Mansfield University Establishes Ed Wilson Scholarship Endowment

Mansfield University and Mountaineer Director of Athletics Roger Maisner have announced the establishment of the Ed Wilson Scholarship Endowment to honor former legendary basketball coach Ed Wilson.

The announcement was made as part of Ed Wilson Day during a recent basketball doubleheader with Edinboro University.

"Ed was a great coach," said MU Athletic Director Roger Maisner, who was an assistant coach under Wilson. "But he is an even better person and educator who has had, and continues to have, a tremendous impact on the lives of young people."

Wilson was the guest of honor for the day that drew a large crowd including his wife Jane, their children and their families as well as former players, coaches and friends.

Wilson served as head men's basketball coach from 1967-87. Over the course of his career, he won a school record 300 games while capturing two Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference titles. In 19 seasons as head coach, Wilson had just two losing records, while advancing to post season playoffs a school record 12 times.

As impressive as his coaching career was, Wilson had an even larger impact as an educator and leader who helped mold the lives of the young men he coached. He and his wife, along with their children, served as a surrogate family to players and students and made a lasting positive impact in the lives of many.

At Saturday's ceremony, the establishment of the Ed Wilson Scholarship Endowment was announced. A check in the amount of $8,750 was presented to the Mansfield University Foundation and MU President John Halstead during halftime of the game.

That amount was raised in the silent phase of the campaign. The goal is to create an endowment of at least $10,000.

Still active in coaching, Wilson currently serves as a volunteer assistant for the Mansfield High School girls' basketball team. The Mansfield High squad was also on hand for Saturday's ceremony. The team presented Wilson with several gifts, including a cash donation of $100 to the scholarship fund.

"I'm humbled that all these people would make the time to come back and honor me," Wilson said. "It's been 18 years since I was the head coach here, but it all seems like yesterday when you see all the faces of these players who have been so successful in their lives. It's a wonderful day for me and my family and I'm greatly appreciative to Mansfield University for the honor."

Any one wishing to donate to the Ed Wilson Scholarship Endowment may do so by completing this form and mailing it to the Mansfield University Foundation, Alumni House, Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA 16933.