Graduating from Rockford West High School, Wessels led the Warriors to the IHSA state championship during consecutive seasons in 1955 and 1956.

Based on the suspension, Wessels missed the first three games of the year, including the team's only loss at Moline High School.

Edwardsville had future Fighting Illini teammates Govoner Vaughn and Mannie Jackson, both who would become members of the Harlem Globetrotters.

During the four game tournament, Wessels would lead all scorers with 107 points and be named to the all-tournament team with teammates Nolden Gentry and Don Slaughter as well as Vaughn and Jackson.

The pinnacle of his career was the 1960–61 season, Wessels earned the distinction of being an honorable mention All-American on an Illini team that finished their schedule with an overall record of 9 and 15, seventh place in the Big Ten.

[11] After completing his undergraduate studies, Wessels played briefly in the American Basketball League for the Chicago Majors and Pittsburgh Rens.