| Wins against Kentucky - 1 | Losses against Kentucky - 0 |
Alma Mater: St. Johns (MD) [1913]
Date Born: June 15, 1890
Date Died: September 23, 1954
Overall Record: 206-94 [20 Seasons]
| Date | Matchup | UK Result | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/18/1928 | Kentucky at Navy | L | 26 - 32 | - |
Obituary - Annapolis (MD) Capital (September 24, 1954)
John N. Wilson, Athletic Coach at Navy, Dies
Led Basketball Team for 20 Years
John N. Wilson, 64, retired associate professor in the Naval Academy Physical Education Department, and who was head coach of the Academy's varsity basketball team for 20 years, died unexpectedly at the Anne Arundel General Hospital of a heart condition.
Wilson, who lived at 138 Conduit Street, retired from the Academy on July 1, 1953 after 34 years service.
The son of Dr. Scott K. Wilson and Mrs. Cora Nicodemus Wilson, he was born in Boonesboro. He was a member of the local Calvary Methodist Church.
Funeral Services Sunday
The funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday from the Taylor Funeral Chapel, 147 Duke of Gloucester Street. Burial will be in Cedar Bluff Cemetery.
Wilson was one of the athletic greats at St. John's College from which he graduated in 1913. While a student there he won 14 letters in football, basketball, baseball and track. From 1913 until 1919, when he went to the Naval Academy, he was head coach of the St. John's football, basketball and baseball teams. He also played professional baseball and was on the pitching staff of the Washington Senators for a year.
During his period as head coach of the Navy varsity basketball team, 1926-1927 through 1945-46 his teams won 204 games and lost 94. In addition to coaching the basketball team he served as backfield coach of the Navy varsity football team for 10 years and was head coach of the Navy Plebe football team for 15 years. During his tenure as head Plebe coach, his teams went for seven successive years without a defeat.
Associates Pay Tribute
One of his outstanding pupils, while he was Navy head basketball coach, was Capt. Elliott Loughlin, USN, now director of athletics at the Academy. Loughlin, a forward on the team, was the leading scorer in 1931, 1932 and 1933 and was Navy's first All-America basketball player.
"Johnny was well known in the coaching field and was considered one of the top football scouts in the nation during his active years." Captain Loughlin said. "He was highly respected by opponents as a master diagnostician. His contributions to the Naval Academy Physical Education program were numerous and will be long remembered."
Rear Admiral Thomas J. Hamilton, USN (ret.) now director of athletics at the University of Pittsburgh, was the captain of Wilson's first Navy basketball team.
Edgar E. (Rip) Miller, former head coach of the Navy football team, now assistant director of athletics at the Academy, said when Wilson retired:
"Johnny's service to the Naval Academy athletic program has been long and faithful. He was an inspiration to the boys he coached and he set a fine example for young men training to be Naval officers. many of the players he coached are now high-ranking officers in the fleet, Naval Academy athletic and Navy people will miss him."
Skilled Forward Passer
While Wilson was playing at St. John's College, the college football team won State and national prominence. He was one of the first football players to make extensive use of the forward pass. His skill in passing the ball was a vital element in the success of the teams he played on and attracted wide notice.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Marguerite Clark Wilson, a son, John N. Wilson, Jr.; a sister, Mrs. John H. Jackson, of Baltimore, and three brothers, L Roy Wilson, Frank K. Wilson and Dr. Harry E. Wilson, all of Baltimore.
