Paul Wackerly
Paul Wackerly, son of James & Donna Wackerly (Bresson), brother to three sisters and three brothers was born and raised in Canton, Ohio. Paul graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 1977 where he was a member of the varsity wrestling team.
Coach Wackerly had a 33 year varsity coaching career, 30 years as a girls coach and three years as a boys coach at four different high schools. He began at his alma mater, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, where he spent six seasons, winning district titles in 1993 and 1994. From there he moved on to North Canton Hoover where he coached for the next 14 seasons.
NORTH CANTON HOOVER – Division I
The challenging decision for him to leave his alma mater was made with support from his wife and his lifelong basketball mentor and friend, Joe Eaton, who was the Athletic Director at Hoover at the time. Paul became the most successful coach in the school’s history, with a record of 252-74 over 14 seasons, a winning percentage of 77%. Under his leadership, the Vikings garnered 8 Federal League Championships, 8 Sectional Titles, 3 District Runner-Up Titles, 5 District Titles, 3 Elite Eight appearances and 1 Regional Championship. The program achieved its first and only Division I State Championship in 2002, compiling an impressive 26-1 record for the season. He also earned 6 Federal League COY awards, 3 District IV COY awards, 3 Northeast Inland COY awards, and 1 Associated Press COY awarded at conclusion of 2001-2002 season.
MASSILLON PERRY – Division I (BOYS)
Coach Wackerly spent the next 3 years at Massillon Perry compiling a record of 43-24, 64%. They became a formidable opponent in the Federal League during his reign. In his second season they accomplished a feat that hadn’t been done in 11 years by winning the Federal League and were District runner-up. Coach was named Federal League Coach of the Year as well. Upon completion of his third season Paul decided to leave the coaching arena, which ultimately only lasted a year as an opportunity to coach at GlenOak presented itself and off he went…
GLENOAK – Division I
At the helm of the Eagles, Paul became the owner of the winningest % to date in school history, 10 seasons, 166-73, 70%. During his tenure the program compiled 5 Federal League Championships, the first in his initial season with 8 returning seniors was quite an accomplishment as the last Federal Legue Title was won 21 years prior; 7 Sectional Titles; 4 District Runner-Up Titles; 3 District Titles; 3 Elite Eight appearances; 2 Regional Championships and State Semi appearances in 2019 and 2020. Sadly, in 2020 the State Final Four was cancelled due to Coronavirus. During his career at GlenOak Paul was awarded Federal League COY on 3 occasions; District IV COY twice; OHSBCA Division I COY for the 2018-19 season.
Paul’s impressive regular season career record stands at 526-238 (70%), a tournament overall record of 68-31(70%) and ten seasons with at least 20 wins. Throughout his career, it was a point of emphasis that he scheduled games against some of the top-ranked teams in the state, taking considerable pride in readying his team to confront superior opponents and encouraging them to surpass expectations. Paul expresses his heartfelt thanks to all the members of his coaching staffs, the numerous student athletes, their parents, and the friends and family who have supported him during this remarkable journey. He offers special thanks to his wife of 44 years, Jean, whose unwavering support and passion for his endeavors have been instrumental in his success. Their son Bret resides in North Canton with his wife and children.