Austin Wilson

Sport: Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism

Induction Year: 1993

University: LSUTulaneUniversity of New Orleans

Until his death in 1992 at the age of 58, Austin Wilson spent 20 years covering Louisiana sports for the Associated Press. He joined the agency in 1972 and became sports editor of the Pelican State not long after. Headquartered in New Orleans, he covered the opening of the Superdome and every Saints home game after that until his death. He wrote about most major sporting events in the South, including every Super Bowl and Final Four played in New Orleans. Other beats included Tulane, LSU, and UNO athletics. Before joining the AP, Wilson played football at Tulane University. He also taught English at New Orleans public high schools.