Former University of Maine football standout Manchester “Manch” Wheeler has died, the school announced in a press release on Monday.
Wheeler, who was born in Augusta before graduating from Maine in 1962, was 79.
“The University of Maine football team extends our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Manch Wheeler,” current UMaine head coach Joe Harasymiak said in the press release. “Manch was a tremendous player and ambassador to our football family. His presence at Alfond Stadium will be sorely missed.”
A quarterback on offense, Wheeler led the Black Bears in passing from 1959-61, and also led the team in various other categories throughout his college career.
In his senior season, in 1961, Wheeler helped captain the Black Bears to an 8-0-1 record and a Yankee Conference championship, and he was named the team’s MVP that year.
He went on to play for the Buffalo Bills in the American Football League in 1962.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
