It’s almost like Eet Gud having its entire building demolished.
That’s how much the sight of Wes “The Media” Mogul will be missed at Nottingham High School.
He was as much a part of the athletic fields scenery as the bakery across the street.
And even more a part of the Nottingham athletic fabric.
Wes died on May 9, from complications due to an auto accident. Over 60 of his 86 years were spent taking photos of Northstar athletes, among other media duties he provided for the football team.
“That void will never be filled,” said former football coach and athletic director Jon Adams, who was Kirkpatrick’s closest friend. “It’s enormous. I don’t know if I can deal mentally with not seeing him on those sidelines or around that school’s athletic facility. We lost the heart and soul of Northstar Nation.”
Indeed, there have been legendary coaches, legendary players and legendary teams at Nottingham, but there was only one Mr. Northstar.
That wasn’t just Kirkpatrick’s nickname, it was his entire essence.
When news of Wes’ passing spread, it reverberated well beyond Hamilton High North. Everyone in the township sports scene knew him as did a lot of coaches and players beyond Hamilton.
For instance, former Princeton High Athletic Director John Curtis posted on Facebook: “Mr. NorthStar was a great friend of all in the Mercer County athletic community. Sincerest condolences to his family. May He Rest In Peace.”
In the same thread, Hamilton West Athletic Director John Costantino, a West grad and also former Steinert AD, wrote that “Wes will be truly missed by everyone in the CVC. He not only captured Nottingham with pride, but also sent his love of capturing student athletes competing to other schools. Hamilton West Athletics will miss Mr Northstar!!”
Notre Dame baseball coach Joe Drulis simply stated: “CVC & Northstar icon.”
High praise from around the county, but it is within the Stars’ Universe that Kirkpatrick’s passing hit hardest. Especially those who have been around Wes for a large portion of their lives — first as Nottingham student-athletes, and then as coaches and teachers.
Here is a small sample size of what Kirkpatrick meant to them:
Baseball coach Charlie Iacono: “I will forever be grateful for the memories Wes provided me, all the student-athletes, and the whole Northstar community. I met Wes as a young freshman, capturing iconic photos throughout my high school years on the soccer and baseball fields, as well as the wrestling mat. I will forever cherish the pictures, emails, texts, traveling destinations, and most importantly, the family conversations. I am going to miss your pregame talks and pacing around the dugout and fields with the camera doing what you do best.”
Former girls basketball coach Lauren (Kelly) Adams: “After Wes’ passing, my social media feed was flooded with tributes and memories of him, everyone eager to share just how much Wes touched his or her life. These tributes came from athletes who graduated well before me, from athletes during my time as a student, and from athletes I coached many years later.
“The impact that Wes has had on generations of Northstar athletes and their families is immeasurable! This type of community response is not simply for a man who took pictures of kids playing sports; they are for a man who took the time to get to know the athletes and their families; for a man who showed up to all sporting events, no matter the season, no matter the sport, no matter the weather; and for a man who made each athlete feel like his or her time in a Nottingham uniform was worthy of capturing.”
Girls basketball coach/football assistant Kyle James: “I honestly don’t know how this fall season is going to look without him being on the sidelines cracking jokes and being Mr. Northstar. Once you were a part of the Nottingham community, you knew it because Wes would give you a high-five or a fist bump, take some pictures, and throw some extra love your way in what you were doing for the school.
“He was THE MAN and everyone’s buddy no matter the sport. There have been so many moments since my time playing to my time coaching that I can’t give a specific moment that sticks out. Just the way he walked onto the field and made everyone light up with a thumbs up and a ‘Go get em,’ it just felt good to have him have all of our backs through the good and bad times.”
Former track & field coach Melissa (Foley) Persichetti: “Wes was and will forever be a staple at Nottingham; he truly defined what it means to be a Northstar. His passion for Nottingham was contagious. He devoted so much time to the Northstar community and captured countless amazing memories on the sports field. He was a devoted fan and an amazing person who cared deeply for others.
“Wes always took the time to engage with parents, athletes, and staff. He genuinely cared about everyone and carried his Northstar Pride so enthusiastically.”
