Ted Wilson (November 5, 1919 – May 10, 1996) did such a good job coaching the Linfield men’s basketball teams over twenty years, they named an arena after him. Before that, his hard-working teams made the old Riley Gym the “House of Hustle”.
Wilson coached the Wildcats from 1961 to 1981, his teams won ten conference championships and set school records for home winning streak (25 games), road winning streak (6 games), single game scoring record (141 points) and single season scoring average (99.3 points per game).
Ted did not play high school football or baseball at Boardman High School but blossomed as a three-sport athlete at Eastern Oregon. He served as player-coach in both basketball baseball before his graduation and was also elected student body president.
After military service, Wilson returned to Oregon, coaching high school teams at McMinnville and Beaverton, winning 169 games over 11 seasons.
Then Wilson returned to Mac, coaching Linfield hoops to seven NAIA district titles and trips to the national tournament and ten conference crowns. His record with the Wildcats, 324-213. Linfield basketball was known for hard work and relentless defense. Ted also assisted the football programs of Paul Durham and Ad Rutschman.
Ted was a director of the NAIA tournament in 1983 and an advisor to the director in 1984. Linfield’s gym is named after him. Ted is a member of the NAIA District II and national halls of fame as player and coach. Wilson is also a member of the Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame and the National Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame.