The DeLand and Stetson University community were saddened to learn that former Stetson Basketball coach, Glenn Wilkes passed away last November. Known as the Godfather of Florida Basketball, Wilkes put the Hatter Basketball program on the map in the 60's and 70's.
Before coaching Stetson, Wilkes graduated from Mercer University and joined the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War. After his discharge, he coached at Brewton Parker Junior College (near Vidalia, Georgia). Coach took the reins at Stetson in 1956 and hung up his whistle in 1993. During his time, he raked in 552 wins in a 36 season career. One big step the Hatters made in that time period was moving from Division II to Division I in 1972. In 1974, Stetson enjoyed what many consider Coach Wilkes' best season with a record of 22-4. That season was also special because it marked the Hatters' first season in their new home, the newly built Edmond Center, which according to Wilkes was "the best college basketball arena in the state of Florida at the time."
Wilkes' legendary status extends beyond Stetson. His son, Glenn Wilkes Jr. is carrying on the family name down the road as the women's head coach at Rollins College. Beyond raising a coaching family, he is also credited for creating the first high-level coaches clinic where he entertained legends in his DeLand home such as John Wooden, Bobby Knight, Adolph Rupp, Red Auerbach and now current North Carolina coach, Roy Williams. These coaches learned all learned various offensive motions and defensive strategies from what many consider to be one of the sharpest minds of the game.
So, as another collegiate basketball season begins in the Edmonds Center, perhaps it will be an inspiration to current players and coaches that the court they are standing on bears the name of not only a great coach, but a great teacher of the game.
Wilkes' legendary status extends beyond Stetson. His son, Glenn Wilkes Jr. is carrying on the family name down the road as the women's head coach at Rollins College. Beyond raising a coaching family, he is also credited for creating the first high-level coaches clinic where he entertained legends in his DeLand home such as John Wooden, Bobby Knight, Adolph Rupp, Red Auerbach and now current North Carolina coach, Roy Williams. These coaches learned all learned various offensive motions and defensive strategies from what many consider to be one of the sharpest minds of the game.
So, as another collegiate basketball season begins in the Edmonds Center, perhaps it will be an inspiration to current players and coaches that the court they are standing on bears the name of not only a great coach, but a great teacher of the game.