giant’ remembered
Bill Lynch, Wheeler’s teammate and classmate, remembered him fondly: “He was a gentle giant, a great guy, good friend and teammate. Too bad he played behind Mr. Issel.” Lynch’s younger brother, Bob, was a sophomore that year and went on to star for Alabama after breaking into Ashland’s starting lineup after the AIT.
Family ties and faith
Wheeler came from a family deeply connected to the University of Kentucky. His brother, Bill, played football for UK under Paul “Bear” Bryant, and his father served as a UK economics professor. Clint earned his bachelor’s degree from the university before building a successful career in pharmaceutical sales. He also served in the Kentucky National Guard until 1973.
According to his obituary, Wheeler cherished attending UK games with close friends and former teammates Terry Mills and Stan Key.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and Christian, Wheeler was a longtime member of Church of the Savior in Nicholasville. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn; their son Joshua (Alison); and four grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Church of the Savior, 1301 Brannon Road in Nicholasville, with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. and services beginning at 11.
MARK MY WORDS 2 
Mark, so sorry to read of the passing of Clint Wheeler. Clint was indeed a fine basketball player and a really fine person. My Thomas Jefferson team played Ashland at our place that year and Clint as usual had a great game. We also played in the State tournament that year with Clint and the Tomcats.Sad to hear of his passing but I know where he is today and so do you.
LikeLike