Unity Township in Atwood in Piatt County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Kenneth Leon “Tug” Wilson
Born March 27, 1896 in Atwood, Wilson grew up about a mile northeast of this location, running to and from school for athletic training. At Atwood High School, the 6'1" Wilson excelled in basketball and track and field.
After graduating in 1914, Wilson taught at a one-room school. As a University of Illinois student he excelled at football, basketball, track and field and leadership.
In 1920, Wilson qualified for the U.S. Olympic team by throwing a javelin made from a hickory fence post taken from his family farm. At the Antwerp Games, Wilson finished 10th in the discus throw.
In his professional career, Wilson served as coach and athletics director at Drake University, elevating the national profile of the Drake Relays, and athletics director at Northwestern University from 1925-45, where he initiated the first night football game in Big Ten Conference history.
As the second Big Ten Commissioner from 1945-61, Wilson enforced established rules governing financial aid to athletes, ensured athletes were bona fide students and promoted racial equality. He also negotiated the Rose Bowl pact with the Pacific Coast Conference.
Wilson served as secretary-treasurer of the NCAA and from 1953-65 as president of the U.S. Olympic Committee. He supported his hometown through school donations, motivational speeches and frequent visits. He died Feb. 2, 1979 and is buried in Lexington, Illinois. sponsored by august 2020.
Erected 2020 by Big Ten Conference • Rotary Club of Champaign • Rotary One Club of Chicago • The Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 27, 1896.
Location. 39° 48.393′ N, 88° 27.804′ W. Marker is in Atwood, Illinois, in Piatt County. It is in Unity Township. Marker is at the intersection of West Magnolia Avenue and North Illinois, on the right when traveling west on West Magnolia Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 108 W Magnolia Ave, Atwood IL 61913, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Atwood School History/Rajah History (here, next to this marker); Douglas - Lincoln Debates (approx. 9.9 miles away); Bryant Cottage (approx. 9.9 miles away); The Bement Connection (approx. 9.9 miles away); Bement Goes to War (approx. 9.9 miles away); Hippie Memorial Dedication Speech (approx. 11.8 miles away); Birthplace of Johnny Gruelle (approx. 11.8 miles away); Henry Sadorus (approx. 12.6 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. From the Olympics to befriending presidents, Atwood's Tug Wilson is a local hero. First part of local television news profile of the celebrated athlete. (Mark Pearson, WAND-TV, posted Sept. 9, 2020) (Submitted on June 14, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. Atwood honors local hero Tug Wilson with a historical marker. Second part of television news report about the celebrated athlete and the historical marker about him. (Mark Pearson, WAND-TV, posted Sept. 11, 2020) (Submitted on June 14, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 14, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.