Daily Dad News

High School Hoops Star Gets Inspiration From Military Dad

January 4, 2012

For one North Carolina high school basketball player, having a devoted father in his corner has inspired a successful season. 17-year old Craig Wilson, a point guard for Lejeune High, received a call from his dad shortly after winning Most Valuable Player honors at the Onslow County Classic, and he proudly shared his joy in talking with his father aftewards.

After winning the title game against rival school Northside in the final last Thursday, Craig’s mother received a call from her husband Master Gunnery Sargent Craig Wilson from his station in Japan. Bashfully hiding away for alone time with his father on the phone, the younger Craig Wilson spoke fondly of their latest interaction. “He always knows when to call,” Wilson said of his father. “My mom tries to send him emails because he is 14 hours ahead of us, but he’s always on time when he calls. It gives me a lot of confidence to know he cares and that he’s proud of me.”

The elder Wilson is a career military vet, serving 24 years with the Marines. He has been away from his family since the beginning of 2011 with stints in Africa and now Japan, with frequent visits homes to his family and even attending a home game to see his son in action. A former high school athlete himself, Wilson has apparently passed on his abilities to his son while also gaining his son’s adoration. “Anything he does, I try to mirror,” the younger Wilson said. “I want to be just like him. I know that’s cliché, but that’s the truth.”

In a battle of physical will, however, young Craig thinks he has the right stuff to compete with dad on the hardwood. “I think I can take him on,” Wilson said confidently.

Is your dad, husband or a father you know away on military duty and you want to let him know you’re missing him? Head on over to NFI’s handy Drop Dad A Line site! NFI is working in conjunction with TriWest Healthcare Alliance in providing a message portal where you can send your dad a loving personal or worldwide public message.

For our military dads, click here to read NFI's 10 tips for staying connected with your family while you're away serving our country.