Jack Wilson
Jack Wilson entered Simsbury High School as a student teacher and by the time he left four decades later he was a local icon with 440 varsity wins in his back pocket. His distinctive south Boston accent could be heard around the entire campus as he was, at one time or another, the head Football, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Baseball, and Boys Soccer coach as well as the athletic trainer, faculty manager, and assistant athletic director. Wilson had a .771 winning percentage in boys soccer, earning a soccer state championship in 1981. He coached numerous conference championships in multiple sports, including the undefeated football team in 1966, as well as many all-stars and all state players. Wilson had four final four appearances in a number of sports. One of his girls’ basketball teams was selected to play Denmark’s national championship team in Denmark. His final coaching record for all sports was 440-295-6. Upon his retirement the Hartford Courant wrote “What can be called the Jack Wilson Era in Simsbury [is] over.” Jack also served as a varsity college and high school soccer and basketball official, refereeing six state championship soccer games. He also volunteered as a Little League and Babe Ruth League plate umpire for 25 years.
Jack is a member of the Hingham, Massachusetts High School Hall of Fame and a veteran who served in the United States Navy.