“Die-Hard Prof Wins Award”

Calvin sociology professor Don Wilson has been named the NCAA Division III Sears Die-Hard Fan of the Year. Wilson is one of four grand-prize winners in the first-year contest that includes fans from NCAA I, II, III and NAIA institutions.

As part of his award, Wilson receives an all-expenses paid trip for two to the collegiate national championship (at any level) of his choice next year. Wilson was also presented with a trophy by Sears that bears his name and the Calvin school logo.

Wilson retired this May after 34 years at the institution, during which time he certainly became a die-hard fan of Calvin College athletics. In his 34 years at Calvin, Wilson missed just one home men's basketball game. He also attended 34 straight Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Track and Field Days. In April, 1978, Wilson suffered a stroke that left him in the hospital for nearly a month. He left the hospital on May 1, and four days later was wheeled to the fence of the track in a wheelchair to watch the MIAA Track and Field Championships.

Wilson is quick to point out that his attendance at that Field Day in 1978 was because he wanted to be there because of the pure joy he receives from sports. “I don't go to games out of a sense of duty,” he said, “or because I'm trying to keep my string alive.”

At the end of each of the three athletic seasons at Calvin, Wilson sends a postcard to each athlete on each team, thanking them for competing in varsity athletics. All told he writes some 400 postcards a year to Calvin College athletes. “I get all of the rosters from the P.E. Office,” said Wilson, “and I send each athlete a card with a note. For the seniors I write a longer note. I'll also write special notes to people who have achieved special recognition, say all-conference or player of the week or new school record holders. It means a lot to them.”

By his own estimate Wilson figures he sees close to 100 Calvin sporting events per school year. At the start of each season he gets all of the schedules from the Calvin SID and enters each home game into his datebook. Then, he said, “I schedule nothing for those time slots—no meetings, nothing. I know that sounds awful but I build that time into my schedule.”

Wilson's love of Calvin athletics has not gone unnoticed by the Calvin coaching staff or its athletes. “Don Wilson has become a very special part of our athletic program at Calvin,” said men's athletic director Ralph Honderd, who was also the men's basketball coach for seven years and has served as the men's track and field coach for the past 20 years. “No matter what the circumstances, Don has always made an attempt to be at our athletic events. He truly loves our collegiate athletics.”

Although retired from his teaching duties, Wilson plans to continue attending Calvin athletic events. “I'm not going to Florida,” says Wilson with a laugh. “My life and the life of this school are fused together. This school will still be where my heart is and the teams will see plenty of me.”

You can purchase your Faith & Learning luncheon tickets online.