By Ryan Divish/Havre Daily News Sports Editor/rdivish@havredailynews.com
Former Havre parks and recreation director Dave Wilson was recently honored for his accomplishments in athletics in college.
On Feb. 5, Wilson was inducted into the Valparaiso University Hall of Fame for his distinguished swimming career at the Indiana school from 1967-1971.
Wilson went to Valparaiso after a standout swimming career at Battle Creek High School in Lakeview, Mich.
He made an immediate impact in his freshman year, setting a school record in the 100 freestyle.
In his sophomore year, Wilson won Indiana Collegiate Conference championships in the 50 free, 100 free and 200 butterfly, setting conference records in the two freestyle events.
At the NCAA national meet, he finished fourth in the 50 free and eighth in the 100 free, earning him All-American honors in each. He also placed 25th in the 200 butterfly.
For his efforts, he was named Valpo's most valuable swimmer.
The following year, Wilson repeated as ICC champ in the 50 free with a time of 22.0 seconds and in the 100 free with a time of 49.1, leading Valparaiso to an ICC team championship. At the NCAA national meet, Wilson finished ninth in the 100 free, again earning All-American honors.
Wilson's senior season with the team was his finest.
He was named team captain and helped lead VU to a 10-1 record in dual meets. He also broke school records in
the 100 and 200 freestyle and was a member of the school record-setting 400 medley and 400 freestyle relay teams. He ended up with school records in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle, the 100 and 200 butterfly and the 400 freestyle and 400 medley relay.
His final national championship meet was his best, with a second-place finish in the 50 freestyle and a fourth in the 100 freestyle, leading Valpo to a
second-place team finish.
For his efforts, he was again named the team's most valuable swimmer.
He also earned two very prestigious school awards in his senior year. Wilson was named Valparaiso Scholar Athlete of the year and was the school nominee for the Tony Hinkle Award, which goes to the athlete of the year in the ICC.
Following graduation, Wilson worked for a short time before heading to the University of Montana to earn a master's degree in exercise physiology in 1978.
He came to Havre shortly thereafter and has been associated with swimming and the city of Havre's operations since.
He was recreation director from 1986-1993 and then served as parks and recreation director until retiring earlier this year.
Wilson was also key in youth swimming programs, teaching lessons and coaching the Havre Lions and Havre High swim teams.
