A 40-year association with the Penrith Cricket Club is officially over, with club legend and head coach Michael Wholohan calling it quits.
Penrith Cricket Club President Paul Goldsmith announced the surprise news last week that Wholohan wouldn’t be continuing in the role of men’s club coach next season.
“After a number of discussions with Michael about his role with the club, he has decided now is the right time to take a break from the club’s head coach position,” Goldsmith said.
“It is an understatement when I say that he will be missed.”
Wholohan has been coaching at Penrith since the 1996/97 season, and has been associated with the club as a player since 1979.
The local teacher has been a part of many of the club’s high points – club championships, multiple premierships – and has seen many players go on to representative cricket, including Australian Test vice-captain Pat Cummins.
“In addition to his coaching successes, ‘Whools’ has a long and proud history with the club as a player. He’s also been the leader of the club’s celebrations – we all have a ‘Whooly’ story,” Goldsmith said.
“I’m sure we will see ‘Whooly’ around Howell Oval over the course of the season, when you do see him be sure to say thank you for his service to our great club.”
Wholohan’s departure ends his incredible reign as the longest serving club coach in Sydney.
Penrith Cricket Club is now on the hunt for a new head coach, which will be confirmed in the coming weeks, Goldsmith said.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.