Jack Lawrence Wilson – 2001 Athlete

Jack Wilson became the third Anderson University athlete to be inducted posthumously into its Athletic Hall of Fame.

Over his four years on the AU hardwood from 1955-58, Wilson set six school records that still stand today – more than any other Raven basketball player. He holds the career record for rebounds (1,436) and rebounding average (13.7); the season record for points (680), rebounds (454 in 1955-56), rebound average (18.9) and free throws attempted (249). He ranks second to Ken Strawn in career scoring with 1,992 points.

For his efforts, Wilson was named All-Conference three times (1956-58) and twice the team MVP (1956 and 1957).

Wilson was from Omar, W.V., and was the leading scorer in the Kentucky/West Virginia High School All-Star game after averaging 25 points a game at the prep level.

After graduating from AU, Wilson coached high school basketball in Florida, where his teams went 91-25 and gave him one state championship. He also coached high school basketball at Madison Heights, Titusville (Fla.) and Clearwater (Fla.). He won another state title in Clearwater and the school named its gymnasium after him.

Overall, he won 540 high school games in Florida, three state titles, one runner-up finish, six regional titles, 13 district titles and 16 conference championships. He was named Florida Coach of the Year twice and eventually inducted into the Florida Athletic Hall of Fame.

Wilson died of heart failure in 1988.

Anderson University is proud to name Jack Lawrence Wilson to its Athletic Hall of Fame.