Henry A. Wheat Jr.
Lacrosse
Geneva HS

As student-athlete at Geneva High School and later at Hobart College, Henry Wheat Jr. became a local sports hero. This was not the first time the Wheat name was popularized. Henry’s great-grandfather was one of the original inhabitants of this area after he purchased land from the Phelps-Gorham Purchase in the early 19th century. This was, however, the first time a Wheat demonstrated their dominance on the athletic fields. After his secondary education in Geneva, Manlius, and the Pawling School on the Hudson, Henry enrolled at Hobart College. At Hobart, Henry became a lacrosse sensation, successfully defending their goal throughout the 1921-1924 campaigns. The most exceptional year came in 1922 when he allowed only 22 goals in their 7 game season for a Goal Against Average of 3.14/game. During this 1922 season Henry helped guide Hobart to victories over teams from Cambridge and Oxford University and an 11-0 shutout against Harvard. His efforts earned him a spot on the inaugural United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse All-America Team, a team that voted him as their team spokesman. He went on to be named the Third Team All-America in 1923 and Honorable Mention for the 1924 campaign.

Henry’s excellence extended beyond the athletic field as well. As a member of the 1924 class, he was voted class president and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Society. Following graduation, Henry worked for Geneva General Electric Co. and eventually became a prominent local realtor, owning the Henry Wheat Jr. Realty Firm. His athletic leadership translated well into community leadership as he became an Alderman of the 1st Ward and was an officer in the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. Henry Wheat Jr. was an exceptional athlete and an exceptional man.