Jack L. Wilson

Jack Lawrence Wilson (August 27, 1936 – June 6, 1988), was an American college basketball player and two-time Florida state championship high school basketball coach. He played for the Anderson University (Indiana) "Ravens" from 1955 to 1958, setting a number of school records. As a high school basketball coach for 27 years, Wilson's teams achieved an overall record of 585–179, twice winning state championships.

High school and college years Born in Omar, West Virginia, Wilson was a high school basketball star, averaging 25 points scored per game. He was the leading scorer in the Kentucky/West Virginia High School All-Star game and was also named All-State center.

In college, he played for the Anderson University (Indiana) "Ravens" from 1955 to 1958 where he set six school records that still stand today – more than any other Raven basketball player. During his college career, Wilson scored a total of 1,992 points. He earned All-Conference three times (1956–1958) and was MVP in 1956 and again in 1957. He was only the third AU athlete to be inducted posthumously into its "Athletic Hall of Fame" in 2001. His 1981 championship team at Clearwater High School had a record, with future NBA player Mike Brittain at center. In addition, his teams had one runner-up finish, six regional titles, 13 district titles, and 17 conference titles. He was named Florida Coach of the Year twice and was inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Hall of Fame in 1994.

The Jack L. Wilson Gymnasium was named in his honor at Clearwater High School. It is well known as the "House that Jack Built".

Death Wilson suffered heart failure in the early morning hours of June 6, 1988, at his home in Clearwater. He was rushed to Mease Countryside Hospital, where emergency resuscitation efforts failed and he was pronounced dead at 5:00 am EST.