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George Wilson’s life and career can be measured in colossal numbers. He piled up more than 1,000 wins in nearly half a century of coaching. For 31 of those years, he roamed the sidelines as a boys high school coach. He piled up nine league championships, 14 district titles, and a trip to the state final four. They were all achievements that helped him reach the Missouri Basketball Coach’s Hall of Fame in 1992.
“At that time, he thought his career was over,” said John Hartley, who coached with Wilson for 11 years as Willard assistant boys basketball coach.
“He was traveling around the country going to flea markets and craft fairs and selling crafts that his son made,” added Becky Mullis, who played two season’s for Wilson’s College of the Ozarks team, and later was his assistant for 11 seasons. “Al Waller at C of O called him and wanted him to take the women’s program,” said Hartley.
“I think he told them no several times,” said Mullis.
“And then he called me and said, ‘I’ve never coached girls in my life,’” said Hartley. “I said, well coach, if you’re seeing girls out there you should not take the job. But if you’re seeing five people defending the basket and trying to score on the other end, if that’s your mindset, I can’t imagine it being anything that you won’t enjoy.”
“He said, ‘OK, I’ll do it one year,’” said Mullis. “And then he stayed 16.”
In those 16 years at College of the Ozarks he won conference and tournament titles nearly every season. His teams also reached the NAIA championship game four times. His nearly 500 victories on the college level brought him over the 1,000 mark for his career.
“He always said there was no difference in coaching girls and boys and they were still people,” said Mullis. “You had to treat them right. Love them, serve them, treat them right. And that was his motto.”
“That started with his family,” said Hartley. “The three kids and Sue.”
While basketball was Wilson’s passion, Sue was the love of his life. They tied the knot as teenagers and were married 61 years. His biggest fans were his children Eric, Tami, and Tara all college of the Ozarks alums. Four of his grandchildren also call College of the Ozarks home.
“It was like we were all adopted into the Wilson family,” said Hartley.”
“A theme that a lot of these kids are saying is that he gave us all an opportunity,” said Mullis.
Perhaps the one number that can’t be counted when measuring George Wilson’s life is just how many lives he touched.
