Upland HS’s newest athletic director, Bo Whieldon, is thriving
UPLAND, Calif. — Upland High School made a strong selection in new Athletic Director, Bo Whieldon, who began in September 2020. If heart has anything to do with success, this athletic department will thrive in the coming years. While beginning his role in the throes of a pandemic, where sports were not able to operate, Bo currently is overseeing around 18 team’s schedules at once! Bo has incredible goals for the student athletes, coaches, as well as the connection to the community. Here’s an inside look at this athletic leader.
Bo lived in Norco, growing up playing many sports, then moved to Upland, then back to Norco, where he attended high school and soccer became his main passion. After high school, he went on to play at the collegiate level at Fullerton Junior College. Bo’s coaching career began at Norco High School where he was the assistant coach for boys’ varsity soccer. Through these years, Bo got his teaching credential and returned to Upland High School, teaching in the science department. Opportunity arose, when the girls’ varsity soccer coaching position opened up and Bo, having two daughters, decided it was the perfect fit. He coached in this role for 14 years. He shares his highlight is winning CIF Division 1 State Championships in 2018 and 2020. Bo’s daughters also play soccer and both received athletic scholarships to Washington State. His oldest, Shayna, recently graduated and his youngest, Marin, is a freshman. Megan Whieldon, Bo’s wife, grew up playing basketball, so this sporty family know how to support each other. It goes without saying, that anyone in the sports coaching community do not get there on their own. Family commitment is essential.
Bo is excited to bring his vision to the school and community. He wants to increase access and experiences through an athletic council, engaging students to be more involved in not only seeing the end result, but in the process of developing themselves and their teams. He also wants to offer more coaching education and believes one of the best things he can do for students is to promote and offer assistance in maintaining strong academics. Bo sees an increased need to connect this program, and all that it entails, with the surrounding community. His belief that developing good kids, with integrity is, at the end of the day, the best gift he can provide. His plans include outreach – for instance, working with the YMCA as well as elementary and junior high schools in different facets.
Having a personal stake in something makes all the difference. Bo acknowledges the need to continue certain important traditions. Bottom line: He is proud to represent Upland High School and wants every local young person to feel the same way. Retaining local kids is important to him. To his athletes he always says, “While you walk around town in your team’s gear, people look at you and know you are good kids representing a great school and community.”
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