Big game had special meaning for Wilsons

Published 9:00 pm Monday, October 9, 2000

By AARON COE

Herald Writer

EVERETT — For Reid Wilson, his first 100-yard rushing game made for a bittersweet night for the Kamiak running back.

The senior’s career night came against Cascade, which is coached by his father, Rollie Wilson. The 33-8 Kamiak victory was Rollie Wilson’s last game of the season. He will undergo prostate surgery soon. Wilson expects to make a full recovery and return to the Bruins sideline for the 2001 season.

"It was tough," said Reid, moments after exchanging a long hug with his father at midfield after Friday’s game. "The past three years have been tough. I don’t enjoy the feeling when we play him. I always want to see my Dad win."

Wilson said the support of his teammates has helped him get through the recent tough times after the family learned of his father’s illness.

"They’ve really been picking me up," he said.

Kamiak coach Dan Mack knows how difficult Cascade-Kamiak games are for the Wilsons. Mack said he encouraged Wilson to run hard, because that’s how the Cascade coach would want him to play.

"They are such a great family," Mack said. "Rollie is a great coach, and Reid is a tough player. Our prayers go out to them."

There is perhaps no one who hates losing a game more than Rollie Wilson. But he was proud of his 5-foot-9, 165-pound son’s performance.

"He played well," Wilson said. "He played the way he is supposed to play. He gave everything."