CLARION, Pa. – On April 26, the Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame will induct former men’s basketball player Don Wilson.
(Photo courtesy of Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame)
A two-time NAIA Basketball All-American, Don Wilson, a 1975 Elementary Education, helped lead a remarkable turnaround of Clarion basketball fortunes from a 4-16 record in 1970, to PSAC West Champions and the NAIA Playoffs in 1971 in his first basketball season at Clarion.
As a sophomore in 1971, Wilson averaged 14.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while dishing out 48 assists to lead the Golden Eagles to a 16-9 overall record and a 7-1 mark in the PSAC West under head coach Ron Galbreath. Wilson earned First-Team PSAC West and District 18 honors in his rookie year.
In 1972 the Golden Eagles continued their great play, posting an 18-7 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the PSAC West, as well as advancing to the second round of the NAIA Playoffs. Wilson averaged 13.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game and handed out 45 assists. He also led the team from the free throw line, making 63 of 76 tries (.829). He was named an NAIA All-American along with First Team PSAC West and District 18 honors.
In 1973, his senior year, Wilson led the Eagles to their best record – 19-6, the PSAC West crown with an 8-2 record, PSAC runners-up and the NAIA Playoffs. Again Wilson was rewarded with NAIA All-America, PSAC West and District 18 honors. He reached 1,000 career points late in his senior season despite suffering an injury with five games remaining, making a jump shot against Alliance to join the 1,000-point club. Wilson actually shot two technical foul shots in the next home game against Point Park to finish with 1,002 career points but couldn’t play in the PSAC title game or the NAIA Playoffs because of the injury. He averaged 12.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game that year and had 44 assists.
Along with his 1,002 points in only three seasons, Wilson owned the career free throw shooting percentage record by making 80.8 percent of his free throws. He also shot 47.1 percent from the floor in his career, with 402 makes on 854 attempts.
Wilson played with 1996 Hall of Fame inductee Joe Sebestyen all three seasons (1971-73), which saw an outstanding duo to lead the Eagles to success.
A native of Erie and a 1969 graduate of Iroquois High, Wilson went on to work as an Elementary School teacher in the Fairview School District for more than 35 years, retiring in 2011. He resides in Erie with his wife Kathleen. The couple has three children including Donnie, Matt and Sara.
Ticket orders are being handled by Shawna Bish at the Alumni Engagement Office, 100 Seifert Mooney Center at Clarion University. Tickets are $40.00 per person and are available online at www.clarion.edu/shof, or by contacting Bish at 814-393-2572. Checks should be made payable to Clarion “Sports Hall of Fame”. Ticket order forms and induction information are also available at www.clariongoldeneagles.com.
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