On Monday, January 15, Fonda-Fultonville varsity boys’ basketball coach, teacher, and Athletic Director Eric Wilson secured his 300th career win as a coach in Section II athletics. He began his coaching career during the 2000-01 season at FFCS and has never looked back.
In an age where finding coaches to lead, teach, and promote confidence through teamwork and motivation, Mr. Wilson has done a tremendous job guiding his teams over the years to compete on both the court and in the classroom.
Today, we are recognizing his success and sharing a Q&A to provide his insights on coaching and the development of student-athletes academically while highlighting their love of the game.
Congratulations, Coach Wilson!
How did you become interested in coaching?
I’ve always loved basketball. I’ve been playing for as long as I can remember, so when my playing career ended, I wanted to stay involved in the game. When a coaching opportunity opened up, I jumped at it.
What surprises you most about student-athletes over the years? Any comparisons over the past 20+ years?
I’ve been very lucky here at FFCS…I’ve always been fortunate to coach kids who are willing to be committed and play with tremendous effort and intensity. That hasn’t changed in my 20+ years. The quality of student-athletes that I’ve had the privilege of coaching isn’t the same as in other places. This is a special place.
How do you feel a coach impacts a student-athlete’s progress?
A coach has a different type of relationship with the kids than others in education. To me, that’s the most special part of coaching…the relationships with your teams. I love it when ex-players come back to games, or ex-players call me to wish me a happy birthday or congratulate me when our team wins a big game. That means more to me than the wins.
Finally, what has winning 300 games meant to you and your family?
Winning 300 games is really just a reminder of how old I am. How long I‘ve been at this. And there isn’t anyone that has a harder job than a coach’s wife. Jen’s support over the years has been MVP-level support. She’s been there through it all, she’s been my rock…and also the person that keeps me grounded. And to have my son, Riley playing on this team, and my younger son, Tyler on the bench as a manager…it just makes this so much more special. This has been a family endeavor for sure.