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Wilson named Northland College Athletic Director

December 12, 2011

Northland College Assistant Director of Athletics and Head Women's Basketball Coach Bill Wilson has been named by President Michael A. Miller to be the college's Director of Athletics. Wilson succeeds Steve Wammer who will continue as the college's softball coach but is stepping down from administrative duties. Wammer had been the athletic director since 1999 and oversaw the institution's move to NCAA Division III.

"I have enjoyed being the athletic director for the past 12 years, however, as my kids are growing up it became apparent to me that the time required to both coach and be the AD would not allow me to enjoy their high school years," said Wammer. "I have a deep passion for coaching the Northland softball team and look forward to focusing on that. I am also excited that Bill will be taking over and I am confident he will lead us in a positive direction."

President Miller thanked both Wammer and Wilson for their service to Northland Athletics.

"Steve Wammer has led the Northland athletics program through many exciting years, and LumberJack and LumberJill fans have many reasons to thank him for that service. We look forward to cheering on future softball teams as he continues as head coach," said Miller. "I am very excited that Bill Wilson has agreed to step into this critical leadership role. He has proven himself to be a true advocate for our student-athletes both on the fields of competition and in their personal development."

Wilson is in his third year as the LumberJills basketball coach and has a total of 23 years of intercollegiate athletics experience, including 15 years as a college head coach. In Wilson's first two seasons as head coach at Northland, he led the LumberJills to the 2010 NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament posting an 18-9 record. This marked the first time any team from Northland has reached an NCAA tournament. Prior to coming to Northland, he served as the head women's basketball coach at Brevard College in North Carolina. He served as the head women's basketball coach at Upper Iowa University for nine years and he worked as an assistant women's basketball coach at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. He holds a bachelor's degree in physical education from Eastern Kentucky University and a master's degree in education and athletics administration from Slippery Rock University.

"Northland College is a special place because everyone here is genuinely concerned about the success of our students," said Wilson. "In Athletics, we understand that the best measure of the success of our program is in how we help our student-athletes strike a balance between achieving success in the classroom, in the athletic arena and as citizens. I want to thank President Miller for the opportunity to lead our athletics department."

Wilson said he will work with coaching staff, student athletes and the greater Northland campus to expand the visibility of Northland Athletics.

"The Ashland community has a rich tradition of athletics excellence and I am fully committed to growing that relationship," Wilson said. "Finally, I want Northland College alumni to know that I am personally motivated by their continued support of Northland College and the LumberJacks and LumberJills."