Check out this article on sourcing local talent for building a better Wesleyan Athletics. An excerpt from the article: “It’s very important for us to get kids from the Middletown area on our team,” said Whalen. “President [Michael] Roth and I have talked about better connections between Wesleyan and the community in athletics. What we want are kids from winning high school programs and outstanding traditions. Xavier has that and what Sal Morello has done in bringing Middletown High back is very important. It’s one thing to want the kids to come to Wesleyan, it’s another thing for the kids themselves to choose Wesleyan — and to get through the daunting acceptance process of one of nation’s most selective schools.”