Wheeling University Men's Basketball Coach Chris Richardson has been awarded the Joe Retton MEC Coaches of the Year by WV MetroNews. Under his leadership, the Cardinals marked a significant turnaround, improving their record by nine wins to finish 19-9 overall and earning the #3 seed in the MEC Tournament. Richardson highlighted the honor as a reflection of his team's collective efforts and expressed deep respect for Coach Joe Retton, after whom the award is named. This recognition comes during a season where the team excelled offensively and defensively, showcasing a balanced playstyle.

By the Numbers
  • Wheeling finished with a 19-9 overall record and a 14-6 MEC record.
  • The Cardinals achieved a nine-win improvement compared to the previous season.
State of Play
  • Richardson has led the Cardinals to increasing win totals for four consecutive seasons.
  • Wheeling has made the MEC Men's Basketball Tournament six times during Richardson's tenure.
What's Next

The Wheeling Men鈥檚 Basketball team is gearing up for the 2026-2027 season, aiming to build upon this year鈥檚 momentum and continue their upward trajectory in performance and wins.

Bottom Line

Coach Chris Richardson's achievement as Joe Retton MEC Coach of the Year underscores a remarkable turnaround for Wheeling Men's Basketball, which reflects not only his coaching acumen but also the hard work and dedication of the entire program. This honor sets a promising foundation for future seasons.