Men's Soccer | 12/22/2020 9:34:00 AM

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. – Bloomsburg University head men's soccer coach Danny Wheelan has announced that he will be stepping down from the position. A nationwide search to find his replacement is already underway.
 
In the interim, head women's soccer coach Matt Haney will serve as the men's soccer team's coach until a replacement is hired.
 
"I would like to thank Dr. McFarland, the athletic department staff, alumni, student-athletes, and local community members for the trust and support they have shown me during my time here at Bloomsburg University," said Wheelan. "This is an outstanding institution and community, and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to lead the men's soccer team over the last three years. This program has been a big part of my life since I arrived on campus as a graduate assistant coach for Coach (Paul) Payne over eight years ago, so making the decision to leave was not easy for me." 
 
Wheelan returned to Bloomsburg in January of 2018 to replace the program's all-time winningest coach, Paul Payne, who retired following the 2017 season. Wheelan went 15-20-1 and guided six student-athletes to All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) accolades in his two seasons at the helm of the men's soccer program. Additionally, Carter Luckenbaugh (York, Pa./Central York) earned All-Region and Scholar All-Region honors from United Soccer Coaches while being named to the PSAC Fall Top 10 after the 2019 campaign.
 
The team was also awarded a United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award following the 2019-20 academic year – the first time the program earned the honor since 2013. The team had a 3.30 cumulative grade point average.
 
The 2020 season, however, was inevitably canceled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.   
 
"I am grateful to have had the opportunity with a great group of student-athletes and I would like to thank them for making my time here enjoyable and rewarding," added Wheelan. "I would also like to thank my assistant coaches that have worked with me here for their part in putting the program in a strong position moving into the future.  Bloomsburg will always mean a great deal to me and I am now looking forward to what the future holds for me and my family."
 
The Wheelan-led Huskies went 8-9-1 in 2018 – a three-win improvement from the previous year. The eight victories also marked the most wins under a first-year head coach in program history. Bloomsburg went 7-11 in 2019 but had five players earn All-PSAC accolades – the most in one year since 2008.

Wheelan served as Payne's graduate assistant coach during the 2012 and 2013 campaigns while also serving in the same capacity for the women's soccer program in 2012.
 
"On behalf of the entire Bloomsburg University community, I want to thank Coach Wheelan for his excellent years of service as the men's soccer head coach," said Dr. Michael McFarland, Director of Athletics.  "Danny made a positive impact on the lives of his players and helped to prepare them for the next chapter in their careers. He also started the foundation of keeping our men's soccer program moving in the right direction. He will certainly be missed."
 
"I will continue to support the University, the athletic department, and the men's soccer program," concluded Wheelan. "I look forward to seeing the team go on to achieve great success both on- and off-the-field."