Coach Wayne Wilson
Graduating class: Coach 1961-1980
Inducted into Hall of Fame: 1995
Hall of Fame Category: Coach
Wayne Wilson joined the FHS coaching staff in 1961 as an assistant in basketball to Mel Entin and as head baseball coach,1961-1968.
It is, however,for his basketball coaching that he is best known.In 1962, Wayne took over the reigns as Head Basketball coach and continued a successful careert hrough the 1980 season. Under Wayne's leadership the basketball program flourished.
From January 1967 through January 1969 his teams went on a thirty game winning streak in the Capeway Conference. His 1966-67 team enjoyed an undefeated regular season. His 1976-77 team was the South Sectional Division II semi-finalist and in 1978 his team won the Division II South Sectionals advancing to the State Final in Division II in that same year.
For his many accomplishments Wayne was selected as Massachusetts Coach of the Year in 1978.
In 1980, Wayne received the Massachusetts Distinguished Coaches Award and in 1992,he was inducted into the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. In addition, Wayne was honored as the District D Athletic Director of the year in 1991.
Wayne was a physical education teacher in Fairhaven's elementary schools from 1961-1992. He served as the town's Recreation Director from 1977-1992 and the school department's Director of Physical Education and Athletics,1981-1992.
He reinstated girls' softball to the FHS program and was instrumental in reinstituting the cross-country program for boys and girls and bringing boys' soccer to the program. He was also instrumental in lighting the FHS Stadium and served on the committee to form the SouthCoast Conference.