Vice-principal/former field hockey coach/former athletic director Jessie Mull: “I don’t think a single game went by without him there capturing the moment. From the Gatorade he brought us on big game days as students to the roses he handed us at the MCT final against Notre Dame, he always made us feel valued. He even drove to some of my college games to take pictures of me.
“Throughout my own career our sideline talks became a highlight of my days. He wasn’t just a spectator; he was invested in my growth and always asked about my family. He believed in me long before I knew what I was capable of.
“Hearing him say ‘Hey Coach’ always brought me back to my roots. Wes possessed a rare gift for connection, taking the genuine time to get to know every athlete at Nottingham and making each one felt seen. He was a true legend of Nottingham, and I’m honored to have been in his presence.”
Kirkpatrick was born in Syracuse, New York, and moved to Winter Haven, Florida, by way of Arizona and served as a team manager for the University of Florida football team. That began a lifelong love affair with the Gators.
“We always go over to First ‘N Ten after the football games and Wes was always there waiting for us ready to have fun, share some drinks, crack some jokes and pranks, and watch his Gators play,” James said.
After graduating from Florida, Kirkpatrick went cross country to earn a master’s degree in business and food distribution at University of Southern California, and he worked at several different companies while living in Alabama, Georgia and Texas. He moved to Mercer County in 1973, working for Johnson & Johnson in East Windsor.
When Nottingham became a high school in 1982, Mike Kirkpatrick was a freshman in a football program that endured hard times in the early days. It was then that his dad began taking photos with his Kodak Brownie Hawkey camera, which he got for Christmas (and now a collector’s item).
“I was an amateur, but I just liked it,” Wes told The Post in 2014. I like art and I like sports, and photography seemed to be the best way I could express myself at art.”
Kirkpatrick shot Mike in football, baseball and track; and daughter Kristine, a soccer player and MVP swimmer. Their teammates all found their way into Wes’ lens. He began transforming his photos into slide presentations for the Booster Club dinner.
By the time his kids graduated in 1986 and ’87, Wes had become attached to the other athletes and parents. He remained on the sidelines and after retiring from J&J in 1993 — having visited all 50 states — he became a fixture.
He shot pretty much every sport, capturing state championships in softball, track & field, boys basketball and football. But even if a team was winless, he was there with a smile, shooting away and making athletes feel good about themselves.
Always one to help out, Wes was a frequent contributor to The Post when photos were needed, and never asked for a dime (much like Amanda Ruch now at Steinert).
His generosity is highly recognized as the softball dugout is named after him; the Booster Club gives a West Kirkpatrick Scholarship Award, and Adams gives a football volunteer the Wes Award for service to the team.
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When Adams arrived at Nottingham, Kirkpatrick was the first one he met.
“The first day I met Mr. Northstar in the AD’s office with one of my former coaches (at Steinert), Dave McWilliams,” Adams recalled. “Little did I know I was meeting the best friend I would have in my lifetime. He was already a legend at Nottingham, and beloved.”
Adams and Kirkpatrick went on countless trips together, mostly to football games and especially to SEC Country. As a Cowboy fan, Adams nicknamed the two “Jerry and Jimmy” after Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson.
“Except we still stayed friends,” the Big Dawg said with a laugh.
The only friendship Adams cherishes more in his life is the one with wife Elaine, who also loved Wes.
“He was more than a friend,” Adams said. “We had some great times together and shared some tough moments. He was always there for me and my family, as well as the students and athletes that I coached. He was like an older brother or even a father to me. I always called him for advice or his thoughts. I am heartbroken that I did not get to say goodbye.”
The Dawg added that Wes was like a grandfather to Nottingham’s student-athletes. He noted that Kirkpatrick would help kids with rides and financial assistance. He paid for some of the 2012 football state championship rings for players who couldn’t afford it, and helped with meals for kids whose families were struggling. He gave out countless photos and videos for free.
“He is the most loving and giving man I have ever met,” Adams said.
Iacono is an example of the inspiration that Kirkpatrick gave his “grandchildren.”
In sending his own personal message, he said, “Wes, you always told me I was one of the best competitors to walk through these halls, and that is a badge of honor I will always carry coming from you. Your generosity, smile, kindness and passion for athletics will be remembered forever by everyone in the Northstar family tree.
“Now you have the best lens to view all the games live from up above. Love you, my man!”
That love is shared by all of Northstar Nation. And beyond.
